A Chat With Photographer Marie Caroline Senlis 

After graduating in Literature, Linguistics and Fine Arts studies in France, Marie Caroline Senlis began her photography career in 2002, working on several photographic exhibitions in China. 

Marking 15 years of experience, today, she is presenting her long term photographic project of 3 years ‘Versailles Onirique’ of the Versailles Palace' Gardens. This exhibition of Black and White Photography aims to present a poetic vision about gardens “à la française”, in all seasons and in different angles. It is an attempt to portray the beauty and the majesty of this monument of the French historical Heritage, as well as an invitation to letting the mind wander. “Versailles Onirique” is about seeing and marveling, getting lost into misty,snowy lanes and discovering a site steeped in France’s history. 

We spoke to photographer Marie Caroline Senlis about the collection, her style and her journey as a photographer. 

What made you get into photography? 

Well I started photography at a very early age, back when I was in school and I was a part of the Photograph Club, I was doing the black and white prints myself. Then I started to do it professionally, with colour prints but then about 10 years ago I went back to black prints in the dark room. When I did it professionally, I was in China for 4 years and I did around 3 or 4 exhibitions there. Because I do all the prints myself, it’s quite a long process from the beginning to the end, from the shoot, to developing the film and the prints and the actually printing it. 

Tell us a little about the collection. 

Usually, I tend to work on different stories for each exhibit I do. This is on the Versailles Palace’ Garden where I was living in Versailles for 3 years and was asked to do a project on it. 

Why did you choose to do it in black and white? 

Well, the thing about colours is that it disturbs you and distracts you. It tends to give you everything. With black and white, you can dream about it and make your own story. What I love most about black and white prints is that it goes directly to the heart of the picture. 

Do all your projects take a couple of years? 

Usually all my photography projects are long term work. I don’t go everyday to the location I want to shoot because either the light is not that good or I have other commitments or I’m working on different stories.  When the light is good I go and shoot a few pictures but usually if I know what I want I don’t shoot a lot because the essential is just right there. But yes, normally any exhibition from the beginning to the end will take around 2 to 3 years. 

How has your style changed over the years? 

My style always changes with every exhibition. It depends on my subjects. I don’t do the same thing with different subject.  Each of my exhibitions was done with different cameras and different films. For example, this exhibition is done in square photographs. But for another exhibition, like the one I did with clouds, it’s a whole different camera with a whole different style. 

The exhibition takes place until June 17 at the Black Cat Café (11, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07). Entrance is free and all photographs are up for sale. ([email protected]). 

By Panchali Illankoon 
Photographs by Kithsiri de Mel