Moulin: Boulangerie

While on the way to a food photography job that required a long drive, I stopped into a local bakery for a coffee. Moulin is a French cafe location in Newport Beach. As I drove up I saw it was crazy busy and I just kept driving, thinking coffee was a no go. Much to my delight, a few doors down I saw Moulin Boulangerie. It appeared open and with far less people. Within a few minutes I had a cappuccino in hand and began watching their kitchen at work. There were several stations working on different types of bread. It was amazing to see and I thought it would be fun to get to photograph some of their action. I asked an employee if I could, but one of the bakers had said they were just wrapping up for the day. “Oh well,” I thought.

As I walked out I saw the owner sitting at a table and we got to talking. I thought I would pitch myself to photograph for Moulin, but I was told they already have a dedicated person who does all of their photos and videos. He did however offer to let me come in any time if I would like to photograph the kitchen and breads they make. It was an invitation I would keep. I had a free morning coming up and I returned a few days later.

For the shoot I got to be a fly on the wall, filming and photographing the action in candid manner. Over the course of a couple hours, I got to see how croissants are made, hear some of the personal stories of the bakers, see them laugh, see them manage a busy kitchen, and taste some of the fresh baked breads. They treated me as a guest and a friend.

Thank you Moulin! Merci beaucoup.

Some behind the scenes footage of croissants being made at Moulin in Newport Beach, CA.