Yet as much as Zazou, the painter in question, seemed at ease on the Eiffel tower's beams, it was certainly not the case for the photographer: "I was afraid of heights and had to close my eyes every time Zazou bent forward to dip his brush in paint…"

Despite his discomfort, his photograph was featured in Life magazine and numerous publications around the world. It was the image that launched this young photographer’s career. 

Fifteen years later, he brought his passion to the coverage of the May 1968 popular uprising which significantly changed France's norms and values.

He captured "a deserted Paris, where only tree branches, furniture, lampposts and other projectiles had been left behind on the pavement”. He thus revealed the severe disruptions and wild promises that took hold of the capital that spring.