Jean-Loup Sieff, multifaceted photographer

How is a vocation born? For some artists, their passion for their discipline seems obvious, but that's not all. felt deep within them since their birth. Sometimes, it appears following an encounter or a moving event. And then, there are artists for whom destiny is is played out on a simple birthday present. Such is the story of Sieff, whose love for photography began on his fourteenth birthday, by opening one of his presents.

Youth of the artist photographer

Throughout history, there are countless aspiring artists who have left everything behind; to come and walk the streets of Paris. In the case of Sieff, there was no need for such a great expedition and such important sacrifices. He was born in the French capital on November 30, 1933. His parents, Polish immigrants, worked hard to provide him with a good childhood and a good education. The young Sieff studied as seriously as possible, at the Jacques-Decour and Chaptal high schools. His youth has so far been like that of most of his classmates. The year he turned fifteen, he received his first camera as a gift. From this moment on, the child becomes passionate about this very special art. Moreover, Sieff is already a cinema buff. It is therefore not surprising that the photographic medium resonates strongly with him. This budding passion quickly filled his daily life. He practices whenever he has a little free time, going as far as to practice. neglect his studies to devote himself to photography.

A chaotic study path

To progress in his passion, which he wants to develop into his profession, Jean-Loup Sieff chooses to join a Parisian photography school. Unfortunately, just like in high school, the constraints imposed in a school context weigh too heavily on the shoulders of the young person photographer. He then quickly left his school to find his way. Under pressure from those around him, he tried the experiment again at the Vevey School, located in Switzerland. The initial pattern repeats itself again. This will be his last attempt. Instead of pursuing studies in this field, Sieff decided to go straight into the profession. To do this, he took on the status of independent artist photographer, upon his return to France. Paris. Needing to present his work, to hope to receive orders or a contract, he took his first photos as professionals. For this important project, the photographer chose to focus exclusively on urban scenes, taken from life in the middle of the street. News completes this impactful work that no one will ever forget.

Fashion and journalism

To provide for to meet his needs and hope to develop more personal photographic projects, Sieff accepts different proposals. In 1955, he was given a permanent position in the ranks of the weekly "Elle". The fashion world is a boon for the artist photographer. His expert eye and his sensitivity always manage to achieve capture the beauty of a person, an outfit, a look, an expression. His photos have a unique strength. It is also in this area that Jean-Loup found glory. His name constantly comes up in conversations, near the catwalks, fashion shows, department stores, as well as throughout the capital. His fame exceeds his expectations. As an independent artist, he has every reason to be happy. However, Sieff appears dissatisfied. Deep down, his passion boils and he realizes that fashion doesn't allow him to express himself as he would like. What he dreams of this moment of his life is photojournalism.

Travels and evolution

Eager to satisfy his deepest desires, he suddenly changed sectors during 1958. This date marked his entry the Magnum Agency. In this new working environment, he is brought to travel a lot. He travels across Greece, Poland and Turkey in a relatively short period of time. This experience allowed him to better master photojournalism. He improves, gains confidence and fame. After a first year full of emotions, he set up again as an independent. This choice grants him greater freedom. and he allows himself to collaborate with several press outlets: Rés, Esquire, Le jardin des modes and many others.

Sieff returns to Paris

In 1966, the artist photographer made a big decision: he returned to work. Paris. There, where it all started for him. Sieff finds the perfect place, rue Ampère, to create his studio. During its first year of existence, this place that he cherished so much became the scene of numerous achievements. The photographer moderately reconnects with the fashion world and begins to develop his skills. take an interest in advertising. From 1967, his talent was recognized by his peers. Its success continues to grow, despite its popularity. some scandals.

His rewards

Jean-Loup Sieff sees his work rewarded on several occasions:

• 1967: his exhibition called "Photo does not exist" caused a sensation during the Europhoto international congress held in Germany ,
• 1968: due to his collaboration with the magazine Nova, he received, at London, the silver medal of the artistic directors club,
• 1969: the artist photographer is awarded a gold medal, courtesy of the Museo Espirito Santo de Victoria,
• 1969: an exhibition paying tribute to his work is orchestrated by the university; from Miami.

The work of Sieff

His career consisted of numerous photographic projects in the field of fashion and advertising, but what should be remembered above all of this artist lies in his more personal works. His photos mainly represent nudes and landscapes. Working brilliantly with black and white, he composes powerful photographs, reflecting the beauty of life. and intensity that we have lost the habit of looking at. His most notable achievements are:

• Death Valley,
• Portraits of seated ladies,
• The Ballet,
• Sicily by Maupassant,
• The Photo,
• Bare torsos,
• Tomorrow, the weather will be older,
• Dance.

An artist with multiple distinctions

During his life, and agrave; Like his photos, Sieff sees himself honored. numerous distinctions which make him proud :

• 1959: the Niepce prize,
• 1989: Grand prize of the Sociétéé photography of Japan,
• 1992: Grand national photography prize,
• Title of Knight of the Legion of Honor,
• Title of Officer of Arts and Letters.

In September 2000, the artist photographer published a final work "Pretend I wasn't there" and dies a few days later, Paris.