Ahmed Shah Massoud

Stephen Dupont was on assignment for the French magazine Le Figaro covering a profile story about legendary Afghan warlord Massoud. Massoud’s Northern Alliance was in control of only ten per cent of Afghanistan; the Taliban controlled the rest. Stephen was given such close access that he could candidly photograph pretty much everything he did. Stephen said, “He had a mesmerising and powerful presence when in his company, which made photographing him really exciting. I am looking for the unguarded moment, the right light, composition and the moment.” It all came together in an orchard outside the northern town of Faizabad. Massoud and his friends had just finished prayers at sundown when something caught his gaze skyward. Later, Stephen asked Massoud’s assistant why he was given such incredible access; he said that Massoud liked him because he never asked him to pose or got in his way - the ultimate compliment for Stephen.

Biography:
Stephen Dupont is an Australian artist who works with photography and documentary film. Born in Sydney in 1967, he grew up in the western suburbs and Southern Highlands under tough social conditions, with social worker parents, who were full-time carers of state wards. Stephen is recognised around the world for his concerned photography on the human condition and climate, earning him dozens of awards including the W. Eugene Smith Grant, Robert Gardner Fellowship from Harvard University and World Press Photo. He holds a Masters degree in Philosophy and is regularly invited internationally to give public talks about photography, film and his life. Stephen has published dozens of books on his photography and diaries. He exhibits globally, and his works are held in many of the world’s most prestigious collections. Stephen currently lives on the south coast of New South Wales with his family.