Maeva Lassere in « Didon et Énée » by Blanca Li | © Laurent Paillier · 2025
Maeva Lassere in « Didon et Énée » by Blanca Li | © Laurent Paillier · 2025
Laurent Paillier, a contemporary dance photographer for nearly 35 years, is a world reference in capturing the emotions and movements of dancers. His work, exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Théâtre National du Châtelet and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, explores the connections between dance, photography and fine art, with a unique approach blending photojournalism and artistic creation.
With a photo library of over 60,000 images, he collaborates with world-renowned choreographers such as Carolyn Carlson and Pina Bausch, and publishes award-winning books like Danser la Peinture (Grand Prix de la Critique 2016).
His approach, at the crossroads of fine art and photojournalism, makes him a reference in contemporary dance photography, where each image tells a story between movement and emotion.
« Your eyes of profound observations through the lens of imprints — the still moments of catching imagination. Merci. »
« Thank you for your photographs, so powerful. Your entire book is wonderful! »
Photographic archive · 1990 – present
Present on French and international stages since 1990, Laurent Paillier has built one of the most coherent and continuous photographic archives dedicated to contemporary and classical dance. A unique visual heritage documenting an entire generation of choreographers — from the great foundational figures to emerging companies.
A selection of choreographers documented in the archive
For institutions & researchers
The archive is accessible to museums, libraries, universities, publishers and journalists. Every image is indexed by choreographer, company, work and date. Rights managed through SAIF and directly for institutional use.
For dance companies
Your own company may already be documented in the archive — hundreds of companies have been photographed since the 1990s. Contact us for personalised access or licensing.
A selection of works exploring the connections between dance, emotion and photography.
A danced counter-history of art, where 11 choreographers interpret 11 major artists.
Exploring motherhood among professional dancers.
The four elements in the latest creations of the German choreographer.
A tribute to the dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet.
Water as a central element in contemporary dance, through 12 photographs.
Portraits of dancers from around the world — a celebration of beauty through movement across cultures.
A tribute to choreographer Carolyn Carlson through poetic images.
A photographic journey into traditional Tahitian dance, at Jean-Marie Biret's Papara Festival.
Portraits of contemporary choreographers through their gaze and posture.
A good dance photograph captures emotion, movement and the decisive moment where the dancer's body tells a story. In Laurent Paillier's work, each image results from a close collaboration with choreographers and a deep understanding of dance.
You can purchase limited and numbered art prints directly from Artmajeur, The Art Cycle Gallery or Saatchi Art. Each print comes with a certificate of authenticity and is available in multiple formats.
Laurent Paillier offers turnkey touring exhibitions for libraries, conservatories and cultural centres, as well as professional photo library access for media and publishers. Your company may already be documented in the archive — browse the photo library or get in touch directly.
The photographic archive is accessible to publishers, journalists, researchers and cultural institutions. Rights are managed through SAIF and directly for institutional use. Contact photo@laurentpaillier.net or browse the online photo library.