Shame on us; we should have mentioned Paris Photo 2009 a lot, lot earlier. It’s the main, major, unmissable photo rendezvous of the Parisian calendar with – of course – some amazing work to be seen…

Stéphane Couturier - Barcelona, #1 , 2008, Série Melting Point,

There’s a non-stop supply of photo ‘salons’ in Paris, but in a few years’ existence, Paris Photo has managed to rise above the rest through a selection of quality photos and the prestigious venue for the even, the Carrousel du Louvre.

With all styles of photography on show, from the 19th century to the present day, nearly 40,000 visitors are expected and there will be:

- 89 galleries and 13 publishers from 23 countries
- 31 new participants
- 7 new countries (Iran, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Portugal, Russia, United Arab Emirates), and
- the work of 500 international photographers on show

It’s the rendezvous of the year if you want to discover new photographic talent and photographers that are not yet well known outside their own country.

Thomas Annan - High Street Glasgow

Each year, a guest country is spotlighted, and this year Arab and Iranian photography has been selected. For example, you’ll be able to see the work of Jalal Sepehr who will also have a show at the galerie Esther Woerdehoff in December.

Paris Photo also includes a couple of photo prizes: the prix BMW on the theme of « When was the last time you had a unique experience? » and the SFR Jeunes Talents prize (remember, our pal Yury Toroptsov was one of the winners last year) showing the work of this year’s four winners.

Bill Jacobson - A Series of Human Decisions (#1941)

As well as the catalogue of the event (20€) the French-speakers amongst you can get the audioguide (10€) with two hours’ worth of info on the photographers, an explanation of the Arab and Iranian scene and, er, music!

Mauricio Anzeri - Lorraine

Rudolf Koppitz - The Brothers

Paris Photo 2009 is at the Carrousel du Louvre (here) from 19th 22nd November 2009. Open every day from 11.30am. Closes Thursday and Saturday at 8pm, Friday at 10pm and SUnday at 7pm. Admission 15€/7,50€. Admission + catalogue 30€. Free for under 10 year olds.

Official site: www.parisphoto.fr

Yto Barrada - Family Tree