Isabelle Picarel

Isabelle Picarel grew up in Carcassonne. Her brothers rugby players, her father a passionate fan, her whole family lives to the rhythm of rugby.

She always loved photography, but didn't dare confront her father who would rather see her go to law school in Montpellier. In her home town, where doctors and engineers rub shoulders, seeing her daughter choose an artistic career worried him a little.

During her law studies, the young rebel decided to enroll at ICART photo, a Parisian photography school, supported by her mother and with less enthusiasm (but with the necessary generosity) by her father who even offered her his own camera for her studies.

During her internships, she met many sports photographers, which only reinforced the idea of working within that genre. She especially took inspiration from the work of Gerard Vandystadt.

But the encounter that was truly decisive for Isabel was that with Michel Birot (also represented by the gallery). He advised her, especially as rugby is the theme of choice for both of them.