The Leica Store Miami presents Jean-Pierre Laffont : New York Noir. Known for his gritty, black-and-white images, Jean-Pierre Laffont is recognized as one of the foremost French-American photographers of the 20th century.
Jean-Pierre Laffont is a pioneering French-American photojournalist whose powerful lens has chronicled some of the most pivotal events of the 20th century. Born in French Algeria in 1935 and raised in Morocco, he studied photography in Vevey, Switzerland before moving to the U.S. in 1964, becoming a citizen in 2016. Alongside his wife Eliane, Laffont co-founded the Gamma USA and Sygma photo agencies, shaping the field of global photojournalism.
For over five decades, Laffont captured defining moments in U.S. history—Vietnam protests, Watergate, Nixon’s resignation, and civil rights movements—making him the French photographer to dedicate his life to documenting America. His international coverage spanned conflict zones and historic transformations from Asia to Africa and Eastern Europe. He also covered key personalities of the century: authors, actors, actresses, and political figures. Laffont’s groundbreaking work on child labor, begun in 1979, influenced global awareness and policy change, underscoring his deep humanitarian commitment.
His images have graced major international publications including Time, Life, Newsweek, and Paris Match. He has received numerous honors, including the Lucie Award, Visa d’Or Lifetime Achievement, Knight in the National French Order of Arts and Letters, France’s Legion of Honor, and the Hermione Award which celebrates the friendship between France and the US. His work is celebrated in museums and books worldwide, with exhibitions across continents. Jean-Pierre Laffont remains a vital voice in photography, blending photojournalism with deep social conscience.
This is what Jean-Pierre says about New York City :
“When I arrived as a young Frenchman in 1964, New York City was chaotic, dirty, gritty, loud and dangerous, but it was also attractive, provocative, brave, enchanting, joyous and free. “New York Noir” is inspired by the 1940 Film Noir. It is filled with a sense of danger, it is violent and upbeat, simple and timeless, like my New York.
Everything seemed possible and vibrant. I hated it one day and loved it the next. I responded to the city with my heart and never stopped capturing the monumental mess that it is and the exhilaration it provokes.
All my wildest dreams came true in New York, and I hope my photos captured a city that I viewed critically but affectionally and to which I bear an immense gratitude.” – Jean Pierre Laffont, New York, March 2026
Jean-Pierre Laffont : New York Noir
March – May 2026
Opening March 12, 2026, 7pm – 9pm
Leica Store Miami
372 Miracle Miles
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.leicastoremiami.com
