At 36 years old, Gaëtan Chiron has transformed from a casual skateboard videographer into a passionate self-taught photographer who captures life's fleeting moments with instinct and precision. Originally from Marmande in the Lot-et-Garonne region of France, Chiron works as an educational assistant at Val de Garonne High School while pursuing his love for photography and skateboarding in his spare time. He is currently showcasing his work in an exhibition at Sauveterre-de-Guyenne in Gironde.
Chiron's journey into photography began almost a decade ago, rooted in his skateboarding community. "With skateboarding, we made quite a few videos with friends. We had invested in equipment for filming," he recalls. "In skating, photography and video are very present. One day, I said to myself: Why not buy a camera? That was in 2016." His approach to photography is spontaneous and intuitive – he often positions himself around skate parks, captures landscapes, or takes candid shots, always focusing on "the present moment and instinct," as he repeatedly emphasizes.
The passion for visual storytelling wasn't entirely foreign to this Marmande native. "I've always loved photography. When I was younger, I regularly had a disposable camera in my hands. My father and grandfather very often took photos during our vacations," Chiron explains. Since purchasing his first proper camera, he has never looked back, learning everything from A to Z through online tutorials, YouTube videos, and investing in professional equipment.
As a self-taught photographer, Chiron refuses to limit himself to any single genre. He photographs skaters in action, captures the landscapes of the Marmande region, and documents cultural events such as Garorock, Urbance, and the Journalism Festival in Couthures-sur-Garonne through various collaborations with CFM Radio, Lullaby Radio, and ARD Radio. "I'm trying to have a style and a perspective that's my own when it comes to photography," he states. "It's easier said than done because when you start out and you're self-taught, many of us look at what others do and copy. Gradually, with experience, I began to really have my own touch. You have to know how to break free from rules and advice."
This long-term dedication has enabled Chiron, who is one of the co-founders of the "RoueTine" association in Marmande, to exhibit his work both in the past and currently at the Les Artstypiques shop in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, Gironde. "I've already exhibited for Urbance in the past with photos that were taken during the festival. There were several photographers exhibiting, including Boris Le Turnier and Alexandre Bardou, who are friends," he notes. His current exhibition, which began in July and runs until September 30 with an opening reception on September 5 at 6:30 PM, features landscapes with bridges as a connecting thread throughout certain photographs.
The choice of subject matter for his current exhibition reflects Chiron's artistic philosophy. "I didn't necessarily do portraits because I didn't want to personify a photo. I wanted to stay as neutral as possible and let everyone have the opportunity to appropriate my work," he explains. This approach demonstrates his understanding of how viewers interact with photographic art and his desire to create universally accessible imagery.
While the 36-year-old Marmande resident shares some of his shots on his Facebook page "Gaëtan Chiron Photographe aufildutemps.photos," he admits he's not particularly enthusiastic about social media platforms. "For a while, I used Instagram. But I stopped because it took time and the feedback was less. The app was putting more emphasis on videos and reels," he sighs. "I turned to Facebook because I was following photographer friends' pages. But my goal, especially for more personal photos and landscapes, isn't necessarily to put them on the web. I prefer to print them and exhibit them. To see them for real. On Facebook, I share my collaborations." He also shares his photography on the Flickr website, maintaining a more curated online presence.
Looking toward the future, Chiron has set his sights on astrophotography, a discipline that combines astronomy and photography to capture celestial objects. "I need more time and more advanced equipment," he explains, while adding his other ambitions: "Then, I'd like to create two worked series on concerts and skateboarding. Why not collaborate with photographer friends? There will definitely be a project." This expansion into new photographic territories shows his continued growth as an artist and his willingness to challenge himself technically.
Until then, Chiron will continue to capture countless moments according to his desires and discoveries, building his portfolio and refining his distinctive style. His current exhibition at Les Artstypiques in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne highlights scenes where nature and human remnants meet, running from July 2 through September 30, 2025, with the opening reception scheduled for September 5 starting at 6:30 PM. Those interested in following his work can find him on Facebook under "Gaëtan Chiron Photographe aufildutemps.photos."
