Julien Libercé has transformed his life from working with wood to capturing moments through his camera lens. The former carpenter has established himself as a photographer specializing in documenting the daily lives of residents along France's famous Pink Granite Coast, particularly in the coastal town of Trébeurden. His work focuses on immortalizing the authentic character of local people and their traditions.
Libercé's journey into photography began in childhood when he would borrow his father's film camera. "When I was a kid and then a teenager, I would take my father's film camera," he recalls. His father played a crucial role in developing his observational skills during family nature outings and camping trips. "My father passed on to us the taste for observation during the nature outings and other bivouacs we did as a family," Libercé explains.
At age 20, Libercé acquired his first personal camera. Initially, he viewed photography more as a tool for preservation rather than artistic expression. "At first, it was more a tool for immortalization than aesthetics," he notes. During this period, he experimented with various subjects, photographing landscapes, portraits, and nude studies to develop his skills and artistic vision.
In 2024, encouraged by positive feedback from photography experts and connoisseurs, Libercé decided to turn his passion into a profession by establishing his own micro-business. His first professional series focused on carpenters, drawing from his personal experience in the trade. "It's a profession that fascinated me and that isn't recognized. I want to highlight the qualities of these workers," he explains.
The carpenter series proved successful when Libercé exhibited it at an arts fair in Ariège, where he received the public's choice award. This recognition validated his approach of using photography to convey meaningful messages. "I want to bring another perspective. To break down stereotypes," he states. His commitment to challenging preconceptions led him to create a series featuring women in construction trades, aimed at dismantling the notion that physical strength requirements make construction exclusively a man's field.
Libercé's artistic philosophy centers on capturing authentic moments rather than pursuing conventional beauty. "Harmony isn't necessarily about aesthetics; it's more about spontaneity, the instant frozen by the photograph. The photographer must be attentive to the moment," he explains. For him, photography serves as both a meditative practice and a means of concentrating on emotion. He predominantly works in black and white, which he believes better translates his sensitive approach to his subjects.
Since March, Libercé has been living aboard his boat moored in Trébeurden's harbor, fully immersing himself in the Trégor region that serves as his primary inspiration. The area has provided material for several photographic series, including studies of people at Tresmeur beach, a mineral bestiary showcasing the region's geological features, Breton bowling players, and life aboard the tuna boat La Nébuleuse. He also accepts commissioned work for clients seeking his distinctive documentary style.
Currently seeking exhibition venues to showcase his work, Libercé has joined the artists' association Entrevoir and will display his photographs at Le Sémaphore from October 27 to November 2, 2025. His dedication to capturing the essence of local life continues as he documents the people and traditions of the Pink Granite Coast. Additional information about his work and portfolio can be found on his website at www.julienliberce.fr.
