If you happened to tune into the regional news on France 3 recently, you might have spotted a familiar face (or two)!
I am still buzzing from the excitement. A wonderful film crew came down to the Chalais market to document my ongoing series, "Portraits au Marché de Chalais." Having my work featured in this way, seeing the behind-the-scenes footage of my makeshift studio right in the middle of the street, and hearing the kind words from the people I've photographed… it was truly a surreal and deeply moving experience.
261 Faces, 261 Stories
When I first started setting up my white backdrop every Monday on the cobblestones of Chalais, my goal was to capture 200 portraits for an exhibition next year. I am thrilled to share that, thanks to your incredible trust and willingness to play along, we have officially surpassed that goal! I have now photographed 261 unique individuals.
261 locals, merchants, regulars, and passersby who stopped, chatted, and allowed me to capture a glimpse of who they are. From the very beginning, this project has never been about forced smiles or perfectly staged poses. As my wonderful husband Bernd so perfectly described it in the news segment: I don't just point and shoot. The magic happens in the conversation before the camera even clicks.
"It's about the eyes. The eyes tell me everything. That fleeting moment of connection, the stories shared in a brief exchange—that is what I am always searching for."
A True Partnership
Seeing the report on TV also made me reflect on how much of a joint effort this has been. While I am the one behind the lens, setting up the flash and framing the shot, it's Bernd who is always there with me, rain or shine. He helps me organize, he helps me select the best shots back at our kitchen table in Yviers, and, as you saw in the video, he is the one carefully handing back the printed portraits to the people we photograph.
Offering a free printed photo to everyone who participated is our way of giving back to a community that has welcomed us so warmly over the last eight years.
What's Next?
Now that we have reached this incredible milestone of 261 portraits, the real work begins! Bernd and I are busy sorting, editing, and planning for the grand exhibition here in Chalais next year. I cannot wait to see all these beautiful, familiar faces displayed together.
To everyone who let me "tire le portrait", to the team at France 3 (Bruno Pillet, Cécile Landais, and L. Larrue) for the beautiful report, and to this incredible community: thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With love,
Lise