The demonstrations against the Vietnam War, the first gay pride, the civil rights movement and even Watergate, all events which were covered by the Franco-American photojournalist Jean-Pierre Laffont. These decades behind the camera have made it possible to immortalize American History, but not only that. This photojournalism legend will receive the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honor on November 13, 2023, in the presence of the French Consul, Jérémie Robert.
The flashes will certainly still be heard this November 13 at the French Consulate in New York, when Jean-François Leroy, founder and director of the Visa pour l’image photojournalism festival in Perpignan, will be decorated with the badge of knight of the Legion of honor, Jean-Pierre Laffont. An award as a sign of recognition from France for 57 years of service to photojournalism, as explained by the French Consulate in New York: “This prestigious distinction is an expression of France’s deep gratitude to Jean-Pierre Laffont for his brilliant documentary work, which has contributed to the understanding of many major events of the 20th century. »
Jean-Pierre Laffont at the demonstration of May 9, 1970 in Washington
America in photos and without clichés
1965, at just thirty years old, Jean-Pierre Laffont arrived in New York. The young photographer was quickly spotted and in 1969 became the first foreign correspondent for the Gamma agency. With his wife Eliane, he then created Gamma US and Sygma Photo News, two leading agencies in the United States. Jean-Pierre Laffont becomes the privileged witness of all American history. His photos reflect the changes in American society and social tensions. It follows the youth demonstrations against the Vietnam War, the hippie movement and the music festivals of Powder Ridge and Watkins Glen, the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King, the demonstrations in defense of women’s rights and LGBTQ+, the first Gay Pride parade in New York, but also the violence in the working-class neighborhoods of New York.
Ali vs. Frazier Ali pointing his finger
Manhattan, New York City, NY. January 23, 1974.
Jean-Pierre Laffont, a look at America and the world
As a White House correspondent for eight years, Jean-Pierre Laffont photographed Watergate and the impeachment of President Nixon. He also covered the rise of the Black Power movement and the KKK, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, prison conditions and the use of the electric chair, baby boomers and consumerism and the death of the automobile industry and the disappearance of family farms. He immortalized Andy Warhol, Alfred Hitchcock, Brigitte Bardot and André Malraux with the same passion as those left behind in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city that never sleeps.
Bob Kennedy reaching hand over car
Brooklyn, New York City, NY, 1er Avril 1968.
A multi-awarded photojournalist
His entire career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the World Press Photo General Picture Award, and 1st prize at the New York Newspaper Guild Award. In 1996, he had a retrospective of his work at Visa Pour l’Image and he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. In 2015 the European House of Photography in Paris showed its retrospective exhibition of his work in the United States “Tumultuous America” which has since traveled to numerous cities in France, Russia, China, Italy and the United States. In 2016 Jean Pierre was named International Photographer of the Year of the Pingyao Photo Festival, China. In 2020 he received The Lucie Award for Achievement in Photojournalism and the Visa D’Or Award from Figaro Magazine for his entire professional career. In 2023, he was nominated for the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor for 60 years of service to photojournalism.
Martin Luther King Portrait in front of UN Building
New York City, NY. April 15, 1967.
I am often told that I am the only French photographer who spent a large part of his life covering the important events that transformed the United States.
Ahead of the ceremony, Jean-Pierre Laffont agreed to answer our questions:
What is your feeling about this badge of Knight of the Legion of Honor?
It was with great emotion that I learned on July 13, 2023 of my nomination to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor in the category of Europe and Foreign Affairs for my 57 years in the service of photojournalism.
My first thought was for my grandfather Amedée Laffont who was Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor which he had received for his entire career as professor of medicine and dean of the faculty of Algiers and founder of the medical encyclopedia, and who was delighted when I told him that I wanted to be a photographer (not easy in a family made up entirely of doctors). He encouraged me with these words: “You’re going to be the first in the family to see the world.” I think he would be proud of me today.
I am often told that I am the only French photographer who spent a large part of his life covering the important events that transformed the United States. When I look at my work, I realize how incredibly lucky I was to be able to realize my dreams as a young photographer… These photos of America form a personal and historical portrait of a country that I have observed from critically but with affection, and for which I feel profound gratitude.
I am very touched and honored and would like to express all my gratitude to Consul Jérémie Robert whom I thank for his support and commitment. I am particularly touched by the sincere interest he brings to my photos. And finally, I am proud to receive this medal in front of my family, my daughter Stéphanie and my two granddaughters, Sparrow and Sylvie, and especially my wife Eliane, with whom I shared everything.
Jean Pierre and Eliane Laffont
I think the main thing to be a photojournalist is curiosity, passion, the desire to travel, and wanting to understand and show what is happening in the world.
While conflicts and geopolitical tensions are at their peak, how do you see the role of photojournalists?
Here’s how I became a photojournalist: I went to the School of Arts and Crafts in Vevey for 3 years and learned everything there: design, technique, composition, precision, laboratory work and retouching , the lighting, the light… Then I went to Paris where I became the assistant of Sam Levin, the great photographer of the stars of the time. But what I really wanted to do was be a photojournalist and travel the world. It was in 1964 that I left for the United States, which fascinated me and where I still live 60 years later. I sold everything: car, furniture, and bought myself a one-way ticket to New York.
I discovered the major events of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s: the Vietnam War, Watergate, the departure of Nixon, the liberation of women and gays, and civil rights… I felt more and more engaged in my stories and could spend months covering, without orders, major humanitarian subjects like the poverty of American farmers and their social injustices. I would also photograph the great Muhammad Ali, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King and a few presidents during my 8 years at the White House. My driving force was telling stories. I wanted to inform to improve the world.
I think the main thing to be a photojournalist is curiosity, passion, the desire to travel, and wanting to understand and show what is happening in the world. But the main quality is to have empathy, to feel pain and to share it.
2023-11-12 17:00:29
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