Kopeto L

Kopeto L, also known as Karlton Seydi, is a French-Senegalese photographer and visual storyteller raised in the suburbs of Paris. Entirely self-taught, he began photography driven by a desire to capture raw emotion, human presence, and the quiet realities often left unseen. Within five years of starting his practice, he was recognized by Vanity Fair as one of their 30 Under 30 Who Will Change France, marking the emergence of a new voice shaped by instinct, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to representation.

Working across photography, visual direction, and cultural storytelling, Kopeto develops narratives that bridge fashion, music, sport, and social documentary. His work explores identity, community, aspiration, and belonging — creating images that feel both intimate and universal. Rooted in lived experience, his approach seeks to connect worlds and amplify voices too often overlooked, using photography as a tool for dialogue and collective memory.

Through years of commissioned and editorial work, he built his practice independently, learning to navigate the industry both as an artist and as a freelancer. His visual language moves fluidly between commercial and cultural spaces, collaborating with leading global brands, publications, and creative institutions while maintaining a strong human-centered perspective. His collaborators and clients include Le Monde, Google France, HSBC, Nike Football, Maison Kitsuné, Vanity Fair, Wieden+Kennedy, Chanel, Paris Saint-Germain, Beats by Dre, Universal Music, Canon France, Ford Models, Antidote Magazine, XXL Magazine, and Da Vibe Trends Paris.

Beyond photography, Kopeto envisions creating cultural platforms and festivals that bring people together across borders and backgrounds. His work is guided by the belief that storytelling can create new imaginaries, build bridges between role models and underrepresented communities, and remind us that we are all part of the same collective story.