Christophe Jacrot - inspiring in the face of adversity
When most photographers pack up their gear and retreat indoors at the first sign of rain, Christophe Jacrot heads out into the storm. Known for his evocative and atmospheric photography, Jacrot has built a career out of embracing adverse weather conditions that many would consider a hindrance.
I first came across Christophe’s work some time ago, and have remained impressed whenever our paths have intersected. This culminated with a simple Christmas gift of a book (Lost in the Beauty of Bad Weather), one that I have admired for some time.
Christophe’s work transforms rain, snow, fog, and overcast skies into essential elements of his storytelling, offering viewers a unique perspective on urban life and landscapes. By deliberately seeking out these less-than-ideal conditions, he captures moments that are often overlooked—a fleeting umbrella in a downpour, headlights piercing a foggy road, or footprints vanishing into freshly fallen snow.
About the Artist
Christophe Jacrot is a contemporary photographer living in Paris. Starting in cinema, he turned his attention to photography as a way to ease financial constraints. A commission to produce sunny images of Paris for a tourist brochure proved to be a turning point in his career, as constant rain forced him to shoot more untraditional images of Paris in bad weather, which later found success.
Since that time the photographer has captured many cities, always seeking out bad weather and resulting in a number of publications, similar to the book gifted to me.
Harnessing the Mood of the Storm
Jacrot’s images are a testament to his ability to turn inclement weather into a creative advantage. Rain-soaked streets become canvases of shimmering reflections, snow-laden alleys exude tranquility, and mist-enshrouded cityscapes suggest mystery. By deliberately seeking out these less-than-ideal conditions, he captures moments that are often overlooked—a fleeting umbrella in a downpour, headlights piercing a foggy road, or footprints vanishing into freshly fallen snow.
Weather, for him, is more than just a backdrop. It is a character in its own right, shaping the mood and texture of each photograph. Raindrops, snowflakes, and fog are not obstacles in his work; they are tools to shape his vision.
A welcomed Christmas gift
Conclusion: Embracing the Unpredictable
Christophe Jacrot’s photography reminds us that beauty can be found in the unexpected and that even the gloomiest days hold moments of magic. By embracing the unpredictable and challenging conditions of adverse weather, Jacrot has carved a niche that celebrates the poetry of imperfection.
His work inspires photographers to look beyond conventional “perfect” conditions and invites all of us to see the world through a more introspective lens. The next time you see storm clouds rolling in, perhaps you’ll think of Christophe Jacrot and consider stepping outside, camera in hand, ready to find the art in the rain.
I will leave you with some of my own Jacrot favorites, along with video interview of the man himself.
