Born on 2nd April 1951 in The Bailiwick of Jersey, René studied in local schools, before leaving for the English Mainland, Japan, France and eventually South Africa. He worked in Transport, Tourism and the Tableware industry, travelling in Europe and in Africa. His first letter to the local paper was written at the age of 9.
A first book, a photographic essay on the Basotho was published only in 2010. As with his photography, words came through emotional and visual experience. In The Kingdom of Lesotho the contacts with the Basotho and their land, produced both.
A second book of photography, poems and prose depicts the Fishermen of Kalk Bay, made over a two year experience on land and at sea, it was published in 2015.