Paris Through a Lens: A Half-Century of Visual Storytelling

For acclaimed photojournalist Peter Turnley, Paris has been more than just a city—it’s been a lifelong visual narrative unfolding frame by frame since 1975. When the young photographer first arrived in the French capital at age 20, he could not have imagined the profound visual journey that awaited him.

A Photographic Love Affair

Armed with his trusted Leica rangefinder cameras, Turnley has meticulously documented the city’s intimate moments, capturing the essence of Parisian life with remarkable sensitivity. His black and white images have become a profound chronicle of urban human experience, transcending mere photography to become visual poetry.

Over five decades, Turnley has developed an extraordinary relationship with Paris, transforming from a young documentarian to a seasoned visual storyteller. His work represents a masterclass in street photography, revealing the city’s soul through candid, compassionate compositions that celebrate humanity’s nuanced interactions.

Technical Mastery and Artistic Vision

Using primarily Leica M-series rangefinder cameras renowned for their compact design and exceptional optical quality, Turnley has maintained a consistent aesthetic that feels both timeless and immediate. His technical approach emphasizes available light, razor-sharp focus, and an intuitive understanding of composition.

Each photograph becomes a moment suspended—a testament to Paris’s enduring romantic spirit and Turnley’s extraordinary perceptiveness. His body of work represents not just photographic documentation, but a deeply personal love letter to one of the world’s most photographed cities.