French photographer
Laurent Baheux, follows the tradition of humanist photographers by capturing black-and-white images of nature and wildlife.
His subjects are not confined to cages or enclosures; they are free individuals, captured in the moment, displaying the full strength of their freedom, the beauty of their personalities, and the tenderness of their communal lives.
Celebrated for their aesthetic power and authenticity, Laurent's black-and-white photographs have been featured in books, publications, exhibitions, and conferences, and are displayed in galleries both in France and internationally.
We asked him a few questions about his life and work:
Tell us about your first contact with photography? How did you get started?
Laurent Baheux: I discovered photography under duress when I started out in print journalism. The regional daily I was working with at the time soon asked me to take photos as well as report on sporting events. I quickly got into it, and was hooked. I gave up writing...
When did you decide to become a wildlife photographer and, more specifically, a spokesperson for the protection of wild animals?
It came gradually over time, as my project took shape visually and my awareness of environmental issues grew. My commitment to the animal cause imposed itself without any real decision on my part.
Do you think a photo can raise people's awareness?
I think a still image can have a very strong visual impact that can touch the senses and create an emotion. After that, I'm not in control of what people do with them. Today, faced with the degradation of natural environments, raising awareness is unfortunately not enough.
What is your main message?
I make Lamartine's motto my own: You don't have two hearts, one for people and one for animals. You either have a heart or you don't.
What are your hopes?
I don't have any hopes, only the hope that a better world will emerge when the Western world is directly confronted with the societal consequences of its mortifying choices and is forced to change its model of exploitation of human, animal and plant life.
Can you tell us more about the NGOs you work with and their scope of action?
I don't work with any particular NGO: I respond to requests or offer occasional help to organizations or individuals working to defend the animal cause. Exhibitions, conferences, relays on social networks, donations of photos for campaigns, etc...
You've traveled to a number of countries, is there one that has impressed you more than others?
I was lucky enough to spend 1? years in South Africa: this country at the tip of the African continent is incredible in its beauty, diversity and natural wealth.
Do you have a favorite animal?
I like the unloved ones: the hyena and vulture duo are very endearing species because I find them quite photogenic as well as being very intelligent and fascinating to observe in the wild. Their bad reputation is undeserved. Hyenas, for example, are excellent predators and not just scavengers, just like lions. Blame Disney...
Do you have a favorite image?
No, I'm in the emotion of the moment and then I move on, so I'd say my favorite is the one I'm going to do tomorrow.
Of all the incredible experiences you've had, which one scared you the most?
I live intensely in the present moment, and it's very difficult for me to prioritize my emotions: let's just say that, through carelessness or ignorance, I've put myself in danger several times. With elephants in Africa, but also with musk oxen in the Arctic and bison in the American West.
Are your works commissioned or do you finance them yourself?
Both. But most of the time, I finance them myself. On this subject, if a patron is interested in the in-depth work I've been doing on African fauna for over 20 years and would like to help finance my future projects and exhibitions, I'd love to hear from you.
How do you prepare your trips?
By instinct and desire, that is to say very rarely long in advance. I act on the spur of the moment and trust my lucky stars. I like discovery more than control. It's often the unexpected that's the most exciting.
Do you travel alone?
Yes, mainly, even though I've had a routine in Kenya with the same guide for 18 years.
How long do you stay in one place/country?
It varies a lot, but I'd say between 2 weeks and 2 months.
Do you ever return to the same place a few years later?
Yes, I do on a regular basis.
What equipment do you use?
Sony Alpha One hybrid cameras and many of the brand's lenses, from 16-35 to 600mm.
Do you spend a lot of time editing your work?
Yes, too much so but it's part of the job.
Why did you choose to work exclusively in black and white?
Black and white is part of my history with photography: I was lucky enough to learn on my own with argentic photography, which at the time was more affordable in black and white. This left me with a strong taste for strong contrasts, deep blacks and bright whites.
What makes the difference between a good image and an iconic one?
The emotion it can generate in the viewer.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a photographer like you today?
I don't know... I'd like to say: go for it and forget that you've got no chance, to quote that cult line from the French movie Les bronzés...
What are your next projects/travels?
I've just spent 2 years in Africa. I'm coming back to France to settle down for a while... Then I'm going to go into more detail and exhibit my work on horses.
If you weren't a photographer, what would you do?
I'd like to learn woodworking, which is a noble activity for me, but at the moment I'd see myself more as a committed activist (or even a rabid one).
Do you fear the arrival of AI?
Not really, no.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Protecting life from ant to elephant
