For the series Vivre avec toit “ living with a roof”, I lived for two years with men and women who had finally found shelter after living on the street.

What would they make of their new lives? How would they get back on their feet? What was their daily routine? This is what I wanted to find out.

I soon realized the limits of photography. They all expressed their relief at having a roof over their heads, the difficulty in restarting their lives in a small space, their inability to take care of themselves on a daily basis. Photography was unable to capture these feelings, so I kept a small notebook where I meticulously recorded their words. I respected their style and expression, what was left unspoken, their errors and contradictions. This was not an interview, but rather a succession of small, intimate thoughts that they shared with me over time. 

Jean-Louis Courtinat

Read the full text of this article on the French version of Le Journal.

Jean-Louis Courtinat has been a photographer since 1981. For years he served as Robert Doisneau’s assistant, and was a member of the Rapho agency. He received the Prix Niepce in 1991.

Jean-Louis Courtinat : Vivre avec toit
From January 16th to February 23rd, 2013
Galerie Fait & Cause
58 rue Quincampoix
75004 Paris
France