Laurent Baheux’s Words
Why this book?
“One morning, before sunrise, under a sliver of moon, I saw the kingly lion cross the gray plain, returning to his lair after abandoning a half-eaten prey. He left behind a dark trail in the silvery grass, his mouth still blood-red to his ears. And I also surprised him in the middle of his nap, surrounded by his family, lying in the short grass and the spring shadows of the acacias, in the heart of his African park.”
This tableau, extracted from Karen Blixen’s work, “Out of Africa,” imbued with wild beauty and indomitable strength, has resonated with me for a long time.
Through my lens, I’ve always sought to share these privileged moments where the king of the savannah reveals his majesty and vulnerability. I’ve taken each shot as an invitation to enter the intimacy of these fascinating felines and to rediscover the raw beauty of Africa.
Karen Blixen’s words, witnesses to a timeless encounter with a still-preserved wild nature, find an echo in my approach and my work.
If the Danish writer evoked the kingly lion with poetry, I, a contemporary photographer armed with a camera, seek to offer an even more intimate vision of these emblematic felines in a more artistic than naturalistic approach.
Since time immemorial, the lion has embodied animal royalty in the collective imagination. Its powerful roar, its imposing mane, and its majestic gait have made it a symbol of strength, courage, and domination. From cave paintings to modern representations, the feline has been associated with monarchs and gods, thus reinforcing its status as the undisputed sovereign of the savannah.
Many cultures around the world have adopted the lion as an emblem, linking it to notions of royalty, protection, and justice. Even today, the king of felines continues to inspire artists, writers, filmmakers, and photographers. This emblematic feline has crossed centuries, preserving its status as the undisputed king of the animal kingdom. Its image, laden with history and symbolism, continues to fascinate modern humans. From advertising to works of art, the lion is omnipresent, reminding us of our fascination with its power and our quest for strong references.
Pay tribute to the wild beauty and complexity of the lion.
Through my photographs, I wish to take you with me on a real immersion in the heart of Africa, in the world of these felines who, through observation, have become so familiar to me, to share their emotions while questioning our place in the animal world.
Because it has been part of my photographic history since my beginnings in the silver lab, I have chosen black and white to immortalize this wild world. I appreciate black and white for its wonderful ability to abstract from reality, especially in our era saturated with images…saturated with colors!
Photographing in black and white helps me to concentrate more on the shapes, the composition, on the play between light and shadow which for me constitutes the very essence of photography.To pay homage to the wild beauty and complexity of the lion, I invite you to join me on a deep dive into the heart of Africa, into the world of these felines who, through countless hours of observation, have become so familiar to me.
The book: first and foremost, to evoke emotion.
Building on the success of our book “ELEPHANT” published by HEMERIA, which captivated nearly 5000 readers, we’ve decided to create a sequel. This will be the second installment in a collection dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the wild world.
To fully immerse himself in the world of lions, Laurent Baheux explored countless trails and delved deep into his archives. He began photographing lions and all other great African wildlife as if undergoing therapy: to soothe his eyes, heart, and mind. The photographs he selected for this book were chosen with the same intention: to offer you beautiful images that are also healing.
Photography, far more than simply capturing a moment, can be a powerful tool for well-being. When we contemplate an image, we are transported to the heart of scenes that awaken our emotions. These stolen moments of beauty offer us an enchanted respite, a moment of peace where our worries fade away.
It is in this sensory immersion that lies the therapeutic power of images: by connecting us to positive emotions, they help soothe our minds and nourish our souls.
Nature, in all its splendor, has always been a source of inspiration and comfort for humanity. Photography, by capturing these moments of wild life, allows us to reconnect with the natural world on a deep level. Contemplating these images, we feel a sense of peace and serenity. It’s as if, through the lens, we can escape and recharge in the heart of a benevolent nature.
Excerpts from Karen Blixen’s writings inevitably accompany this journey to Africa. They express humanity’s fascination with the lion and the evolution of our relationship with the wild, from a world where these animals were not threatened to one where they are at risk of extinction.
The Object / The Collection
Format: 29 x 24 cm (square)
120 pages, two different paper types
70 photographs,
hardcover binding, cover stamped on raw cardboard 3+3 color printing on fine art paper
Colored endpapers
Foreword: TBD
Texts: TBD
Art Direction: Amélie Boutry
The book will be bilingual, French and English.
Delivery before Christmas 2024
If this crowdfunding campaign is successful, Laurent Baheux will entrust the publication of his book to the publishing house Hemeria. “LION” will benefit from the know-how and expertise of the production agency Printmodel, associated with Hemeria, which develops specific image processing and printing techniques.
How to support the project?
You have a choice between several available offers, including purchasing the book alone, or purchasing both ELEPHANT and LION together, as well as art prints at preferential prices.
