Stephane Coutelle

Stéphane Coutelle is a renowned fine art and beauty photographer whose career spans several decades and artistic realms. Born in Paris in 1962, Coutelle has consistently embraced reinvention, allowing his passion for visual storytelling to evolve and flourish. In the vibrant 1980s, he made a name for himself shooting fashion editorials and celebrity portraits, capturing the essence of iconic figures. The following decade saw him transition into the realm of painting, where he created large, mesmerizing portraits that reflected his deep understanding of human emotion. However, his love for photography proved irresistible, and he returned to the medium, establishing himself as a global authority in beauty advertising photography and filmmaking. Coutelle's artistic contributions are further highlighted by his five published books: *Me Myself and I* (1995), *Shoebox Studio* (2012), *Insomnies* (2014), *CARBONE* (2019), and *2020* (2021). His work from *Insomnies* was showcased in Paris at ArtStudioK gallery in 2014 as part of the esteemed Le Mois de la Photo program and later at Artcube Gallery in 2018. Subsequent exhibitions in Paris celebrated the releases of *CARBONE* and *2020*, solidifying his status in the contemporary art scene. In 2019, Coutelle, alongside his life partner Barbara Moors, founded La Belle Étoile*, a publishing house and online gallery dedicated to showcasing exceptional artistic talent. His keen eye for casting and passion for portraiture have led to collaborations with some of the most beautiful and influential women in the industry, including Monica Bellucci, Laetitia Casta, and Natalia Vodianova, many of whom posed for him long before achieving fame. Coutelle's signature style is characterized not by flashy effects, but by a profound visual intimacy—each photograph resonates with the strength of the connection forged between the subject and the lens. This unique approach captures the essence of special encounters that unfold within his studio. Since 2019, Coutelle has shared his expertise as a portrait photography instructor at the prestigious École des Gobelins in Paris. In 2021, he ventured into still life photography with his evocative series, *Les fleurs suppliciées*, and in 2022, he embarked on a significant project focusing on the complexities of adolescence. Stéphane Coutelle continues to captivate audiences with his artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography.