Raymond Depardon, born in Villefranche-sur-Saône in 1942, belongs to a generation of French photographers reluctant to over-interpret its subjects. Depardon developed a profound love for the Middle East and the desert, recurrent themes in his later work. In 1967 an encounter with Gilles Caron led to the founding of Gamma, through which they were assigned to the most troubled parts of the world. In 1973 Depardon became Gamma’s director. From 1975 to 1977 he travelled in Chad and received a Pulitzer Prize in 1977. The next year Depardon left Gamma to become a Magnum associate, then a full member in 1979, when he also received a George Sadoul Prize for his film Numéro Zéro.

Depardon’s numerous awards include the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the César Award for Best Documentary and a nomination for an Academy Award. His books with Steidl include Villes/Cities/Städte (2007) and Manhattan Out (2008).