Since its founding, The Selects Gallery has proudly partnered with renowned French photographer Patrick James Michel. A global traveler and ethnologist, Michel has journeyed through many places around the world such as France, India, the United States and Africa. His work has always revolved around universal themes, with a particular focus on the intricate connection between humanity, nature, and cultural preservation. His unique ability to capture both the energy and essence of his subjects has made him a celebrated figure in documentary photography. Throughout his career, Michel has explored everything from indigenous tribes to the raw movement of animals and people, delivering profound visual stories that highlight overlooked communities and natural landscapes.

As mentioned in a previous article, one of his most notable achievements is his book FIVE (published by STEIDL in 2004), which explores the five elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Cosmos—across five continents. Each element is represented by a series of photographs taken in culturally and geographically distinct regions, offering an intimate look at how people interact with their environments.
In recent years, Michel has been working on Lands of Resonance, a book that further explores spiritual and cultural narratives through the lens of animist beliefs, shamans, Sadhu Nagas, and Buddhist monks. This work continues his tradition of examining how deeply held beliefs shape people’s lives and their relationship with the world around them.

Beyond these publications, Michel’s body of work reflects a dedication to capturing moments of authenticity, from tribal life to ranchers in the American West, all while using vintage photographic equipment that brings a timeless quality to his images. His photographs remain a testament to the beauty and resilience of cultures across the world, as well as a reminder of the need to preserve these traditions for future generations.

Patrick James Michel currently has two significant exhibitions in France: one solo in Draguignan and another as part of a group show in Monaco.

Portraits of Shepherds, Between Tradition and Modernity | Exhibition in Draguignan, France
September 12 - January 26 at the Musée Des Arts Et Traditions Populaires

This exhibition showcases a series he launched in January 2024, when he traveled to the Haut Var region, in France, to connect with local farmers. His work features traditional French shepherds who continue the ancient practice of raising livestock in the mountains, following the seasonal migrations. Using vintage 1920s cameras, Michel shot these portraits in black-and-white, 4x5 format, emphasizing the enduring legacy of this tradition. He always find a way to skillfully align the choice of photographic technology with the essence of his subjects.

“Photographer Patrick James Michel visited the farmers in these villages, equipped with his 19th-century cameras, and gave them a voice. During these conversations, he recorded their concerns but, above all, their hopes of contributing to the preservation of this protected heritage for future generations.”

“The gazes of the shepherds I’ve portrayed shaped the stories I once had about this pastoral world, where adapting to the contemporary era mirrors Darwin's theory of evolution. According to him, species have had to change in order to survive and adapt to the shifts in their environment.

The authenticity of these portraits lies first and foremost in their invaluable collaboration. These photo portraits, which are partly fictional, touch on a reality shaped by change and conflict that belongs to the present.

Their words are factual realities, while the images hold historical and social significance. It’s a semi-naturalist testimony captured using a 1920 Graflex camera with 4x5-inch black-and-white film, powered solely by natural daylight. The minimalism in these photographs resonates: each subject is approached head-on, and only the vacant gaze of the lens is offered. The shepherds' poses, conscious yet stripped down, fully contribute to the portrayal of unadorned faces in their personal stories.

As American photographer Richard Avedon used to say, “A portrait is an image of someone who knows they are being photographed."

Eclats d’Art | Exhibition in Monaco
October 12 - 26, 2024 at Espace 22

Patrick James Michel is currently presenting large-format works of the Samburu tribe from Kenya, at Éclats d’Art, an exceptional group exhibition featuring nine talented artists.

This dynamic event celebrates creativity in all its forms, uniting contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds. From paintings and sculptures to photography, each piece masterfully captures light and emotion, offering viewers a rich and immersive visual experience.

Lokimaniki is a powerful photography by Patrick James Michel. He captured a warrior from the African semi-nomadic Samburu tribe. Now based in Kenya after migrating from Sudan centuries ago, the Samburu people have remarkably preserved their traditional way of life. The warriors, tasked with protecting their communities and herds during their migrations, wear intricate headpieces and facial adornments, symbolizing their deep care for the tribe and their own sense of beauty. This delicate balance of strength and elegance is captured beautifully in Michel’s lens, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their world.

Patrick James Michel has already two exhibitions planned for next year:

February 2025: Group exhibition featuring large-format photographs of the Bilmawens, in Saint Paul de Vence.
Fall 2025: Solo Exhibition on shamans at the L'Angle Gallery, Hendaye.

The Selects Gallery is proud to feature this talented photographer among its artists. Explore our curated selection of Michel's photography.

Read Patrick James Michel: Capturing the World’s Vibrant Diversity Through his Lens

Patrick James Michel: Multiple shows in France and Monaco