The relationship between France and photography has been a strong one, dating back to when Nicéphore Niépce first invented the medium in the 1820s. That relationship produced prestigious photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Guy Bourdin, André Kertész, Marc Riboud and Raymond Depardon, among many others. It also attracted many others—like William Klein, Brassai and Robert Capa—to call France their adopted home.
There was a time when Paris was the center of the photographic business, with most photo agencies operating out of the French capital. (Magnum Photos, for example, was founded there in 1947.) Today, New York, London and Los Angeles compete with Paris for the title. But France’s unconditional love of photography endures. As the country celebrates Bastille Day, TIME presents its choice of the most exciting French photographers working today.
William Daniels For the past 18 months, William Daniels has dedicated most of his time to the Central African Republic, photographing its violent clashes in late 2013 and early 2014, as well as its fragile state since then. Daniels was the recipient of the Tim Hetherington Grant last December, which will help him fund several trips to the African country over the next nine months. “I’m doing this because I believe it’s important to bear witness to what’s going on there,” he says. “Plus, I think photography is a real conduit for emotion, and that’s important for me.”
A Year of War in Central African Republic
A young girls stands in the doorway of a house, two days after a member of her family was killed by a grenade said to be launched by a member of Séléka. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 14, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEDemonstrators gather on a street to call for the resignation of interim president Michel Djotodia, who led Séléka into the capital months earlier, following the murder of a judge by members of the rebel coalition. A half hour after this picture was made, Séléka members shot into the crowd, killing two and wounding another. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 17, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEA Christian man destroys burnt out cars in rage, next to a looted mosque that had been set ablaze. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 10, 2013.William Daniels—Panos A soldier from the national army, wounded in fighting with Séléka rebels, waits to be treated at the Community Hospital. Bangui, Central African Republic. Jan. 31, 2014.William Daniels—Panos for TIMENational army soldiers mourn the death of a colleague, who was killed by members of Séléka. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 16, 2013.
Correction: The original version of this caption misstated the year the photograph was taken.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEAnti-balaka fighters are seen in the bush between Bossangoa and Bossembelé. Central African Republic. Nov. 21, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEBetween Bossembelé and Zawa
Part of a group of several hundred of Anti-Balaka militias return from an attack on a Peul (Fulani - a Muslim tribe) village. Jan. 30, 2014.William Daniels—Panos for TIMERelatives mourn the death of two men and one woman who had just been slaughtered amid accusations they were anti-balaka. The woman was killed as "collateral damage” according to a Séléka colonel who admitted the killing. Gulinga, Central African Republic. April 14, 2014.William Daniels—Panos A man accused of robbery is detained at the police station and was about to be killed. Bangui, Central African Republic. April 18, 2014.William Daniels—Panos A woman cries after the death of her 23-year-old daughter, who was said to be killed by a grenade launched in her courtyard by a member of Séléka. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 14, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEAbout 40,000 displaced people, many of them Christians who left their village attacked by the Séléka, took refuge in and around a cathedral. Bossangoa, Central African Republic. Nov. 19, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEA relative cries over the death of a soldier shot to death by Séléka the night before. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 16, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEA morgue workers prepares a body for funeral after a deadly bout of street violence between Séléka and anti-balaka. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 16, 2013.William Daniels—Panos Relatives attending a funeral touch the coffin of a judge who was said to be killed by Séléka fighters. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 29, 2013. William Daniels—Panos French troops attempt to save a Muslim man who was attacked by Christians while he was in jail, after having been accused of being a member of Séléka responsible for many executions. Bangui, Central African Republic. Jan. 22, 2014. William Daniels—Panos An overhead scene of the makeshift camp near Bangui's main airport that would grow to more than 100,000 people at its peak. They had fled fighting between Séléka and anti-balaka, and felt more secure with French forces at the entrance. Bangui, Central African Republic. Jan. 29, 2014.William Daniels—Panos A makeshift camp near Bangui's main airport would grow to hold more than 100,000 people at its peak in late 2013 and early 2014. They had fled fighting between Séléka and anti-balaka, and felt more secure with French forces at the entrance. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 8, 2013.William Daniels—Panos Internally displaced persons wait in line for food. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 9, 2013.William Daniels—Panos A woman cooks in the hospital coumpound. Bambari, Central African Republic. Sept. 24, 2014.William Daniels—Panos for Al Jazeera AmericaPeuhl children suffer from malnutrition and diarrhea in the enclave. Boda, Central African Republic. April 4, 2014. William Daniels—Panos for Al Jazeera AmericaThe remains of houses burnt by Seleka forces, between Bozoum and Bossemptele. Central African Republic. Jan. 30, 2014.William Daniels—Panos A man at the Ndassima gold mine, which was run by Aurafrique, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Axmin, before Seleka rebels managed to take over the site. Central African Republic, Sept. 23, 2014.William Daniels—Panos for Al Jazeera AmericaFormer child soldiers play war games as part of their rehabilitation work. The UNICEF psychologist looking after them said such activities help them to deal with their past. Central African Republic. Dec. 3, 2013.
