French

Taking blurry photos, poorly framed shots, or a finger in front of the lens ultimately brought her luck. Among more than 127,000 entrants from 178 countries, the Frenchwoman Blanche Mortemard was named the “world’s worst photographer” at the end of a contest organized by Icelandair. Through this offbeat campaign, the Icelandic airline aims to prove that Iceland’s landscapes remain spectacular, even when captured by a photographer who claims to lack any real talent. The prize: $50,000, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to Iceland to shoot the images for the airline’s next global advertising campaign.

Before heading to this Nordic island nation, which she plans to explore in June for about ten days, the 28-year-old Frenchwoman answered questions from GEO.fr.

Before this contest, what place did photography occupy in your life?

Blanche Mortemard : I work in television production. And before this contest, nearly none, or almost none! I take so many bad photos that I started taking fewer and fewer. I often see something beautiful but I struggle to do it justice. I prefer to keep the memory in my head rather than look at a photo and tell myself it doesn’t convey what I saw.

What was your reaction when you discovered Icelandair’s announcement?

I first thought it was a joke! I told myself it couldn’t be possible, that it resembled either a prank or a scam. Then I went to the company’s website and understood the concept. The idea of showing that even the worst photographer can capture beautiful images in a country like Iceland, I found brilliant. But at first, I really didn’t think it was real.

What convinced you to participate?

I told myself it was probably the only photo contest I could hope to win! More seriously, it was mainly an exceptional opportunity to discover Iceland, where I had never been. And then there was the $50,000 awarded to the winner. Naturally, when you see such a sum, you think it could help realize other projects.

What do your usual photos look like?

I struggle with everything that makes a good photo: framing, lighting, angle. I don’t know why, but my finger keeps appearing in my shots. When I recently looked through my gallery, I realized I didn’t always understand my own choices! In Oslo, for example, I had a magnificent view right in front of me, yet I chose to place myself in a reflection visible in the photo. At a premiere, I photographed Eddie Redmayne, but if I don’t specify who it is, no one can guess! These are often photos taken in the moment to say “I was there,” without truly conveying what I experienced.

How did you react when you learned you had been selected from more than 127,000 applicants?

I didn’t believe it! It felt like my brain had stopped for a few seconds. I even asked for the news to be repeated several times. When I signed up, I never thought I would win. It was completely improbable in my eyes. I was obviously very happy, but also very surprised!

This campaign rests on the idea that travelers are tired of images that are too perfect and too retouched. Do you share this assessment?

Yes, absolutely. On social media, photos are often taken from the ideal angle, with perfect lighting and sometimes a few extra retouches. The problem is that we end up building very high expectations. Then, when we arrive on site, the colors are different, the light is different, and it doesn’t look exactly like what we had seen. It’s a bit like watching a movie that everyone says is exceptional. Even if it’s very good, you risk being disappointed because our expectations have become unrealistic. I think this sometimes takes away a bit of the travel’s authenticity.

Can a “failed” photo tell more than a perfect one?

Yes, indeed! An imperfect photo often reveals more about the context, the mood, or what was actually happening at that moment. It can be more authentic.

You’re heading to Iceland on June 22. What are you most eager to discover?

I don’t yet know the itinerary I’ll follow, but it will be a mix of lesser-known sites and iconic locations. I’ve never seen a geyser in my life, so that’s something that really attracts me! I’d also like to discover the moss-covered lava fields that look almost unreal. And there are volcanoes, waterfalls, all these landscapes that vary so much within the country. It’s this diversity that fascinates me. I imagine a country with a thousand different landscapes, where the weather can change very quickly. It seems an extremely rich and varied place, both in its scenery and the experiences it offers.

Are you afraid you might still manage to take some beautiful photos nonetheless?

A little, yes! On a misunderstanding, it could happen! It’s probably the only mission where success could be considered a failure. But I trust my lack of talent! The photos will be revealed on Icelandair’s social media channels as well as at events in London and New York.

I’ll be armed only with my own mobile phone. This is also the goal of the campaign: to show something accessible and authentic. The idea is that anyone could do the same.