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    • STORIES AND INSPIRATION FROM Our AMBASSADORS

    BlackRapid Ambassadors

    From world travelers to studio pros, BLACKRAPID ambassadors are photographers and storytellers who rely on our straps in real-world conditions. Get to know the creatives behind the lens and see why they trust BLACKRAPID to keep their gear secure and accessible.

    Sophie Gateau

    A woman in a red jacket stands beside a group of cyclists, smiling and engaging with them outdoors.

    Sophie Gateau is a Paris-based photographer and esteemed BlackRapid Ambassador celebrated for her dynamic work in outdoor, adventure, and cycling photography.

    With a multidisciplinary background encompassing architecture, art history, graphic design, filmmaking, and photography, Sophie brings a unique perspective to her visual storytelling. Her career highlights include directing live-action films for fashion runways and contributing as a graphic artist on notable films like The Matrix Reloaded and Wong Kar Wai’s 2046. Currently, Sophie focuses on capturing the essence of the cycling community through her lens.

    Canadian photographers, from Toronto’s vibrant cycling scenes to Vancouver’s outdoor adventures, and Winnipeg’s burgeoning arts community, can draw inspiration from Sophie’s energetic approach to photography. Her use of BlackRapid’s Sport Breathe strap enhances her mobility and comfort during extensive shoots, reflecting her commitment to quality gear. Sophie’s work exemplifies the fusion of technical skill and storytelling, offering valuable insights for Canada’s photography community.

    Photography Genre:

    Film director / Misc photography (mostly bike photography)

    BlackRapid product of choice:

    Sport Breathe

    Hometown:

    Paris, France

    Resides:

    Paris, France

    Career Highlight #1:

    2007 : being selected for “The Shoot New Directors Showcase” in New York, New York and identified as a “Directors to Watch” by Boards Magazine

    Career Highlight #2:

    2009 : being part of the exhibition “Super 8”, Scion Gallery, Los Angeles

    Career Highlight #3:

    Having a short movie screened at the Sundance Film Festival

    Favorite place on earth?

    So many places, cannot pick one.

    Age you took your first photo? What camera did you use?

    When I was a teenager, I found the old camera of my father, a Canon F1 from the 70s and started to play with it.

    When did you realize that you wanted to be a professional photographer?

    I work mostly in the film industry as a director. Once, I was shooting a music video for a band, and taking pictures on the side. When the band asked me if they could use one of my images for the cover of their next LP, I realized I should consider it more seriously.

    Who inspires you?

    The work of Robert Frank, Josef Koudelka and Saul Leiter made me fall in love with photography. I also admire the work of Todd Hido and Tamas Dezso.

    What camera do you use to capture most of your work?

    I use a Canon 5dMarkII mostly and a Panasonic Lumix GX80 when taking pictures while riding a bike.

    If I could photograph anyone in the world, alive or deceased, it would be…?

    It would be a crowd. When people gather, the emotions are here.

    What do you do when not taking photos?

    I’m training so I can keep up while taking pictures on my bike.

    One piece of advice for someone at the beginning stages of their photography career?

    Work, experiment and don’t give up.

    How do you “Live The Moment”?

    Go for it.