A Legacy in Photojournalism
Jean-François Leroy died in Paris on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 69. He was a central figure in global press photography as the founder and director of Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, France. The festival team confirmed the news on their official Instagram account, stating they are saddened by the loss of the man who led their international event for nearly four decades. Cancer caused his passing.
Born in Paris in 1956, Leroy began his lifelong engagement with images in a darkroom. His aunt, then the editor-in-chief of La Vie catholique, allowed him to experiment with processing film, sparking a professional interest that defined his career. He served as a photographer for Sipa Press and contributed to publications like Photo-Reporter and Photo-Revue. From 1985 to 1987, he worked as the editor-in-chief of Photo Magazine. He eventually turned his full attention to creating an event that would showcase the power of photojournalism to a global audience.
The Growth of a Global Institution
Under Leroy’s guidance, Visa pour l’Image transformed into the primary international gathering for the industry. The festival offers a free public platform each year in Perpignan, drawing over 220,000 visitors who come to view the best work in news photography. His commitment extended beyond simple exhibition, as the festival awards over $173,985 in prizes to working photographers annually. This financial support became a lifeline for many practitioners in an era where the business of news struggled to maintain traditional funding streams.
Leroy became known for his strict editorial standards. Peers often described his approach as uncompromising when it came to journalistic integrity. He received recognition from the French government for these efforts, including the titles of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres and Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite. His death marks the end of a long, influential tenure as the captain of a field he cared for deeply.
Shifting Sands in Industry Economics
Journalism faces a difficult period as traditional revenue models disappear. Leroy recognized this trend early. Newspapers cut costs, photo agencies folded, and freelance photographers found it harder to secure consistent pay. Many professionals were forced to move toward art world funding, NGOs, or independent grants to sustain their long-term reporting projects. Leroy watched this process with visible frustration, believing the industry was losing its way.
He aimed to build a bulwark against this decay. Visa pour l’Image provided more than just a stage for pictures; it offered a community where photographers found recognition and exposure when other sources of support dried up. Even as his health failed, he remained involved in the process. Managing director Delphine Lelu confirmed that Leroy participated in the preparation of the 2026 edition from start to finish. He missed the opening ceremony on Saturday for the first time in 38 years, signaling a somber turn for the festival’s community.
Looking Toward the Future
The passing of a founder usually forces a period of transition for any major cultural institution. Supporters and attendees will watch closely to see how the festival maintains its core mission without its long-time leader. Leroy’s work created a standard for the industry that persists despite the changing economic conditions. His contributions to the field of photography remain tangible, visible in the archives of nearly 40 years of exhibitions that changed how the public views the world through the lens of a camera.