Correction: The original version of this caption misstated the year the photograph was taken.William Daniels—Panos Fishermen on the Oubangui river early in the morning. Hundreds were killed in the capital a year earlier. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 5, 2014.
Correction: The original version of this caption misstated when hundreds of people were killed in Bangui. It was in 2013.William Daniels—Panos An alter boy prepares for mass at a church where the priest offered refuge to a large group of Muslims who were being targeted by anti-balaka. Boali, Central African Republic. Jan. 26, 2014.William Daniels—Panos Hamadou Magazi, an elder, has tuberculoses and cannot leave the enclave to be treated. Boda, Central African Republic. April 3, 2014.William Daniels—Panos for Al Jazeera AmericaA wounded Muslim man lies on the ground after being attacked by dozen of angry Christians, who claimed he was a member of Séléka. He is protected by African and French soldiers but will later die from his wounds before a medic arrives. Bangui, Central African Republic. Jan. 22, 2014. William Daniels—Panos Bodies of Christians, mostly anti-balaka, lay in a street on the day after a major attack in several areas of the capital. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 27, 2013.William Daniels—Panos Malouloud Mahamat Amat, 30, walks in his former compound in the 5Kilo area. He lost 8 members of his family in March. He is the only one of the family who stayed in the capital. Bangui, Central African Republic. Sept, 20, 2014.William Daniels—Panos for Al Jazeera America
Cedric Delsaux With his work Dark Lens, Cedric Delsaux has been labeled the “Star Wars photographer.” The French man Photoshopped the saga’s characters into real-world situations, creating a body of work that went viral a few years ago. This approach is indicative of Delsaux’s take on photography. “For a long time, we all believed that photographers were here to show reality, to reveal what had happened, but we’ve since realized that it wasn’t that simple,” he says. “Photography only reconstructs reality through a particularly convincing illusion.” His next project will revolve around cars, but it won’t be documentary: “I’ll look at the car as a metaphor,” he says. “I’ll use it to say something about us.”
Edouard Elias Edouard Elias’ first foray into photojournalism was in Syria in 2012, where the young photographer was quickly noticed for his carefully composed style. After being taken hostage for 10 months, Elias has been reevaluating his profession. “What’s important for me aren’t the reasons or personal traumatisms that push us to make these choices where we sacrifice a lot, but how we behave as journalists on the field,” he says. “We have to remember that we’re always an added element that creates risks for the people we’re following.” That’s why Elias is now focusing on long-term projects, such as his recent documentation of the French Foreign Legion. “[My goal] is to create a real relationship with my subject,” he says.
See the French Foreign Legion in Central African Republic
French Foreign Legion soldiers are waiting for the next patrol on Aug. 24, 2014.Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers are hiding behind sandbags on Aug. 16, 2014. Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers wait in the camp of Bria in Central African Republic on Aug. 23, 2014.
Edouard EliasA French Foreign Legion soldier is getting his head shaved.Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers are preparing for a long patrol in the east of Central African Republic on Aug. 20, 2014.Edouard EliasA French Foreign Legion soldier during a patrol between Bambari and Bria in Central African Republic on Aug. 23, 2014.Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers are searching for armed people who fired on their positions on Aug. 26, 2014.Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers on a patrol in Central African Republic.Edouard EliasA French Foreign Legion Captain is trying to keep the Christian population calm after an altercation with Muslims on Aug. 17, 2014. Edouard EliasA French Foreign Legion soldier is firing at an enemy position.Edouard EliasAn exhausted French Foreign Legion soldier is taking rest after a patrol on Aug. 19, 2014. Edouard Elias
Maia Flore Maia Flore sees photography as a conduit for her reveries. The resulting playful images depict her suspended in the air in Sleep Elevations, or donning a red outfit in quirky positions within mysterious landscapes in Situations. Through her photos, Flore invites viewers to share her surrealist take on life. The 27-year-old photographer now plans to turn to video and installations for her next projects. “I want to produce new ideas with different media,” she says.
Capucine Granier-Deferre For more than a year now, Capucine Granier-Deferre has been documenting the conflict in eastern Ukraine. “I have a special relationship with this region, a sort of bond, something that makes you want to tirelessly go back,” she tells TIME. The 31-year-old photographer, who will attend this year’s Joop Swart Masterclass, is now working on a more personal project on her family. But she remains committed to Ukraine, she says. “On the field, I feel like I’m face-to-face with human nature in its purest form. You’re facing death, but also life.”
