Marielle and Dominique live in a cabin without water or electricity on top of a hill. They survive through seasonal odd jobs and support from various charitable organizations. Between addiction, love, and violence. Var, 2015. © Pierre Faure
“Social photography is the photography of investigation and communication about social problems. It is activist photography whose purpose is to bear witness on behalf of victims and to contribute to resolving problems through direct testimony and action on the evolution of mentalities.” – Michel Christolhomme, Social Photography, Photo Poche
Dear Shaded Viewers,
The Fonds de dotation Neuf Cinq – Robert Delpire, Sarah Moon has launched the first edition of the Social Photography Grant, awarded to Pierre Faure for his project “La France périphérique.”
Social journalism has evolved dramatically through the lens of photography, transforming from simple documentation to a powerful engine for social awareness and activism. Early pioneers like Mathew Brady and John Thomson brought the realities of conflict and poverty to public attention in the 19th century, while photo magazines in the 1920s–1950s revolutionized storytelling and cemented photography’s role as the heart of human empathy and witness. Today, the rise of digital media and social platforms has democratized this tradition, allowing both professional photographers and citizen journalists to illuminate injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and prompt action in real time.
Prominent photographers at the forefront of social activism include Robert Capa, whose images of war changed how we perceive conflict; Margaret Bourke-White, celebrated for documenting the plight of the dispossessed; Dorothea Lange, whose work during the Great Depression exposed rural poverty; and W. Eugene Smith, known for poignant essays on human suffering. Contemporary leaders in the field continue this legacy, including Sebastião Salgado, who has chronicled global migrations and humanitarian crises, and Steve McCurry, whose “Afghan Girl” image became an icon for refugee struggles.
A new era of visual advocacy emerges as the Social Photography Grant is unveiled—a tribute to the enduring evolution of social journalism through the art of photography. From the daguerreotype’s historic reveal to the digital transformation that democratizes modern reporting, photojournalism has evolved from the hands of pioneers like Mathew Brady to the citizen journalists of today. Each image, whether by Robert Capa at the front lines or Margaret Bourke-White amidst industry’s shadows, has shaped public policy and the pulse of compassion.
In this spirit, the inaugural grant—bestowed upon Pierre Faure for “La France périphérique”—honors the photographer as witness, advocate, and architect of change. Faure’s enduring commitment joins a lineage that includes Dorothea Lange, W. Eugene Smith, and Sebastião Salgado—artists whose lenses continue to expose invisible lives, mobilize empathy, and foster accountability. Alongside him, Sarah Leduc’s unflinching portraits of exiled women in “Tillandsias”
The Social Photography Grant is not simply a recognition—it is a call to action. With every frame, these photographers light the shadows of neglect and give dignity to those too often overlooked, renewing journalism’s greatest promise: to connect, inform, and ignite transformation. The prize supports investigative and activist photography that documents social issues and advocates for those affected, aiming to shape public consciousness and drive change. The award continues Robert Delpire’s legacy in social photography, giving €10,000 with no requirement for a specific exhibition or publication, simply to allow visionary photographers to advance their vital work. A second support prize of €5,000 goes to Sarah Leduc for “Tillandsias, the Journeys of Women in Exile.” Sarah Leduc is honored for her unflinching portrayal of exiled women—nomads in search of refuge and dignity—her work “Tillandsias” marking the windswept journeys and resonant strength of those persistently finding hope.Candidates were nominated by the jury and the Neuf Cinq Fund, including acclaimed photographers explored by a distinguished jury. The fund also honors the memory of Magali Jauffret, a journalist for l’Humanité, who supported the Robert Delpire Book Prize and contributed to this new grant.
The jury, guided by the spirits of Sarah Moon, Quentin Bajac, Jos Chidlovsky, Michel Christolhomme, Anouk Grinberg, Emmanuelle Kouchner, and Natacha Wolinski, stand as sentinels at the frontier of visual witness.
The Social Photography Grant seeks only to empower continued reflection, connection, and revelation. In every frame, in every story, the pulse of France’s precarity is rendered visible, echoing far beyond the confines of the gallery space, an aesthetic vow to justice and empathy.
Later,
Diane
