Between seaside scenes with the feel of an independent film, intimate explorations of the body, and striking visual transformations, here is our selection of five photographers capturing the spirit of our time with remarkable talent. A curated lineup of artists to add to your radar this season.
Justine Abitbol: A Poetic Female Gaze
Based in Paris, Justine Abitbol immerses herself in the intimacy of her subjects, photographing them both within the reassuring confines of their bedrooms and in public spaces, while maintaining the same disarming sense of closeness. Far removed from glossy, idealised notions of femininity, her subjects, mostly women reveal their bodies and surrender to unconventional, almost awkward poses. Bent, curled-up figures captured in fleeting moments, rendered with rare authenticity.
“My approach to photography is very spontaneous. I strive to create images that are both raw and expressive. My focus on the human body stems from a blend of documentary photography and lyricism. What matters most to me is maintaining a sense of closeness with the people and objects I photograph,” the artist explains.
Her latest work? A recent photographic series created for fashion designer Flore de Sermet, another talent worth keeping a close eye on shot in a seaside resort with the atmosphere of a ghost town. A group of women wander along the shoreline, captured in a dreamlike, suspended aesthetic that evokes the films of Sofia Coppola
- Why follow her? For the freshness of her imagery and her enveloping, tender, and unfiltered female gaze.
Talia Chétrit: The Eye Behind Fashion Houses
Talia Chétrit discovered photography as a teenager and has never put down the camera since. Over the years, the American photographer has expanded her practice with remarkable ease, moving smoothly between her first love street photography, portraiture, and fashion editorials. Today, she is one of the industry’s most sought-after artists. From Acne Studios to Celine, as well as Loewe and Phoebe Philo, the biggest names in fashion compete to work with her, drawn to her raw and uncompromising approach to the body and nudity.
Yet her work extends far beyond the pages of magazines. While her photographs dominate the mood boards of creative directors, she has also won over some of the most prestigious institutions, including New York’s Whitney Museum.
- Why follow her? Because as her recognition continues to grow, she is establishing herself as one of the defining visual chroniclers of our time.
Silvia Draz: A keen sense of staging
Lithuanian photographer Silvia Draz is taking up residence in Marseille for an exhibition at Faces Gallery, a space curated by WePresent, WeTransfer’s creative platform. There, she presents Rapunzel (the German name for the fairy-tale character), a series of portraits featuring women with extraordinarily long hair.
Drawing inspiration from a simple children’s tale, the artist has created a striking series of photographs inspired by the aesthetic of images taken at hairdressing competitions. Most unsettling of all is the meticulous framing and carefully orchestrated staging, which heighten the performative dimension of the work. The series echoes the practice of British artist Francesca Allen, who travelled to Lithuania, Silvia Draz’s home country last year to document these very competitions.
- Why follow her? For her remarkable ability to turn the ordinary into a source of fascinating strangeness.
Noémie Ninot : The art of transformation
A multidisciplinary artist, French photographer Noémie Ninotlikes to put herself at the centre of her work. Both in front of and behind the camera, she masters every stage of the creative process, staging herself at different ages and moments of life. Using masks and silicone prosthetics that she designs herself, she radically transforms her appearance, even adopting the features of a pregnant woman.
Her talent has not gone unnoticed: after winning the prestigious Grand Prix 7L de la Photographie at Villa Noailles last year, she took over the alo gallery in Paris this past May to present Poupée de peau, a striking solo exhibition (certainly not her last).
- Why follow her? For her unique way of exploring identity and the body through self-portraiture.
Rafael Pavarotti: Chromatic Surrealism
Born in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Brazilian photographer Rafael Pavarotti taught himself photography, taking his first steps behind the camera with his father’s camera. Now based in Paris, he has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary fashion, shooting editorials and covers for some of the world’s most prestigious magazines. Most recently, he directed a remarkable series for British Vogue featuring model Anok Yai.
The secret behind his aesthetic? A vibrant celebration of Black skin, enhanced through striking contrasts and richly saturated coloured backgrounds. His universe, poised on the edge of surrealism, appeals as much to cutting-edge publications as it does to the world’s leading couture houses. For his first major exhibition in France, the artist will take over the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from 2 October 2026 to 2 May 2027. A must-see event already firmly on the calendar.
- Why follow him? For his hypnotic mastery over colour.
