Magnum Poster: Ferry to Staten Island. New York, 1981

Raymond Depardon began taking photographs at the tender age of 12. Born just outside of Lyon in 1942, he belonged to the generation that saw America come to the rescue of Europe and then propagate its cultural model there after the Second World War. This cultural context is reflected in much of his work. “In those days we were completely sold on the American dream”, he says of this influence. “American standards, which were the benchmark in those days, helped me develop in my work and become more rounded.” Pictured here, a couple embrace on the deck of the Staten Island ferry.