Introducing Salomon Ambassador: Alex Cissé

Originally born in France before moving across the pond to North America, Alex Cissé is a passionate creator with a fire for photography and cinema. He documents life’s most captivating and beautiful moments, seeking to inspire creativity and excellence in others. Driven by the desire to convey his vision of the world and his aim to explore new horizons, Alex is always seeking to combine visual art in a unique and emotional narrative.

SALOMON: Can you present yourself and share with us your journey into photography and filmmaking, and what initially sparked your passion for it?

ALEX: My name is Alex, and I’ve been passionate about photography and filmmaking for as long as I can remember. My journey began in my teenage years when I first picked up a camera. That was an iphone 4s. The ability to capture a moment and tell a story through visuals fascinated me. Initially, it was the simple joy of documenting my adventures and surroundings, but over time, it evolved into a deeper passion for storytelling and creating impactful narratives.

S: What role does the natural environment play in your storytelling, and how do you capture its essence through your lens?

A: The natural environment is at the heart of my storytelling. I believe nature has a profound ability to evoke emotions and connect with viewers on a fundamental level. I strive to capture its essence by focusing on the details, the play of light, the textures, and the vastness of landscapes. By immersing myself in the environment, I aim to convey its beauty and the emotions to my audience.

S: How do you stay inspired and continuously explore new horizons in your ever-evolving journey as a photographer and filmmaker?

A: Staying inspired is about constantly seeking new experiences and perspectives. I travel often, immerse myself in different cultures, and engage with other creatives. Collaboration and learning from others are key to my growth. Additionally, I challenge myself with new techniques and technologies to keep my work fresh and innovative.

S: Can you discuss the role of post-production in your work? How do you use editing to enhance the emotional impact of your images and films?

A: Post-production is a crucial part of my creative process. It’s where the final touches are added to bring my vision to life. Through editing, I can enhance colors, contrast, and composition to highlight the mood and emotion I want to convey. It allows me to fine-tune the story and ensure that the visual narrative aligns with the feelings I aim to evoke in the audience. Post production is just choosing what you want to remember. Photography and video are about memories, not only how you see the world but also how you feel it.

S: How has being a Salomon global ambassador influenced your creative process and the way you approach your work?

A: Being a Salomon global ambassador has been incredibly inspiring. It has given me the opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and adventure. This role has pushed me to explore new environments and challenges, influencing my creative process by encouraging me to think outside the box and strive for excellence in every project.

S: Can you share a technique or tip for aspiring photographers and filmmakers who want to capture emotions and convey feelings through their work?

A: One key technique is to focus on the story behind the image or film. Understand the emotions you want to convey and let that guide your composition and lighting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with angles and perspectives. Also, pay attention to the subtleties, expressions, movements, and the interplay of light and shadow can significantly enhance the emotional depth of your work.

S: Lastly, what essential item is a must-have in your bag while travelling?

A: An essential item for me is a reliable, lightweight tripod. It’s crucial for capturing stable shots, especially in low light conditions or when I want to experiment with long exposures. A good tripod ensures that I can be versatile and ready for any situation, whether I’m shooting landscapes, wildlife, or urban environments.