From Healthcare Worker to Professional Photographer: Woman Trades Scrubs for Camera in Côtes-d'Armor

Sayart

sayart2022@gmail.com | 2025-11-03 19:00:40

At 30 years old, Charlène Renault has made a dramatic career change, trading her nursing aide uniform for a professional camera. Based in Saint-Pôtan in Côtes-d'Armor, France, she recently launched her photography business, Nidamour Photographie, in October 2025, with a mission to capture emotions, life moments, and personal rebirths.

For ten years, Charlène worked as a nursing aide in hospitals. However, over time, another calling gradually emerged: photography. "I found old photos of myself as a child, already with a camera in my hands," she says with a smile. This childhood passion eventually developed into a professional aspiration that would completely transform her career path.

Encouraged by her employer, Charlène pursued a six-month photography training program that included hands-on studio experience and mentorship with a professional photographer. As soon as she received her diploma at the end of September, she immediately launched Nidamour Photographie, turning her longtime passion into a full-fledged business.

In her home, Charlène has created a bohemian corner and a small photography studio where she works. Between her own children who willingly pose as models and the numerous photo sessions she conducts, the young photographer has found her perfect balance. She offers a wide range of photography services including pregnancy shoots, weddings, newborn sessions, family portraits, and feminine portraits.

What sets Charlène apart is her willingness to handle more rare and delicate photography sessions, particularly those related to perinatal grief. "Parents who have experienced loss have come to see me," she explains. "The idea is that they can bring a stuffed animal or a rose, and we take time together. It's an accompaniment, not just a photo." This compassionate and sensitive approach reflects the listening skills she developed during her years as a nursing aide.

"What I love is capturing true emotion, the kind that cannot be replayed," Charlène says, describing her photography philosophy. This authentic approach to capturing genuine moments has become the cornerstone of her new business, allowing her to combine her natural empathy with her artistic vision.

Charlène's passion continues to evolve and grow. In February, she plans to return to her former instructor to perfect her skills in newborn photography, a practice she considers "as beautiful as it is delicate." She recognizes the specialized techniques required for safely photographing infants and wants to ensure she provides the highest quality service.

Because she is also athletic, Charlène is expanding into new areas of photography. "During my training, I discovered sports photography and absolutely loved it!" she shares enthusiastically. She will be covering the upcoming Hénantrail event on a volunteer basis, demonstrating her commitment to exploring different aspects of her craft.

Flexible in her approach to client service, Charlène is happy to travel to her clients' homes for photo sessions. Her pricing remains accessible to a wide range of customers, with family sessions starting at 150 euros and wedding packages ranging from 800 to 1,800 euros. Whether it's a reportage assignment, an intimate portrait session, or coverage of a major event, Charlène always puts the human element at the heart of her photography, ensuring that every image tells a meaningful story.

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