Professional photographer Loïc Le Moullec has opened his third photography studio in Vertou, a commune near Nantes, after previously operating successful businesses in Le Loroux-Bottereau and Rezé. The experienced photographer, who opened his new studio on Henry-Delahaye Street on September 1st, said he was seeking to rediscover the 'soul of a small town' and the atmosphere of a traditional commercial street.

Le Moullec's journey in photography began at the end of the last century with apprenticeship studies, followed by four years as an employee under a manager in Carquefou. In 2004, he took over the shop of the only active photographer in Le Loroux-Bottereau who was retiring. This venture lasted 13 years, during which he even relocated to a spot near the church square. 'It was extremely interesting,' Le Moullec reflected. 'There was a closeness with people in a small town, with dynamic commerce that really supported me.' His dedication to the community was recognized when he was awarded the city's medal just before leaving in 2017.

The photographer's move to Rezé in 2017 was motivated by practical considerations. 'I wanted to get closer to home and expand my clientele,' he explained. There, he again took over from a retiring photographer, but this time it was a much larger operation. In Rezé, Le Moullec employed two staff members and operated from a 170-square-meter space, significantly expanding his business scope.

After 'two or three years of searching,' Le Moullec found his current location in Vertou this summer. The award-winning photographer, who earned recognition as one of France's best portraitists in 2009, was drawn to the town's commercial character and community atmosphere. In his new, more intimate studio space, he continues to offer a full range of photography services including maternity shoots, newborn photography, family portraits, professional headshots, and pet photography.

One of Le Moullec's specialized services is iris photography, an increasingly popular technique that captures detailed images of the eye's iris in just seconds, revealing intricate patterns and colors. He also provides standard identity photos that meet official government requirements, offering an advantage over automated photo booths that often require multiple attempts to produce acceptable results.

The studio regularly handles photo restoration and copying services for vintage photographs, as well as instant photo printing from USB drives, helping clients preserve digital memories in physical form. These traditional services remain relevant despite the widespread availability of smartphone cameras. As Le Moullec puts it, 'Just because you have a nice pencil doesn't make you a good writer.'

Looking toward the future of photography, the experienced artisan closely monitors developments in artificial intelligence that could potentially revolutionize many industries. However, he remains confident in the irreplaceable human element of professional photography. 'With our studio appointments and field work, we are also creators of emotions. That's what makes a successful photo. And AI won't be able to achieve that,' he stated.

The photographer's move to Vertou represents not just a business decision, but a return to the community-focused approach that defined his early career. By choosing a smaller, more personal setting over his larger Rezé operation, Le Moullec demonstrates his commitment to maintaining the personal connections and local character that he believes are essential to meaningful photography work.