Laffont shares stories of his iconic photographs at Xposure

In an interview, ‘A Photographer's Paradise: Documenting A Turbulent America’ with Aidan Sullivan, an accomplished media expert, Laffont revealed why a boy from the family of gynaecologists chose to become a photographer and shared much more.

From the dusty streets of Algeria to illustrious magazine covers, the legendary photojournalist’s lifework is an unparalleled visual odyssey of seminal events that have shaped modern America. 

After a chance arrival in New York, Laffont aligned with a magazine connected to fashion icon Oleg Cassini, a couturier for Jackie Kennedy, to ensure his survival in a land where he had neither credentials nor a green card.

Being a celebrity photographer didn’t bring him joy but allowed him a sense of permanence in a foreign country. Laffont hustled, capturing the pulsating life of the East Side by daylight and refining his craft in the darkroom by night. “The story of Jean-Pierre Laffont’s life is one of persistence and his love for photography,” commented Sullivan while referring to a collection of photographs on the stage.

Armed with a camera, Laffont soon embarked on a mission to document the raw, unfiltered reality of American life. His immersion into the streets of New York led to encounters with gangs in the Bronx and intimate moments with everyday Americans. “I enjoyed taking the trip everyday,” said Laffont. 

The photojournalist who was recently honoured with the French Legion of Honour for his brilliant documentary work, which has contributed to our understanding of major events of the 20th century, revealed his unique approach to assignments, embedding himself into stories beyond the surface level, driven by an insatiable curiosity and dedication. 

“At that time, I didn’t know I was documenting the history of a nation. It is the present moment that offers a vantage point and allows us to see these pictures in perspective,” he said, pointing at a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King with the United Nations building reflecting in his eyes.

Laffont has captured the essence of America during pivotal moments — from the Italian immigrant experience, illegal migration from Mexico to the US to the fervour surrounding the Apollo 11 launch. His photographs have in a way immortalised the resilience, diversity, and spirit of a nation undergoing profound transformations.

Reflecting on his role as a photojournalist, Laffont said it is important to stay curious and prepare well. “You have to have a sense of what you're doing,” he said. Despite the challenges and dangers he faced, Laffont's passion for photography never waned.

Referring to his photographs from the civil rights movements, Laffont reminded the audience of the power of photography to transcend boundaries. “Photojournalism isn’t an art; it is about storytelling,” Laffont said. 

Sullvian concluded by saying Laffont’s work is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, and his narrative was a reminder of America's myriad faces, etched into the global consciousness through the eyes of a man who dared to look and never ceased capturing the truth.