Visa pour l’Image: a festival that speaks the language of photography

Two weeks ago, I came back from Perpignan, where Visa pour l’Image — the world’s leading festival of photojournalism — took place. The professional week stretched over six days, and even just a few days immersed in that environment were so intense that it felt like standing right inside the beating heart of contemporary photojournalism.

© Sergey Vishnevskiy

During those days, Perpignan turned into one big open-air photo club. Narrow streets, historic buildings, small cafés — and almost every passerby with a camera over their shoulder. Honestly, it felt as if the entire city had suddenly decided to become photographers.

The exhibitions were hosted in museums, old hotels, and churches. In one hall you could see the harsh reality of Salvadoran prisons, in another — the everyday struggles of fishermen in China and the Philippines. This festival isn’t about “pretty pictures,” but about stories that stay with you.

The professional week was packed with lectures, portfolio reviews, and meetings with editors from the world’s top media outlets. Most of the conversations were in French, but at the big sessions we were given headsets with live English translation — which made things much easier.

In the afternoons, the whole of Perpignan became a stage for informal networking. Evenings unfolded in cozy restaurants and cafés: glasses of wine, Aperol spritz, and conversations that bonded people as much as the official program.

© Sergey Vishnevskiy

Canon played a special role this year: they set up a massive photo lounge and brought their full gear lineup. Anyone could borrow a camera or a lens to test it right during the festival. I’ve always worked with Nikon equipment, and I admit I felt a little regret that no other brands were represented. But at the same time, it was a joy to see everyone get the chance to not only “touch” the latest gear but actually use it in real-life conditions.

The festival brings together colleagues from all over the world, although this year I mostly noticed Europeans — not many guests from overseas. Still, the density of communication was incredible: official panels in the morning, exhibitions in the afternoon, debates over a glass of wine in the evening.

© Sergey Vishnevskiy

For me, Visa pour l’Image is not just about photography. It’s about sharing experiences, building new connections, and having honest conversations about the profession. And most importantly — it’s a reminder that the power of photography lies in telling stories exactly as they are.

If you love documentary photography and want to feel the living heartbeat of the global photojournalism community, make sure to add Perpignan to your plans. This festival is the perfect place to get inspired and rethink your own path in the profession.