Johan Letellier

Johan Letellier is a French fine art photographer whose work evokes deep emotion, poetic sensibility, and powerful storytelling through the lens. With over 30 years of experience in photography, Johan’s practice blends classic black-and-white aesthetics with contemporary themes of resilience, vulnerability, and human depth.

 

His journey into photography began in 1995 during a formative trip to Lapland, where he was profoundly inspired by the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Though originally trained as a plumber, Johan soon immersed himself in the world of analog photography, attending workshops to learn traditional black-and-white printing techniques. For two decades, he worked as a dermatological photographer, honing his technical precision while developing a deeply personal and expressive artistic voice.

 

Letellier’s imagery often captures fleeting moments, emotional subtleties, and symbolic narratives—seen particularly in his powerful series exploring themes such as domestic violence, grief, and the strength of the human spirit. His work has been exhibited across France and internationally, including recent showcases in Angoulême, Paris, and as part of the 2025 Émoi Photographique Festival. He has collaborated with artists such as Catherine Chabert and explored profound subjects like Butoh dance and Kintsugi women through his lens.

 

Johan’s artistic achievements have earned him numerous international awards:

 

• Photographer of the Year 2023, Portrait Photography Awards (Dodho Magazine, Barcelona)

• Gold Medal 2025, Studio Photography, Black & White Photo Awards, Paris

• Silver Medal, Fine Art Nude category (2024 & 2025), Black & White Photo Awards, Paris

• Bronze Medal, Fine Art Nude (2024), Black & White Photo Awards, Paris

 

In 2025, Johan was also featured in an in-depth interview in Dodho Magazine, where he reflected on the role of authenticity in photography, the impact of visual saturation, and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic path.

 

Letellier describes photography as his lifelong passion, a medium that brings poetry to his daily life and grants him the extraordinary freedom to express imagination without compromise.

 

“Images are windows into lives. I photograph to surprise myself as much as others.”

 

Johan continues to explore new creative directions while staying rooted in his core belief: that meaningful photography is born from emotion, honesty, and the courage to see beauty in the truth.