Gérard Schachmes has been a photojournalist for world-class newspapers and agencies for more than 35 years. He later specialized in celebrities. His photographs were published by some of the most famous magazines such as: Paris Match, Elle, People Magazine, In style, Hello, Oggi, Vogue…

After having partnered with the Sygma agency, he decided to create his own agency, called Regards. He has worked with many stars including Romy Schneider, Philippe Noiret, Josiane Balasko, Daniel Auteuil, Gérard Depardieu, Thierry Lhermitte, Marc Lavoine, Liane Foly, Muriel Robin, Bruce Willis, Sting, Michael Jackson… – and is very close to some of them like Brigitte Bardot.

At the time he decided to get involved in more personal projects, René and Céline – whom he had been photographing for 15 years – offered him the opportunity to join the huge Taking Chances World Tour.
As a result, on September 19th 2009 at the Grau du Roi, Gérard Schachmes gave The Red Heads an exclusive preview of his photography book « Céline autour du Monde », which came as the magical conclusion to his work on this World Tour.

He also kindly gave an exceptional interview, in which he describes his feelings regarding his work and the relationship he has had the privilege to build with Céline and René…
Sources : Bibliographie proposée par les Editions La Martinières.

Montréal, February 12th of 2009.

This photograph taken by Gérard Schachmes, comes as the ultimate souvenir of the first meeting The Red Heads had with Céline Dion, backstage.

On that evening, just before the concert she would gave a few hours later at the Bell Centre, we had the chance to attend Céline’s sound check and rehearsal and to thus spend a magical moment, one that we’ll cherish forever …