Throughout 2025, photographers from the Concarneau region of Brittany, France, continued a beloved community tradition by submitting their finest work to the local 'Eye of the Photographer' feature. This year-end retrospective showcases seven images that stood out among hundreds of submissions, each capturing the unique character of this coastal area. The selection process, always challenging for the editorial team, becomes even more difficult when choosing just seven photographs that represent the region's visual story for an entire year. These images reflect both the natural beauty and the intimate moments that define life in this corner of northwestern France.
The collection opens with Sophie Naour's breathtaking November morning scene at Hénan in Névez, where golden light transforms the coastline into a painterly masterpiece. Her composition captures the rugged shoreline bathed in the soft, diffused glow of early winter sun. Following this serene landscape, Joseph Briant's September photograph documents a remarkable moment at Loch Coziou in Trégunc, where two egrets take flight in perfect synchronization. His timing and patience reveal the graceful choreography of local wildlife, frozen in a split second that would be invisible to the casual observer.
Spring comes alive through Erick Gérard's playful May image of hide-and-seek in the tall grasses surrounding Concarneau, a photograph that captures both the joy of childhood and the region's lush seasonal growth. Ronan Doré contributed a starkly beautiful January seascape taken between Quatre Sardines beach and the Saint-Jean cove, where the serene waters create a meditative study in blue and gray tones. The winter season also brought Colomban des Déserts' whimsical February shot of a seagull in Concarneau that appears to strike a pose reminiscent of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, demonstrating how wildlife photography can reveal unexpected personality.
As the year progressed, Gildas Funtun's April photograph of a sand martin in flight above the Trévignon ponds showcased the technical skill required to capture fast-moving subjects against complex backgrounds. The collection concludes with Daniel Péron's surprising July image from Trégunc, which appears to show a caiman between rocks—a mysterious and slightly surreal addition that sparked local curiosity and debate about what creatures might inhabit the region's waterways.
These seven photographs represent more than just technical skill; they document the changing seasons, local wildlife, and the deep connection residents maintain with their environment. The Concarneau area, known for its fishing heritage and coastal beauty, provides endless inspiration for both amateur and professional photographers. The 'Eye of the Photographer' feature has become an important platform for visual storytelling, allowing residents to share their perspectives and celebrate their shared landscape.
The tradition serves a vital community function, preserving visual memories of how the region evolves year to year. In an age of smartphone photography and social media, this curated collection offers a thoughtful counterpoint to the endless digital stream—each image carefully considered and selected for its artistic and documentary value. As 2026 approaches, photographers throughout the Concarneau region are already scanning the horizon for the moments that will define the coming year, ensuring this rich visual legacy continues to grow.
