Behind the camera: Jean GuichardWhere: Lighthouse La Jument, coast of Brittany, France
Photo Summary: Titled Phares dans la Tempete, La Jument (English) A lighthouse is battered by a storm. Theodore Malgorn is framed in its doorway and is about to be swamped by a massive wave that dwarfs him.
Picture Taken: December 21, 1989
Jean Guichard’s “La Vague” (The Wave) is a photograph that transcends mere imagery. Taken in 1989, it’s a powerful visual narrative of nature’s raw power juxtaposed against human resilience. The photo depicts a monstrous wave crashing against the lighthouse La Jument, a solitary sentinel on the treacherous coast of Brittany, France.
A Life Steeped in the Sea
La Jument in 2007
Guichard wasn’t your average photographer. Born in 1952, he grew up on the island of Ouessant, a small speck of land constantly battered by the Atlantic. His life was intrinsically linked to the sea; the rhythm of the tides, the fury of storms, and the breathtaking beauty of the coastline were all ingrained in him. This intimate connection with the ocean would later become the foundation for Jean Guichard’s photography.
The Looming Storm
In December 1989, a particularly violent storm brewed off the coast of France. Guichard, an avid weather watcher, knew this wasn’t one to be taken lightly. He understood the destructive potential such storms held for the exposed lighthouses and their keepers. Armed with his camera and a deep understanding of the local coastline, he set out to document the event.
The Perilous Journey to La Jument
Reaching La Jument was no easy feat. The island is accessible only by boat, and during such fierce weather, the journey itself was perilous. Guichard, however, was a seasoned photographer, and was able to charter a helicopter. His determination to capture the storm’s fury outweighed the risks. Upon reaching the island, he secured his equipment, hung out the door as the pilot fought the storm trying to stay steady for the photographer.
The Decisive Moment
The storm raged, sending monstrous waves crashing against the lighthouse. Guichard, his camera poised and his senses attuned to the rhythm of the waves, waited for the perfect moment. With each crashing wave, he likely refined his composition, adjusting focus and exposure to capture the raw power of the scene. And then, it happened.
A colossal wave, dwarfing the lighthouse, surged towards La Jument. Guichard, with a practiced eye and unwavering focus, captured the precise moment of impact. The resulting image is a testament to his timing, skill, and courage.
Inside the lighthouse
Perhaps the most intriguing element of “La Vague” is the figure of the lighthouse keeper standing in the doorway. His name was Theodore Malgorn. Earlier the storm had broken the windows of the lighthouse and massive amounts of water had washed away everything that wasn’t bolted down. During a similar storm in 2017 a wave was measured at 24.5m high.The lighthouse itself is only 47m. Terrified that the next wave might take out the lighthouse he had called for a rescue. Malgorn was waiting for a helicopter as each wave slammed into the lighthouse structure. When he heard Guichard’s helicopter he ran down and opened the door the exact moment Guichard took the photo. When Malgorn opened the door he saw that it wasn’t a rescue helicopter and was able to quickly close it before the wave could drag him into the raging sea. In 1990, the lighthouse was automated and there is no need to risk the life of a lighthouse keeper.
A Legacy Enduring
“La Vague” is more than just a photograph. It’s a testament to the power of nature, the dedication of lighthouse keepers, and the unwavering spirit of those who brave the elements. It’s a reminder of the precarious relationship between humanity and the sea, and a celebration of human resilience in the face of overwhelming force. Jean Guichard’s photo transcended the realm of mere documentation; it became an iconic image that continues to captivate viewers decades after it was captured.