Paris Photo and beyond: Highlights from my Photography MA (Online) study trip
19 November 2024
This article was written by Photography MA (Online) student, Bhaskar Sitholey
As an online Photography MA student at Falmouth University, our recent optional group trip to Paris was more than just a learning experience; it was an immersion into the heart of the global photography scene. The city, renowned for its artistic heritage and cultural vibrancy, provided the perfect backdrop for a transformative journey.
Held at the magnificent Grand Palais, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly Paris Photo 2024: the largest international art fair dedicated to photography. The exhibition showcased various photographic works, from historical masterpieces to contemporary experiments. The meticulous curation and the sheer scale of the event were awe-inspiring. I was particularly drawn to the work of Hélène Douay, Joost Vandebrug, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Bart Ramakers, which pushed the boundaries of photographic expression.
Paris, however, offered much more than just Paris Photo. The city’s numerous galleries provided a wealth of photographic inspiration. At the Jeu de Paume, I was captivated by Tina Barney’s intimate and opulent family portraits, which captured the nuances of family dynamics.
The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson offered a glimpse into Raymond Meek’s vision of photographing the traces left by migrants rather than the individuals themselves, which evoked a powerful sense of presence and absence.
At a ppr och e, Daniel Bourgais’ work reflected on notions of trace and memory by exploring environments using photogrammetry to render reality imperfectly. And Inês d’Orey’s work, a mix of photography and installations, emphasised the solitude of architectural spaces, inviting us to consider the relationship between humans and built environments.
Another memorable moment from the trip was meeting Todd Hido at a book signing event and being struck by his humility and approachable demeanour. He was incredibly generous with his time, discussing his creative process and the inspiration behind his latest work, The End Sends Advance Warning. He also shared insights into curating his exhibition Fragmentary Narratives at the Les Filles du Calvaire gallery, revealing the intentionality behind some of his images. As he signed my copy of the book, I felt a profound connection to his work and a deeper appreciation for his artistic vision.
One of the most significant benefits of the trip was the opportunity to connect with fellow students and faculty in-person. The informal discussions, collaborative shoots, and critiques over shared coffees and meals encouraged a sense of community and camaraderie that is difficult to replicate over online seminars. These interactions not only allowed us to exchange ideas, but also challenge assumptions, and push each other to think critically about our work.
Beyond the technical skills and knowledge gained from the trip, I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for photography. The exposure to different artistic approaches, the dialogue with peers, and the immersion in a vibrant art scene have given me a new perspective on photographic practice. I am now more attuned to the artistic nuances, the power of composition, and the evocative potential of the photographic image. I am also more aware of photography’s ethical and social implications and our responsibility as photographers to use our work to promote positive change.
I look forward to applying the insights and inspiration from the field trip to my own practice. I hope this experience will better shape my future as a photographer and help me create meaningful and impactful work.
You can see Bhaskar's work over on his Instagram
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