As a twelve year old Parisian boy, I chose a camera over a bicycle for my First Communion present. Eight years later, in October of 1962, I left France for New York. I spoke no English and was overwhelmed by the American Metropolis.

In the Spring of 1963 I bought my first professional camera at Willoughby’s, a Hasselblad C with three lenses. With the 150mm “portrait” lens I took to the street to get lost and to connect with people through photography. One year later I bought a Pentax and a Leica M3 with which I took more photos on the street. At the same time I started freelancing doing portraiture and weddings.

Eventually I was introduced to Lisette Model by a mutual friend. Both she and my printer recommended that I seek out Alexey Brodovitch. Consequently, I registered at Brodovitch’s “Design Laboratory” which led me to a new path, a life devoted to photography and visual poetry.