In the fourteenth chapter of "The 13th Hour," we engage in a dialogue with Jérôme Favre, a storytelling photographer renowned for creating emotive connections through his compelling imagery.

During our conversation, we delve into his enduring projects like 'No One Like Us' and discuss how he immerses himself in a community, earning their trust before capturing their stories. We explore his passion for travel, reflect on his impactful project for Isobel Waller Bridge, and anticipate his dream brief documenting his beloved hometown club RC Lens. All this and more in another captivating installment of our 13th Hour series.

1 - At 13am, we aim to celebrate and showcase a broad range of creative roles, disciplines and skillsets. How would you describe yourself and your role within the creative world to those unfamiliar with your work?

I’m a documentary, portrait and commercial photographer working across a broad range of photography disciplines.

2 - Another aspect that sets 13am apart is our commitment to diversity and representation among our artists. Could you share a bit about your background and where you call home?

I’m originally from Northern France, and I moved to London, which I now call home, in 2005.

3 - How would you define your artistic style? Has it evolved or undergone any changes over time?

As a portrait and documentary photographer, I'd say that my practice is mostly about making human connections. It's about understanding people or communities and translating this understanding into compelling images.

4 - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an idea into a tangible piece of work?

If I'm shooting a documentary like 'No One Likes Us,' I'm in for the long haul. It's about immersing myself in a close-knit community and gaining trust over time. I usually have an idea in my head about what the images should look like, but with documentary, it's a very fluid and reactive process that you can't fully control.

If I'm shooting portraits in the studio, I research the person I'm shooting. For example, if it's a musician, I will listen to their music and try to understand what's behind it. I then create a mood board, which I share with the model and revise it collaboratively until we're both happy with it. That gives me a creative direction for the shoot.

5 - In terms of inspiration, where do you go to find this? Who were your main influencers and inspirations as you were growing up?

When I was younger, I was drawn to naturalistic documentary photographers with a social approach, such as Raymond Depardon, Nan Goldin, or Saul Leiter. While I still find inspiration in documentary photographers, these days I also draw inspiration from fashion and experimental photographers like Zhong Lin or Ren Hang.

6 - What advice would you offer aspiring artists or photographers looking to establish themselves in the industry?

Don’t worry about making mistakes, it’s part of the process, and hopefully you will learn from them. Mistakes and failures are part of the creative process. And it’s healthy to look up to other photographers, but if you’re just starting, don’t compare yourself to someone who has 10 years of experience in the industry!

7 - Creative roadblocks affect many individuals in our field. How do you unwind and revitalize your creative energy? Are there any hobbies or passions you pursue outside of your work?

I try to take a little time off from photography here and there, and I also try to recapture the beautiful naivety and innocent creativity you have when you start playing with a camera for the first time. Outside of work, I’m a keen traveller, an avid reader and a passionate cook with a love for meeting new people.

8 - Reflecting on your career, could you share a standout project or collaboration that you consider a highlight? How did the opportunity come about?

I love working with musicians and when Isobel Waller Bridge’s team contacted me to do a portrait shoot with her, that felt very special indeed.

9 - Can you provide a little insight into your current projects and any upcoming plans you have in the pipeline? Is there anything we should be looking out for in the not too distant future?

I’m currently very busy with commercial photography so I have no ongoing documentary project, but that’s definitely something I’d like to come back to – I just need to find the right project and have a little time to dedicate to it. But you can look out for a lot more studio work!

10 - What has your experience been like collaborating with 13am thus far, and what motivated you to join forces with us?

It’s brand new, but George was so passionate about this project that he won me over very easily. And of course, sharing this platform with so many great artists is a fantastic privilege.

11 - Looking ahead, what would be your dream project or client to tackle in the future?

I’d love to do another documentary about football culture, and the dream would be to shoot a documentary about my hometown club of RC Lens, in Northern France.

12 - To conclude on a lighter note, imagine hosting a dinner party where you could invite four individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?

Leonard Cohen, The Cramps, Lou Reed, John Cage, Dev Hynes and Paul McCartney, just to have a good old chat about music and writing.

13 - If you were granted the power of time travel, which historical event would you choose to witness firsthand, and what intrigues you about it?

Athens around 350 BC, to witness the birth of Western civilisation. In fact, Athens, any time – I just love it there.