What a beautiful surprise it was to open the morning paper today and see my face and work featured in Charente Libre!
Journalist Marie Fauvel wrote a wonderful piece about my ongoing photography project, and it made me look back and appreciate just how welcoming this community has been. For those of you who might have missed the print edition, or for my friends checking in from back home in the Netherlands, I wanted to share a little bit of the story behind the article and what has been happening out in the market square.
The Human Landscape of the Chalais Fair
As many of you know, ever since my husband and I packed up our lives and moved to the beautiful village of Yviers eight years ago, I have been completely captivated by the locals. I often say to people: "I am not a nature photographer; I am a photographer of human nature." What truly drives my passion are the deep, authentic gazes locked directly into my lens. Landscapes are beautiful, but for me, humanity is always at the center.
My latest project brings me out to the bustling Chalais Fair every single Monday morning. Equipped with my studio backdrop canvas and my camera gear, I set up right in the middle of the crowded square. My mission is to create a series of portraits that document the raw, beautiful essence of our local merchants, regular shoppers, and familiar faces.
I’ve set myself two very strict rules for this project:
- Never shoot the same person twice.
- Pray for merciful weather and beautiful lighting!
“My ultimate goal is to capture at least two hundred of these unique portraits for a grand exhibition next spring. It is a true labor of love.”
I spend long, beautiful hours out there, matching the endurance of the vendors, waiting for that perfect moment when a passerby steps in front of my canvas. I plan to continue doing this every Monday until the end of June, right before the heavy wave of summer tourists arrives, so that the series remains strictly dedicated to our true local souls.
From Schiphol to the Kitchens of Yviers
The article also touched upon my journey before arriving here in Charente. It feels like another life entirely when I think back to my four years studying and eventually teaching at the Fotoacademie Amsterdam, or the wild, high-energy project I did at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Back then, I came up with a crazy idea to photograph travelers who were wearing something distinct on their heads—caps, hats, turbans, or kepis. Armed with an official security badge, I was granted access to every restricted area, from the customs borders to the deep terminal wings, capturing the transient spirit of humanity on the move.
But coming to Yviers changed my rhythm. It taught me the beauty of deep, localized connection. During the height of Covid, when everyone was isolated behind closed doors and masks, I felt a strong urge to break that silence. I began going door-to-door right here in the village. It started with two wonderful local brothers, Pierre and Michel Bonnin, who opened their doors and invited me straight to their kitchen tables.
“I ended up ringing 105 doors in the village; 100 people opened up to me. To be welcomed so warmly during a time of global fear was an incredibly moving experience, and it resulted in an exhibition that truly anchored me to this village.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
Moving to Yviers was a promise to stay, to live, and to become a true part of the village fabric. Continuing this crazy, beautiful career from my new home base is a dream come true.
I want to extend my deepest, warmest thanks to Marie Fauvel for the lovely article, to Charente Libre, and most importantly, to every single person at the Chalais market who has trusted me enough to step in front of my lens. You are the heartbeat of Charente, and it is an absolute honor to tire your portraits.
See you next Monday at the market!
With love, Lise