Guillaume Herbaut “We live in a society that’s constantly inundated with images,” says 45-year-old Guillaume Herbaut. “With my work, I’m trying to make people stop for a few seconds so they start asking questions.” For many years, Herbaut documented places linked to major events from the 20th century, such as the Chernobyl disaster. Now, he’s gone back to newsier work in Ukraine, for example, and in his native France.
Julien Pebrel “I’m interested in the term ‘journalism’ in the word ‘photojournalism,’” says Julien Pebrel, a member of the Myop photo agency. “I’m interested in documenting territories, looking at subjects that are at the margins of breaking news, but still related to it.” For example, Pebrel’s latest work takes place in the southern Caucasus region where Russia continues to exert its influence. The work, he says, directly relates to the situation in Ukraine.
Paris Terror Attacks: One Tense, Mournful Week in Photos
More than a million people marched in Paris - and nearly 4 million gathered all over France - in solidarity after the killings that stunned the nation, Jan. 11, 2015.Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEFrance’s largest demonstration since the end of World War II,
Parisians of all walks of life marched against terror, Jan. 11, 2015.
Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEA memorial site for the 12 victims of the terrorist attacks near the offices of Charlie Hebdo, the satirical weekly publication, Jan. 12, 2015. Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEFlowers, candles, notes, and “I am Charlie” signs are strewn at an improvised memorial near the Charlie Hebdo offices, Jan. 12, 2015.Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEPolice guard the area near the Charlie Hebdo offices, as Paris remains on alert after the killings, Jan. 12, 2015.Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEStudents stand in front of the Yeshiva Yad Mordechai in the Marais, a traditionally Jewish quarter in Paris, Jan. 11, 2015. Rising anti-Semitism has propelled Jews to leave France in record numbers with 7000 emigrating to Israel in 2014. Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMELife goes on at this Jewish bakery in the Marais, a traditionally Jewish quarter in Paris, France, Jan. 11, 2015. Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEThe Charlie Hebdo attackers, the Kouachi brothers, spent years of their young adult lives in the banlieue, or suburbs, outside Paris, where low income housing projects are populated largely with immigrant populations and youth unemployment rates are rampant, Jan. 13, 2015. Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEThe Kouachi brothers, the Charlie Hebdo attackers, fell into a life of petty crime before turning to fundamentalist religion. At one time, they attended this mosque in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, Jan.11, 2015.Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIMEMen pray at a mosque in the 19th arrondissement in Paris, which the Kouachi brothers, the Charlie Hebdo attackers, had once attended, Jan. 13, 2015. Julien Pebrel—MYOP for TIME
Jerome Sessini Jerome Sessini has been a fixture of French photojournalism for more than 20 years now — he’s covered the conflict in Kosovo in the late 1990s, the Iraq war, the fall of Aristide in Haiti and the 2006 war in Lebanon. But it’s through his award-winning work in Ukraine over the past 18 months that he’s made a name for himself outside of industry circles. He was one of the first photographers on the scene of the Malaysia Airlines MH-17 crash last year, and he has often returned to Ukraine in the months since, producing one of the strongest bodies of work on the ongoing crisis.
See Scenes of Daily Life in a Ukrainian City Marked by War
After several months of training, new recruits of Ukraine’s National Guard swear during a ceremonial oath. Zaporizhia, Ukraine. May 23, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA restaurant that would otherwise be packed sites empty on the beach. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 24, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA woman and two children on what is normally the area’s most crowded beach. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 24, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosThe international airport has been turned into a military base of Ukraine’s National Guard. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 24, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosNatalia Vynokurova, a former pianist who used to live in Russia, is jobless and survives selling dishes in the street that she prepares. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 26, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA square in the downtown area where the statue of Lenin was removed. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 28, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA view of people waiting at the main station of the tramway in the downtown area, as seen through a window on the tramway. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 28, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosTwo elderly people walk, as seen through a window on the tramway. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 28, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA woman on the tramway downtown. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 27, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA view of the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works complex, a major factory and steel producer. Mariupol, Ukraine, May 29, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA tropical poster hangs on a wall of a control room at the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works complex. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 29, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosTwo men leave work after eight hours, via a shuttle bus out of the plant. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 29, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA damaged container on a pier near the port, which is closed and held by the Ukrainian army. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 29, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosMariupol beach on the Azov sea, Mariupol, Ukraine, May 29, 2015.
Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA student plays piano for her teacher during a year-end review at the music college. Mariupol, Ukraine. June 2, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA view of the downtown area. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 31, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA woman sits alone at a trendy bar after a heavy metal concert. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 31, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA woman and boy at a bar after a heavy metal concert. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 31, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA drunk man sleeps in a park in the downtown area. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 31, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA view of the downtown area, where people are watching animation for Children's Day. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 31, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosA Ukrainian soldier walks carefully inside a building that is targeted by pro-Russian forces on the frontline near Mariupol. Shyrokyne, Ukraine. June 3, 2015.Jerome Sessini—Magnum Photos
Pierre Terdjman The French photojournalist started his career as a news photographer with the Gamma agency. Now, he’s moving away from the breaking news beat, concentrating on long-term projects in France and Israel, where he’s been documenting poverty and social inequalities. Terdjman is also the co-founder of the Dysturb movement, which pastes news photograph on the streets of Paris, New York, Sydney and many other cities, in a bid to reconnect the public with news events.
In Paris, Photojournalism Hits the Streets
A woman and a child walk in front of one of Thibaut Camus' photographs on Rue du Prevot, Paris.Rafael YagobzadehA woman stands in front of one of Pierre Terdjman's photographs in Paris.Rafael YagobzadehA man walks in front of Benjamin Girette's portraits shot in Ukraine in Feb. 2014Pierre TerdjmanA woman walks in front of one of Zacharie Scheurer's photographs shot in Lebanon.Pierre TerdjmanOne of Pierre Terdjman's photographs on a Parisian wallPierre TerdjmanA man walks between two of Pierre Terdjman's photographs in Paris.Pierre TerdjmanFrench photographer Pierre Terdjman prepares his posters as part of his Dysturb street art project.Capucine BaillyFrench photographer Pierre Terdjman, helped by friends and colleagues, puts up one of his images on a Parisian wall in FranceCapucine BaillyParis, France. 19 Mars 2014.
Pierre Terdjman #dysturbCapucine Bailly
Olivier Laurent is the editor of TIME LightBox. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @olivierclaurent
From the series Dark LensCedric DelsauxFrom the series Dark LensCedric DelsauxFrom the series Dark LensCedric DelsauxFrom the project Sulina, the European Far-EastJulien PebrelFrom the project Sulina, the European Far-EastJulien PebrelFrom the project Sulina, the European Far-EastJulien PebrelFrench Foreign Legion soldiers are hiding behind sandbags on Aug. 16, 2014. Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers on a patrol in Central African Republic.Edouard EliasFrench Foreign Legion soldiers are searching for armed people who fired on their positions on Aug. 26, 2014.Edouard EliasA family leaves the city of Debaltseve on Feb. 19, 2015. Ukraine.Capucine Granier-DeferreMembers of the "Slavic" brigade return with supplies. Feb/ 15, 2015. Vulhegirsk, Ukraine.Capucine Granier-DeferreA member of the "Slavic" brigade. Feb. 15, 2015. Vulhegirsk, UkraineCapucine Granier-DeferreA relative cries over the death of a soldier shot to death by Séléka the night before. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 16, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEA Christian man destroys burnt out cars in rage, next to a looted mosque that had been set ablaze. Bangui, Central African Republic. Dec. 10, 2013.William Daniels—Panos A young girls stands in the doorway of a house, two days after a member of her family was killed by a grenade said to be launched by a member of Séléka. Bangui, Central African Republic. Nov. 14, 2013.William Daniels—Panos for TIMEA student plays piano for her teacher during a year-end review at the music college. Mariupol, Ukraine. June 2, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosMiners and rescuers scan the fields in search of bodies at the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in Rasipnoye, Ukraine, July 18, 2014.Jerome Sessini—MagnumTwo men leave work after eight hours, via a shuttle bus out of the plant. Mariupol, Ukraine. May 29, 2015. Jerome Sessini—Magnum PhotosFrom the series Big Head PoetryMaia FloreCoffeeMaia FloreDesertMaia FloreKotovsk, Ukraine. The Lenin statue was destroyed in the night of Dec. 8, 2013.Guillaume Herbaut—InstituteKiev, Ukraine. Since January 21, violent confrontations take place between law enforcement and pro-EU protestors. The special anti-riot units, the Berkouts,
use weapons against the masses. At the end of the day, they count five dead and many hundred wounded.Guillaume Herbaut—InstituteMaidan Square, Kieve, Ukraine. After the fighting between pro-EU protesters and law enforcement, which resulted in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 wounded between Feb. 18-20.Guillaume Herbaut—InstituteIsraelis gather in an underground parking for a food distribution organized by the Israeli association "LATET", May 24, 2012. Pierre Terdjman—Getty Images ReportageKiryat Yovel district in Jerusalem.May 14, 2011.Pierre Terdjman—Getty Images ReportageAhuva Alerpon, widow of the late underworld kingpin Yaakov Alperon who was assassinated in a car bomb attack in 2008, hugs her daughter before she goes to bed in her house in Raana on Dec. 1, 2008.Pierre Terdjman—Getty Images Reportage