Studio Harcourt Paris is presenting 57 black-and-white movie actors and celebrities' photographs in an exhibition in Shanghai that ends this week.

The subjects include film stars Sophie Marceau, Jean Reno, Alain Delon and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, who were shot in this studio.

Founded in Paris by the brothers Lacroix in 1934, the studio is famous for its portraits of the glitterati, and it was once considered as a must-go place for the upper middle class in France. Top male and female actors have been going there since World War II ended.

Harcourt iconography is inspired by painted portraits of noble families that pre-date modern photography, according to Catherine Renard, executive director of the studio.

The portraits have been exhibited in movie theaters in France, contributing to the glamorous image of the golden age of French cinema.

A Studio Harcourt crew is coming from Paris to China during the exhibition period to take photos for those who wish to have their portraits stamped with Harcourt. The exhibition is staged in a three-story building in the Sinan Mansions complex.

Photographs are mainly exhibited on the ground floor. A champagne bar and sofa lounge, located on the first floor, add relaxation to the artistic ambiance.

The Studio Harcourt photographers can be found on the second floor, which is equipped with professional camera and various lights.

Unlike most photo studios that provide negatives and framed photos, Studio Harcourt doesn't give the negatives to customers.

In China, the price is 20,000 yuan ($3,140) for a portrait, 30,000 yuan for family portraits, 50,000 yuan for a wedding package with five photos, and 200,000 yuan for its Fashion and Legend Day package.

lixinzhu@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 07/15/2012 page15)