Regis Duvignau

Regis Duvignau

Based
Bordeaux, France
Born
Bordeaux, France
Status
Photographer
“When we think a story is impossible to shoot, that’s when it gets really exciting.”

Beat

I cover all sorts of news, features, sports and entertainment stories.

One Shot

. YVES, France. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
A resident of Yves cleans plates in the flooded street in front of her home, after a severe storm swept western France.
“I shot this image while walking down a street where all the houses had been destroyed by a storm. I saw this woman washing up plates, which looked like they were all that was left of her home. Pictures like this are the reason I became a photographer – to show moments that seem unreal and intimate. For her, I was not there.”

Profile

My first job was as a photographer for the biggest regional newspaper in my area. After that, I worked as a freelancer for photo agencies in France such as Gamma, Sygma and Agence France-Presse. In 1985 I joined Reuters, and since then I’ve been covering 12 counties around Bordeaux.

My first assignment for Reuters was photographing a visit by France’s then-President Francois Mitterrand to southwest France and Spain. I learnt that it’s very important that every picture explains the story. Each image is a story, but it’s also a precious instant, unique and magical.

Today’s picture will not be possible tomorrow. One picture is one second that is recorded for eternity.

I am excited by all stories that are difficult. When we think a story is impossible to shoot, that’s when it gets really exciting.

I respect all people, because they can always perfect themselves a little bit more.

Behind the Scenes

Cannes, France
Reuters photographer Regis Duvignau take pictures of the action at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.