Photographing a city is not simply wandering around with a camera
and hoping to stumble upon something interesting. Behind every
great urban image lies meticulous preparation. Cédric Puisney
reveals his method.
Choosing the right moment
Light is everything. Cédric systematically consults weather apps
and tools like PhotoPills or The Photographer’s Ephemeris to find
out the exact time of sunrise and sunset, the direction of the
light and the forecast weather conditions. An overcast sky is not
necessarily an obstacle — it can actually create a dramatic
atmosphere that is highly sought after.
Scouting locations in advance
Before every shoot, Cédric spends time on Google Maps and Google
Street View to virtually explore the locations. He identifies
potential viewpoints, interesting alleyways and accessible rooftops.
This virtual scouting phase allows him to arrive on location with
a clear plan rather than wandering aimlessly.
The right gear for the city
For street photography and urban landscapes, Cédric favours
discretion. He rarely brings more than one or two lenses — a wide
angle for architecture and streets, a telephoto to compress
planes and isolate details. A light bag allows him to move quickly
and avoid drawing attention.
Adapting to the unexpected
Despite all the preparation, the city always has surprises in store.
An impromptu market, a demonstration, an unexpected light between
two clouds — Cédric has learned to welcome these surprises as
opportunities rather than constraints. Flexibility is an
indispensable quality for the urban photographer.
Urban photography is a permanent dialogue between the photographer
and the city. It requires anticipation, adaptability and an
unrelenting curiosity — qualities Cédric has cultivated since
the very beginning, and which define his signature style today.