Executive Traveller Issue | Page 18

18 EXECUTIVE TRAVELLER PHOTOGRAPHY EXECUTIVE TRAVELLER PHOTOGRAPHY 19 Stars in his eyes The red carpet is an amazing event. Photographer Rene Rossignaud takes us behind the scenes of one of the most famous events in the world. Rene Rossignaud has photographed the stars at the European Music Awards for the past five years. These shots were taken on the red carpet or backstage at various EMAs in Liverpool, Madrid, Berlin, Belfast and Frankfurt. This photographer and MTV go a long way back: It all started when Rene was asked to be their house photographer in Malta, his home town, and to cover any MTV events, TV recording or the Isle of MTV concert. From there their relationship grew, and today he is invited on a yearly basis to shoot the red carpet and backstage photo room for the international and local media. Speaking about the experience, Rene says: “The red carpet is such an amazing event, and one has to live and experience it to be able to explain it well. It’s very different from how you see it on TV, and the atmosphere is vibrant! World class singers and actors walk past you and stop to pose and smile for a few snaps.” He notes how he gets much more Interaction at the events in Malta, since everything is on a smaller scale and things usually flow easier. He’s chatted with celebrities such as Jared from 30 Seconds to Mars, David Hasselhoff, Enrique Inglesias, Rita Ora, Snoop Dog and the Black Eyed Peas. He comments how inspirational it is to both look at and even talk to these artists. “Talking to a few of them has changed my perspective on many of these artists,” he confides. Rene was lucky enough to talk to Lady Gaga before she became the mega star she is today. “Now it’s hard to even snap her, let alone talk to her,” he exclaims. Jessie J PSY Enrique Inglesias, Slash and Rita Ora were “amazing” to talk to but Jessie J has too big an ego, according to Rene. “I think she thinks she is bigger than life, and I hate that attitude in artists,” he notes. Explaining the story behind the EMAs, Rene says those belong to 30 Seconds to Mars (grey t-shirt) and to Psy and Justin Bieber (blue t-shirt), who let him take some shots with their awards. Carly Rae Jepson Miley Cyrus Rhianna Rene was back snapping the stars at this year’s EMAs which took place in Amsterdam on 10 November. Lady Gaga Jack Ass Crew Justin Bieber Kesha Rene Rossignaud at the EMAs Taylor Swift Rita Ora Pitbull Katy Perry Shakira