Mehdi Abidli

“You have to succeed in creating an atmosphere and an ambiance corresponding to the image you have in mind”

Intercru: Where are you from?

Mehdi: I come from Nancy, an normal town in eastern France

Where do you live and work now?

Currently, I live and work in Paris, but I go wherever the brands want me to.

How did you get started in photography?

I got started back when I was roller-skating a lot. This kind of sport opens you up a lot to the culture, the music, the images, and the style. We use to film tricks for our videos and I started to take an interest in the camera and then in photography.

What’s your favorite part about going on a photoshoot?

The last hour when everything is almost complete.

What is something that turns a portrait from ordinary to amazing?

You have to succeed in creating an atmosphere and an ambiance corresponding to the image you have in mind. Once you do this, you get the model in place and choose the right time to push the shutter!

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

I’m in the middle of writing my top 100 right now! It changes a little every day but today I would say There Will Be Blood.

What’s your biggest fear?

Disappointing myself.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I would buy a vacation home for all my family and friends.

What really makes you happy?

Meeting interesting people, traveling, discovering worlds that I do not know, and improving myself in my art.

What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?

An old issue of The Face which has great sentimental value.

What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Never giving up. When I have a goal, I don’t stop until I get there.

What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you?

Do not try. Do it or don’t.

Mehdi Abidli is a Paris-based photographer. To see more of his photography, you can check out his website mehdiabidli.com or follow his work on Instagram @mehdiabidli.