Photographer based between France, Northern Africa and Gulf Countries
Valentin Valette
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
It was probably my background in the humanities and social sciences — and a lot of travel — that led me to photography. While studying sociology and anthropology, I had the chance to keep developing my photographic practice through various experiences abroad. My early projects were very much shaped by an ethnographic approach.
“I try to create a space of tension between observation and intimacy. I’m drawn to places undergoing transformation — whether political, ecological, or personal — and I seek to photograph them with both care and critical distance."
Sons of Omani entrepreneurs pose for a portrait in their neighborhood reserved for local investors. Qantab, January, 2023, Sultanate of Oman.
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I am currently working on the second chapter of my long-term exploration of the new political, economic, and social directions taking shape in the Persian Gulf. After an initial project in the Sultanate of Oman, I now aim to delve deeper into this theme, this time focusing on Saudi Arabia and its "Vision 2030" initiative.
In parallel, I continue to gather images for my ongoing project about returning to the Pyrenees. I am also developing a body of work on agricultural landscapes in the desert regions of North Africa.
Abandoned labor camp near the large-scale Yiti construction site. Yiti, Sultanate of Oman, January 2023.
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
I often look through the artistic work of fellow photographers and artists. Some of them are truly beautiful and deeply inspiring. I'd also say that my lifestyle in the mountains probably helps me find a certain kind of inspiration — but ultimately, it's the present moment that takes over. Music as well, music is important.
Where do ideas start for you?
My background in research often leads me to approach my subjects through reading, especially scientific literature. Academic work can offer valuable insights on a wide range of topics and helps me better contextualize what I'm exploring. That said, my approach also depends on the location. When I'm working in places I'm familiar with, fieldwork tends to take the lead. But when documenting a new country or an unfamiliar environment, I prefer to structure and frame my subject more deliberately beforehand by meeting people, locals, friends or experts.
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
I try to create a space of tension between observation and intimacy. I’m drawn to places undergoing transformation — whether political, ecological, or personal — and I seek to photograph them with both care and critical distance.
I believe my style has gradually emerged through fieldwork — especially by returning to the same places, meeting people again, letting time shape the narrative. The mountain landscapes where I live also influence how I look at things: there’s a slowness, a sense of patience, that informs the way I photograph.
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I’m often traveling, especially in the Arab world, and when I return, I recharge in my countryside home in the Pyrenees. Connected to the mountains, this place involves often outdoor work like renovation, maintenance, and preparing firewood. It’s also where I host friends and reflect on or develop my projects — my own personal artist residency, you could say. By the way, we are actually finishing the renovation of the house to transform it as a visual residency house. Stay tune!
Who are your biggest influences?
David Lynch, Bon Iver, John Maus
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
I enjoy reading books and watching films, but I’m not sure that’s where my photographic inspiration really comes from. I've started reading Aki Shimazaki again though, I really enjoy her work, especially during the summer haha.
Festival Circulations, Paris 2025 Ashes of the Arabian's Pearl
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve probably been given was to return to the place I was documenting. Taking a step back during a long-term project and coming back to it later allows the work to develop in a much deeper way. After experiencing it myself, I’ve found it incredibly valuable to let the work mature by returning a second time or even multiple times to the field. I highly recommend it.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
The same that we gave me before "let the work mature by returning a second time or even multiple times to the field."
Left: Two Pakistani workers from the capital's municipal garden maintenance team climb a palm tree to prune it. Muscat, January 2023, Sultanate of Oman.
Right: A sunset portrait of a Bengali worker showering outdoors. Most workers are housed in bungalows and shower in the open air. Birkat el Mouz, January 2023, Sultanate of Oman.
Stay up to date with Valentin Valette
Website valentinvalette.com
Instagram @valentin.valette