“Marmoset! », immersion with beach photographers

That morning, Noémie, 5 and a half years old, posed for Julien Leroy’s lens. Legs crossed like a mermaid, synthetic flower in her hair, the little girl is hilarious…

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That morning, Noémie, 5 and a half years old, posed for Julien Leroy’s lens. Legs crossed like a mermaid, synthetic flower in her hair, the little girl is hilarious and ready to play. The photographer grabs Noémie’s mother, whom he offers to join his daughter: “Come on mom, are you coming to the photo? “, he throws to her.

Once the shooting is over, Julien Leroy, known as the “photographer clown” because of his red nose which he wears to amuse the children, hands a business card to Noémie’s mother on which are written the date and the number of series reference. If she liked the experience, she can go watch and buy the final product at La Petite Souris, located a stone’s throw from the Chambre d’Amour, 7, place des Docteurs Gentilhe.

Second season for La Petite Souris

Benoît Ibbari has been a seasonal photographer since he was 15 years old. After spending five years surveying the beaches of Hossegor, he decided two years ago to go down to the Basque coast and open his company in Anglet, a city devoid of any competition. The rest of the year, the man from Saint-Étienne bludgeons little skiers, Cannes festival-goers, newlyweds, fake Santa Clauses, sports enthusiasts with his camera… The list goes on. But from June to September, he does not leave Anglet, where he has hired five photographers for the season. They are supported by two sales assistants and a laboratory assistant.

“Every year, I find the same families and I see the children grow up. It’s a joy to capture moments of joy and create memories the way we do.”

Passionate about his profession, Benoît Ibbari shares his enthusiasm: “Every year, I find the same families and I see the children grow up. It’s a joy to capture moments of joy and create memories the way we do. » What about bad weather? Photographers set off to attack restaurants, surf lessons or Accrobranches. ” We adapt ! », Slips the manager.

90% of families

The target of photographers? Families, which represent 90% of customers, according to Julien Leroy. Every day, he takes between 500 and 1,000 photos. The people photographed can then go to the shop and select the shots they want to see printed. That morning, Angélique, a sales assistant at La Petite Souris, guides a couple and scrolls through their photos in front of the computer. Often in black and white, the pictures can be cropped, printed on rigid support or paper, with several formats available.

“Often people are suspicious and ask us what we are going to do with the photos. I answer that they are confidential and can only be viewed with the serial number present on the card that is given at the end of a shoot”, specifies Julien Leroy while cleaning his lens with the help of a small brush. Regarding the price of photos, Benoît Ibbari prefers to remain discreet. The price varies according to the support and the format.

From the Internet, a drop but not too much

In the digital age, iPhone selfies and vacation snaps posted on Instagram have gradually replaced disposable cameras and framed photos. Yet beach photographers haven’t seen a drastic drop in their business since the arrival of the Internet. “About 10%”, specifies Benoît Ibbari. He explains: “People like to have holiday memories. Printed photos are beautiful objects and keep for a lifetime. »

In any case, Julien Leroy and Benoît Ibbari are both optimistic about the future of their profession. “Seasonal photographers, nicknamed filmers since the days when we were shooting with film, started the job at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the activity developed with the arrival of paid holidays. I am proud to perpetuate this tradition of holiday photography,” assures Benoît Ibbari.

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