Wedding Photographer Julien Leveau with Arcencielstudio

It was on a trip to Iceland that Julien Leveau, owner of Arcencielstudio, discovered the magic of photography, deciding to capture the panoramic beauty surrounding him in a reportage, or documentary, style. A Paris, France native, Julien studied architecture, but spent the majority of his time doing different types of art…writing, painting, sculpture. As he says, “I like to use my hands and my head to create things. Once I discovered and got into photography, I couldn’t get out.”

While traveling next in Mexico, he shifted the focus of his photography from scenery to people, capturing the passion and sensitivity, “the contrast I could see within the society, and the conditions of living in Mexico”. He decided to relocate to Puerto Vallarta about 10 years ago, but loves Sayulita and comes here often.

Did you formally study photography?

No, but I’ve done a lot of self-study. Plus, I have my eye for studying and my feeling. In the beginning, I used to feel limited in my creativity (the same view, the same conditions in the PV area compared to a big city). But, today the doors to my creativity are wide open. I can arrive somewhere and see 10,000 ways to showcase/express that place, to renew myself and give something unique to the client. I have unlimited potential in terms of the ways I can express my creativity. I enjoy challenging myself to grow and see in new ways.

What is the favorite part of your job?

Two things…. First, there’s the creativity. When I started, I didn’t use flash or lights, but with the addition of these, I feel, with my background in painting, that photography with flash is like painting with light, and I love that! When I was painting, I denied/didn’t like photography because I thought it was automatic. You push the button and you get the photo, but it’s not really like that. I use 100% manual everything. You can be in front of the same subject, and with the magic you have in your hands…the camera, the lens, etc., you can explore the same object in so many different ways.

Another thing I really love about photography is that it is very social. When you are shooting a wedding, you are making people happy. You are recording something important about their lives, and they give their happiness to you. So nearly always, the first contact I have with people is a smile. They may not know me, but because I have my camera and am shooting such a momentous occasion, I am greeted with happiness and it fuels my own happiness.

Why do you like working in Sayulita?

Because I am more in touch with nature, and weddings feel more free here. I like to be close to the ocean. It puts me in touch with so many things. Sayulita feels like a special place.

What do you specifically prefer about shooting weddings in Sayulita over Vallarta?

I appreciate that everything is in closer proximity...the hotel, the church, the beach, and the ceremony location. It cuts down on the stress for the bride and the groom, and gives me more time to dedicate to them. With a touch of humor, I would say, it’s the ideal wedding town, which comes with everything in one package, similar to a resort’s “all inclusive” package. But, Sayulita is not a resort. It’s much better, and as such, has been declared by Mexico a “Pueblo Magico”.

What is your favorite photo shot in Sayulita?

It was shot at Playa de Los Muertos during hurricane season. There was a black sky, a black sea, and a wave splashing the couple, whom had total trust in what I was asking them to do. For them, the photo is a living room masterpiece.

Why should someone hire you?

With my strong background in art, I have all those creative elements at my disposal…the architecture, painting, sculpture, writing, and I combine all these to capture the sentiment, joy, and passion of the moment. That, combined with my sociability, makes my pictures special.

Additionally, I’m a perfectionist, and I find perfection in imperfection. I use the imperfections or constraints of the circumstances and present them in a way that works perfectly.

Julien is a member of ISPWP, International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers, and BOWP, Best of Wedding Photography.