The Paparazzi

“Photographer is much more than a simple profession, it is a deep passion, an unwavering vocation. Behind each paparazzi there is above all a photographer who is a bit of a hunter and a bit of an adventurer”.

Between Paris and Hollywood, the results of 30 years of star hunting around the world. Sébastien Valiela is the undisputed king of paparazzi nicknamed “the terror of presidents”. His photos have travelled the world several times and appeared on more than 600 magazine covers. With him, we break into the private lives of celebrities, from Johnny to Sharon Stone, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but also that of the last three presidents of the French Republic…

The world’s most daring paparazzi has captured the key moments of many celebrities and leaders. On his track record: Mick Jagger, Vanessa Paradis, Claudia Schiffer, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton , Kim Karsashian, Alain Delon, Jack Nicholson, Keith Richards, Cindy Crawford, Richard Gere, Victoria Beckham, Morgan Freeman, Robert de Niro, P!nk, Taylor Swift, David Lynch, Donald Trump… President again: the photographer spent two years with the Macron couple, capturing their daily life with authenticity. His photos go well beyond the simple scoop: they tell historical moments and fragments of the intimate lives of great figures. He was also the sole witness to the BRI assault during the Hyper Cacher hostage-taking, offering images of unique intensity.

This collection, rich in funny and captivating stories, plunges into the heart of the spectacle society described by Guy Debord. Sébastien Valiela, as a visionary paparazzi, reveals behind the scenes of an era marked by images. More than a book, this work reveals the impact of photography on our contemporary culture and offers a fascinating look at the personalities who shape our society.

Text in English and French.