My first time at the annual Paris photo fair, the largest of its kind in the world. Overlooking the Eiffel tower, Paris Photo was as much a celebration of photography as it was a marketing event.
The range and quality of photography on show was extraordinarily diverse, ranging from ground-breaking contemporary ‘global’ photographers to more traditional favourites such as Cartier- Bresson, Frank, Eggleston and many, many, more.
A visual feast of over 150 top photo exhibitions and bookshops in one place can be overwhelming. Probably best to focus on a few select favourites rather than taking the total indulgence approach. Oh! and don’t forget the artists talks and signings.
Paris Photo lasts for 4 days and is open to 8.00pm on most days, so plenty of time to cover all areas.
Of course, the fair functions essentially as a market place and is a great place to purchase prints and books – particularly impressive was the quality and range of photo books on offer. It also functions as a networking event and has relaxed spaces and cafés for artists and friends to meet up.
Paris Photo is now a major photography event and Paris is such an appropriate location. The city that has named a tram stop after Diane Arbus also hosts a large number of photography galleries and major exhibitions and can justifiably claim to be the capital of European Photography. An unmissable feast of photography
Jon Leahy
Nov 2023
Paris Photo 2024 returns to the Grand Palais next year between 7th – 10th November
