What does it really take to photograph the world’s biggest stars? Mickael Chavet shares his approach, stories from the field, and a few tips for anyone hoping to capture the magic behind the scenes.
Mickael Chavet: Inside Celebrity Photography, Red Carpet Glamour and Olympic Moments
Photographer Mickael Chavet has mastered the art of photographing public figures, from high-pressure Olympics photojournalism to the glamorous world of red carpet photography. In this exclusive conversation by The Game Magazine, the seasoned photojournalist shares his unique perspective on celebrity photography and what it takes to capture iconic moments on the world’s biggest stages. From Simone Biles soaring through the air at the Olympic Games to the stars posing on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, photojournalist Mickael Chavet reveals the stories and techniques behind his most memorable shots. This interview offers inspiration and valuable insights for professional photographers, aspiring shooters, entertainment industry insiders, and pop culture fans alike.
“If you are passionate, go for it. Be respectful of everyone and truthful to yourself, curious, and invisible when needed. Trends change, but integrity and sensitivity never go out of style.” – Mickael Chavet.
Discover IMAGO’s exclusive collection of celebrity and red carpet moments captured by photographer Mickael Chavet.
The Art of Photographing Public Figures: A Conversation with the Photographer Mickael Chavet
By Camila Diaz Salas
Meet Mickael Chavet, a French photojournalist with a front-row seat to some of the world’s biggest cultural events. Specializing in celebrity photography and event photography, he has captured everything from Olympic triumphs to red carpet elegance at the Cannes Film Festival. With a focus on emotion, authenticity, and the moments most people overlook, Mickael offers a rare perspective on what it really takes to photograph public figures in the spotlight. In this interview, he reflects on his approach, his instincts, and the quiet power of staying behind the scenes.
To begin with, tell us about who Mickael Chavet is.
I’m Mickael Chavet, a French-born photographer working with IIMAGO’s partner agency. I am a photojournalist who covers the world’s biggest cultural stages, from the Olympic Games and UEFA Champions League to major Film Festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and beyond. My lens lives where emotional intensity meets elegance, whether it’s the final whistle or the red carpet.
How long have you been working as a photographer, and how did you become interested in photography?
Over 15 years now. Photography began as a form of observation for me, a way to listen with my eyes. I remember a photo of myself, age 3, with my mother’s camera around my neck. I guess what started as a fascination with movement and light grew into a profession rooted in hard work, passion, instinct, and curiosity.
You’ve photographed many notable figures from Olympians to Hollywood and Royalty. How do you navigate the line between being an invisible observer and an active participant in these high-profile moments?
Funny enough, my Instagram tag is @theinvisiblesilence. To me, presence without intrusion is everything, because I am a firm believer that truth is beauty. I aim to blend in just enough to anticipate the moment before it happens — not to control it, but to respect its truth. Sometimes the best way to see is to let others forget you’re looking.
“Sometimes the best way to see is to let others forget you’re looking.” – Mickael Chavet.
Do you view events like Cannes as choreographed performances? How do you find authenticity in such staged environments?
Yes, Cannes is choreography, a sumptuous one. Authenticity comes when you photograph the silences between the poses, the gestures behind the glamour, the slight exhale before a flash. That’s the real story.
Whether it’s a triumphant athlete or a poised actress, how do you sense and capture the underlying emotions in your subjects?
I try to read the body language as much as possible. Often, the image comes just after the ‘main’ moment, when the subject lets go. Experience in knowing your subjects can be helpful, but keeping an open mind is even more so.
“Authenticity comes when you photograph the silences between the poses, the gestures behind the glamour, the slight exhale before a flash. That’s the real story.” – Mickael Chavet.
How do you craft a narrative through a single image, especially in the fast-paced settings of fashion shows and red carpet events?
You stay still inside. Even if everything around you moves fast, your eye must remain calm and intentional. A strong image holds tension and story in one frame — it says not just what happened, but why it matters. There are the stories our readers and viewers want to know about, and what fascinates them the most.
With the rise of social media and personal branding, how has your approach to photographing public figures changed?
Access is tighter. But the hunger for truthful images has grown. My job now includes cutting through the curated noise to capture something people haven’t already seen on a phone screen. Substance is more important than ever before.
In an era where everyone has a camera, what do you believe sets professional photography apart in capturing the essence of a moment?
Depth. A professional photo has rhythm, intentionality, and emotional echo. It’s composed, not just taken. It respects the context and elevates the subject, not just records it.
Can you share a particular shoot or moment that profoundly impacted you, either personally or professionally?
I will share this photo I have taken yesterday (May 14, 2025), of Tom Cruise gesturing a heart shape with his hands on the red carpet from the Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiere, which also got featured as the main photo of the article on Vanity Fair today.
As for the less recent one, photographing Simone Biles when she returned to compete on the Balance Beam final during the Tokyo Olympics. Her strength was not in winning, but in stepping back. That complexity of power, fragility, and choice was humbling to witness. One image couldn’t contain it, but I tried.
“You stay still inside. Even if everything around you moves fast, your eye must remain calm and intentional.” – Mickael Chavet.
What guidance would you offer to those looking to enter the world of fashion and celebrity photography, especially in maintaining authenticity and artistic integrity?
If you are passionate, go for it. Be respectful of everyone and truthful to yourself, curious, and invisible when needed. Trends change, but integrity and sensitivity never go out of style.
Cover: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Mickael Chavet | Rihanna and husband, Asap Rocky leave the red carpet at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival 2025
Read more from Camila Diaz in The Game Magazine:
The Spirit of the Olympic Games Through Images: An Interview with Richard Whiting of IMAGO
