Capucine Lageat and Antoine Perroteau have been working together as the photography duo Capucine + Antoine since 2017, developing a unique collaborative approach to documentary photography. The pair focuses on spaces undergoing transformation, the memory of places, and the human presence that moves through these environments, working together from initial project conception through the final shooting process.
The duo's partnership began during their studies at the Nantes School of Fine Arts, where they discovered their shared vision through an unexpected medium. "Capucine had been doing photography for a long time, and I came to the Nantes School of Fine Arts as a painter," Antoine explained. "In the beginning, we found common ground through a medium that was quite neutral for both of us: video. After our studies, we refocused on photography." Capucine added that they completed their DNSEP (Master of Fine Arts degree) together, with joint projects beginning in their third year of study.
Unlike many photographers who maintain individual identities, Capucine + Antoine operates under a completely collective approach that challenges traditional notions of artistic authorship. "I did an applied arts baccalaureate, and ever since then, the idea of working collectively has always felt natural to me. Working alone has never been something I wanted," Capucine noted. Antoine emphasized their philosophical stance: "We don't have a belief in the sanctity of individual talent." This collaborative spirit extends to every aspect of their work, from responding to open calls for proposals to executing projects in the field.
Their working methods vary depending on the specific project requirements and subject matter. For one of their early projects focusing on participatory housing in Angers, they employed highly composed images using tripods and careful joint framing. "Before even starting, we had decided to work with the idea of the polyptych. On site, our images were very composed: the camera was on a tripod, and we framed everything together," Capucine explained. However, their approach has evolved with their recent ventures into portraiture, which presented new challenges for duo work.
The pair has developed flexible roles that allow them to adapt to different situations while maintaining their collaborative identity. "When we're both photographing, sometimes one of us interacts with the person while the other, off to the side, captures a different image," Antoine described. Their interchangeable roles extend to all aspects of their practice, though each brings different strengths. "I feel more comfortable conducting interviews, but in terms of photography, we don't strictly divide tasks," Capucine noted. "We often have several cameras that we swap back and forth—we blur all the lines!"
One of the most distinctive aspects of their practice is their approach to image ownership and the creative process itself. "We both take photos, but we always sign them together. People often ask us, 'Who took this one?' Most of the time we remember, but sometimes we honestly don't know anymore!" Antoine shared. This philosophy reflects their broader understanding of photography beyond the traditional "decisive moment" concept, encompassing project definition, initial contact, scouting, editing, and printing as equally important components.
The duo places significant emphasis on the conceptual development phase of their projects, often spending considerable time deliberating over technical and artistic decisions. For a recent commission from the town of Limay focusing on everyday portraits, they experienced weeks of hesitation, particularly regarding medium choice. "We had just re-equipped ourselves with digital gear, made our decision, and at the very last moment decided to go back to film," Capucine revealed. Antoine added that their decision-making process can be extensive: "It can take us hours of discussion just to choose a camera!"
Their preference for film photography stems from both technical and interpersonal considerations that align with their documentary approach. "With film, something special happens in the relationship with the subject—you talk about the camera, you share memories. And with digital, people often ask to see the picture right away. Film keeps a bit of mystery, which we like," Capucine explained. Antoine emphasized the deliberate nature of film work: "And you take fewer photos, so each choice is more deliberate. It brings the focus back to shooting itself."
Despite their success, working as a duo presents unique challenges, particularly in the financial and professional spheres. "Yes, especially financially. We often apply to open calls that are open to all art forms, because many in the photographic field have budgets designed for a single artist—which doesn't work for a duo," Antoine acknowledged. This constraint has led them to seek opportunities beyond traditional photography-specific venues and funding sources.
Currently engaged in two residencies in Limay and the Vexin, Capucine + Antoine is positioning themselves for future growth while maintaining their collaborative principles. "We had set ourselves the goal of working closer to home, and this is a first step!" Capucine noted. Looking ahead, they plan to diversify their project portfolio: "We'd also like to develop shorter projects. Residencies are very demanding—they take a lot of time and energy. We'd like to balance them with more commissioned work." Their approach continues to challenge conventional photography practice while exploring themes of place, memory, and human connection through their unique collaborative lens.
