At 60 years old, hospital worker Serge Mannone has transformed his lifelong passion for photography into a professional side business by opening a home studio in Saint-Pierre-de-Cormeilles, near Pont-Audemer in Normandy. The healthcare professional has successfully balanced his hospital duties with his new venture, offering portrait sessions, wedding photography, and other photographic services from his converted attic space.
Mannone had to obtain official authorization to pursue this secondary activity alongside his public sector job. "I had to request official permission to have this activity on the side. In the public service, we call it an accessory activity," he explained. His work schedule, which includes one free weekend out of three and several weekdays off, allows him to juggle his hospital shifts with photography sessions.
Photography has been a constant in Mannone's life. "For a long time I worked with film, then I adapted to digital. But the technical aspects remain the same: aperture, speed, ISO," he said. For years, he practiced his craft on beaches and during outings, never imagining it would become more than a hobby. The turning point came through his daughter, who also practices photography alongside her regular job. When she couldn't cover a wedding assignment, she asked him to fill in. "I made some mistakes, but I enjoyed it," he recalled.
That wedding experience revealed what attracts him most to photography: "Photographing happy people, capturing moments, the human connection." Later, during a photo session at friends' house who were passionate about imagery, Mannone developed a taste for more structured portrait shoots. This experience pushed him to take the next step: "I said to myself, why not recreate that at home, with a bit more equipment?"
His home studio gradually took shape in the attic room, filled with brand-new photography equipment including reflectors, flashes, and state-of-the-art cameras. Since opening, Mannone has had the opportunity to photograph several models, including local boxer Lancelot de la Chapelle from Beuzeville.
For Mannone, the essential element of any photo session is the connection established with the subject. "When people see models posing, they compare themselves and think they'll never be like that," he explained. "But that shouldn't be a barrier. Everyone can be enhanced. When there's trust between the photographer and the person, when the person relaxes, it works very well." Despite his studio work, he admits having a preference for candid shots taken spontaneously. "The most beautiful photos are those where people don't expect them," he confided.
Mannone's attachment to photography is rooted in his family history. His parents were avid photographers and videographers: his father filmed in 8mm format while his mother edited the reels. Recently, he discovered about thirty old films that he sent to a German company for restoration and digitization. He regrets the current trend away from developing physical photographs. "Today, everything is dematerialized. But leafing through a photo album remains unique. I'd like people to rediscover the pleasure of developing their photos."
Before officially launching his business, Mannone completed online training with a wedding photography specialist to review the codes and techniques of the profession. Today, he offers studio portraits, home sessions, and wedding coverage. His introductory rate is set at 75 euros for a one-hour session, with a slight surcharge if travel exceeds 30 kilometers.
To build his clientele, Mannone relies on word-of-mouth recommendations, locally distributed flyers, and social media, where he posts under the name "Sergio Shooting Mariage Studio." His new venture represents the successful fusion of decades of photographic passion with professional expertise, offering clients in the Normandy region personalized photography services with the caring touch of someone who truly understands the importance of capturing life's precious moments.
