Jean-Pierre Lafont

Jean-Pierre Lafont

Jean-Pierre Laffont is a French photojournalist, born in 1935 in Algiers, Algeria. After studying photography at the École de photographie de Vevey in Switzerland, he began his career as a fashion photographer in Paris before turning to photojournalism. Laffont quickly became one of the most respected photographers of his generation, covering major historical events around the world, from the Vietnam and Cambodia wars to civil rights movements in the US.

In 1964, Laffont moved to the US and co-founded the photo agency Sygma in 1973, which quickly became one of the most influential photojournalism agencies in the world. His work is widely recognized for its ability to capture the human essence in the midst of the most tumultuous events.

Among his many distinctions, Jean-Pierre Laffont received the World Press Photo Award, the Overseas Press Club Award and was named a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. His photographs have been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries around the world, and he has published several photography books, including "Turbulent America" which offers a striking look at the social and political evolution of the United States from the 1960s to the 1980s.