Simply choose from the following offers, and when making your payment, don’t forget to indicate the reference of the print you have chosen.
Below are the different choices of photographs available for art prints, according to the formats.
IMPORTANT: DON’T FORGET TO INDICATE THE REFERENCE OF THE PHOTOGRAPH (FROM A TO F) YOU HAVE CHOSEN AT THE TIME OF PAYMENT IN THE “ORDER NOTES” SECTION.
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- Photo A
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- Photo B
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- Photo C
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- Photo D
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- Photo E
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- Photo F
About Laurent Baheux
Born in 1970 in Poitiers, France, he began his career as a self-taught photographer in the early 1990s, during the film era, working in regional sports journalism. To make a name for himself in the profession, he moved to Paris where he worked for major photo agencies and media specializing in international sports news. In 2002, tired of city life and the frenetic pace of the sports event calendar, he turned to Africa and the wild life of large land mammals. In 2007, after 5 years of capturing the savannah on film, he began to show his wildlife photographs, taken on the fly, instinctively, and by chance encounters with animals.
In 2009, he published his first book based on his work in Africa: “Terre des Lions” (Land of Lions), followed by “D’ivoire & d’ébène” (Ivory & Ebony) in 2011. In 2013, he became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and participated in the anti-poaching campaign Wild & Precious. Since then, he has advocated for the respect of life and natural habitats, against captivity and animal exploitation, and actively supports several organizations dedicated to protecting animals and wild territories.
Praised for their aesthetic power and authenticity, Laurent’s photographs have been featured in books, publications, exhibitions, and conferences, and are exhibited in galleries in France and abroad.
€49
The Book Lion at a discounted price (49€ instead of 59€)
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
25 Backers
€65
The book Lion signed by Laurent Baheux
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
13 Backers
€75
The book Lion signed and dedicated by Laurent Baheux
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
22 Backers
€79
Two books Lion at a discounted price (79€ instead of 118€)
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
0 Backers
€79
The book Lion + Elephant at a discounted price (79€ instead of 118€)
27 Backers
€99
The book Lion
+ A signed print 24x30cm
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
4 Backers
€350
Pack 10 Lion books at a discounted price (350€ instead of 590€)
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
0 Backers
€490
The book Lion
+ An art print in 40x60cm format, signed, (unnumbered, unframed), inkjet printed on Hahnemuhle Baryta 325g paper
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
Photo to choose between A, B, C, or D
Please indicate your choice in Order's Note
€750
The book Lion
+ An art print in 90x75cm format, signed, (unnumbered, unframed), inkjet printed on Hahnemuhle Baryta 325g paper
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
Photo to choose between A, B, C, or D
Please indicate your choice in Order's Note
€1200
The book Lion
+ An art print in 100x150 format, signed, (unnumbered, unframed), inkjet printed on Hahnemuhle Baryta 325g paper
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
Photo to choose between A, B, C, or D
Please indicate your choice in Order's Note
€1500
The book Lion
+ An art print in 60x80 cm format, signed and numbered, unframed, inkjet prints on thick natural white Awagami bizan 300g/m² paper.
1500€ instead of 2500€
+ Your name in the acknowledgements page
Photo to choose between E or F
Please indicate your choice in Order's Note
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Laure MONOT | 39€ | October 14, 2024 |
| nicolas lazeyras | 81€ | October 13, 2024 |
| Patrick Michalowski | 55€ | October 12, 2024 |
| Gil GRANDJEAN | 81€ | October 09, 2024 |
| Stéphanie BOSSARD | 85€ | October 07, 2024 |
| Mireille Collet | 55€ | October 07, 2024 |
| Jean Pierre Jagueneau | 81€ | October 06, 2024 |
| Laurence Schreder Lesbats | 85€ | October 06, 2024 |
| Enora Petit | 45€ | October 06, 2024 |
| Marine Simonnet | 45€ | October 06, 2024 |
| Seve FEUQUIERES | 55€ | October 06, 2024 |
| Justine Vergeot | 55€ | October 05, 2024 |
| Anonymous | 45€ | October 05, 2024 |
| virginie bouhet | 49€ | October 04, 2024 |
| MICKAEL HUET | 71€ | October 04, 2024 |
| Régine Marie Jeanne Monvoisin | 55€ | October 02, 2024 |
| Solveig Bouchard | 45€ | September 30, 2024 |
| Josiane PAUL | 71€ | September 29, 2024 |
| Sandra Gros Daillon | 79€ | September 29, 2024 |
| Valery Kreiss | 85€ | September 29, 2024 |
| Eric HOA | 55€ | September 28, 2024 |
| sandrine Berjonneau | 55€ | September 28, 2024 |
| Cédric Etienne | 85€ | September 28, 2024 |
| Emilien Delaplace | 81€ | September 27, 2024 |
| Alexis Houpillart (pour Carole) | 45€ | September 27, 2024 |
| Carole Fachin | 45€ | September 25, 2024 |
| Anna Donners | 89€ | September 25, 2024 |
| Charlotte Antebi | 49€ | September 25, 2024 |
| Cecile Degorce | 75€ | September 24, 2024 |
| Jean-louis PAGLIACCIA | 45€ | September 24, 2024 |
| Elizabeth Storms | 105€ | September 24, 2024 |
