Rodolphe Debyser, a professional photographer based in Domloup, Ille-et-Vilaine, France, has been named "Revelation of the Year" at an international photography competition, marking a remarkable career transformation. On November 12, 2025, Debyser received this prestigious recognition from Inspiration Photographer, an international institution that honors the world's best photography artists, as part of the Golden Lens Awards 2025 international competition.
The competition attracted participants from about sixty countries worldwide. "I found it interesting to compete against those who have been doing photography much longer than me," confided Debyser, who has been a professional photographer only since 2023. This nomination caps off a year filled with accolades, totaling around thirty awards specifically for portrait photography. His photographic collections can be viewed on his website.
Debyser's journey represents a successful career change from his previous role as a digital marketing director at an agri-food company in Brittany. "This type of nomination feels good for the ego and is reassuring. It gives me even more confidence," the photographer savored. Originally specializing in macrophotography of flowers and insects as an amateur photographer, Rodolphe decided to pivot toward portrait photography when turning professional, while "keeping in mind attention to detail," he specified.
After training at the renowned Studio Harcourt, Debyser dedicated himself to beauty portraiture, focusing on cosmetics and makeup through close-up shots of faces. He has become a specialist in tight portrait photography, and his images have gained significant recognition in the industry. His work emphasizes the intricate details and nuanced lighting that define professional beauty photography.
Today, Debyser photographs models, jewelry, and beauty products from around the world. "I find myself comfortable with it because there's human contact involved. It's better than working with dragonflies," smiled the photographer, who is partnered with Dorothée Philippe, a professional makeup artist who accompanies him during portrait sessions. "It's quite demanding and it fascinates me, both the studio work and the retouching work," continued Debyser, who shoots models from across the globe.
"It's a job directing them. I'm always searching for the moment when they let go. They let something very personal show through. It's a photo between the photos. That makes for great shots," he explained. The photographer also takes particular pleasure in working with different skin tones of his models. "Caucasian skin doesn't light the same way as Black or Asian skin. Black skin is amazing to work with but it's very, very challenging. There's a complexion and tone that must not be altered," he noted.
Two years after launching his professional activity, Debyser has built an impressive client roster thanks to the quality of his work and assistance from an international model. Currently, he works with cosmetic brands, French and international press outlets, and writes editorials. Recently, he began collaborating with a famous Parisian jeweler located on Place Vendôme, whose name he cannot disclose, to redesign their catalog.
Regarding this collaboration, Debyser has an interesting story to share. "I often do portfolios with young models. A little before summer, I worked with one of them. Later, it turned out she was contacted by this jeweler. The jeweler was looking for a photographer." Through this connection with the prestigious jewelry house, Rodolphe worked on producing about forty photographs for their collection.
Looking ahead, Debyser is scheduled to photograph high-end products that will be part of private sales. He will also work with an international cosmetics brand and French women's press publications. His rapid rise in the competitive world of professional photography demonstrates that career changes, when pursued with dedication and skill, can lead to remarkable success and international recognition.