| Marie-Hélène COUVAL | 49€ | September 24, 2024 |
| Christel Plataroti | 81€ | September 24, 2024 |
| ANTHONY ESPOSITO | 45€ | September 23, 2024 |
| Gladyce Bocquillon | 45€ | September 22, 2024 |
| Patricia CHEVALET | 45€ | September 22, 2024 |
| Elodie Besson | 71€ | September 21, 2024 |
| Catherine ARNAULT | 75€ | September 21, 2024 |
| MARINE DETROYAT | 105€ | September 21, 2024 |
| erwann drivet | 85€ | September 20, 2024 |
| Delphine Maeseele | 39€ | September 20, 2024 |
| Claude Jacot | 97€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Alexandra MERIOT | 55€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Carole Zimmermann-Heitz | 45€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Manon THAUST | 81€ | September 19, 2024 |
| NATACHA MEMETEAU | 45€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Valérie Salengros | 85€ | September 19, 2024 |
| ARMELLE PRIEUR | 45€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Maryline Rouffineau | 85€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Laurence Le Lann | 85€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Sandra Caille | 45€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Eric Thomassin | 71€ | September 19, 2024 |
| Mohand Ahdjoudj | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| François LACOMBE | 105€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Xavier DELEPINE | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| claire ROSSI | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| HERVE DUFFAU | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Alexis Geghre | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| FALCO SCHMUTZ | 95€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Maëlenn Guerchet | 95€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Didier Ernwein | 75€ | September 18, 2024 |
| JEROME RABILLE | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Lionel Lietatd | 71€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Annie LE MASSON | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Charles Marchal | 49€ | September 18, 2024 |
| GREG NIRO | 71€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Martine KREBS | 75€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Christine Behague | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Virginie RAFFRAY | 45€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Sabine Apparuit | 49€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Marta Sophie Da Silva | 81€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Héloïse COLLIN | 81€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Anonymous | 85€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Anonymous | 55€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Cécile Reboul | 75€ | September 18, 2024 |
| Brigitte Huet | 81€ | September 17, 2024 |
| Marine Colin | 55€ | September 17, 2024 |
| Elodie et Fabien Conte | 85€ | September 17, 2024 |
| thomas duforestel | 85€ | September 17, 2024 |
| Jaideep Abraham | 95€ | September 17, 2024 |
| Isabelle HAMMOU | 81€ | September 17, 2024 |
| THIERRY CHAUCHARD | 85€ | September 17, 2024 |
| Laurent Massoulier | 55€ | September 16, 2024 |
| Barbara Youinou | 55€ | September 16, 2024 |
| Julien Alvarez | 55€ | September 16, 2024 |
| Fabien Brizard | 105€ | September 16, 2024 |
| Nicolas QUEUGNET | 105€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Erik Chudy | 89€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Laurence Damidaux | 49€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Aude Baranger | 55€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Fanette Gerard | 81€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Vincent Baudrat SAS HOME IS THE STORY | 85€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Franck Lambert | 85€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Thierry MAISONNAVE | 85€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Corine Dalla Verde | 55€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Stéphanie TANGUY | 55€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Leila Fourati | 89€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Florence Ferrand | 75€ | September 15, 2024 |
| Sandrine Chambaretaud | 81€ | September 14, 2024 |
| Christèle Moulin | 55€ | September 14, 2024 |
| Didier Clémence | 79€ | September 14, 2024 |
| Anonymous | 81€ | September 14, 2024 |
| Laure Filippi | 65€ | September 14, 2024 |
| Linda Deshayes | 79€ | September 14, 2024 |
| Latifa Bernardin | 85€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Chantal Sinico | 75€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Damien MESTRE | 89€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Laetitia ALFONSI | 65€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Isabelle Fernandes | 85€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Bastien Nivet | 75€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Fabienne DOUDOUX | 71€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Laurent Font | 55€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Estelle Paitry | 49€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Samira SEKKAÏ | 55€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Eric Avisse | 85€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Dominique Moccelin | 81€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Corinne ARNOULD | 81€ | September 13, 2024 |
| MOREAU Nathalie | 55€ | September 13, 2024 |
| Estelle Peru | 55€ | September 12, 2024 |
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