Good afternoon, Dear Reader. I’m writing this article thinking of you and wondering what to show you next in this ongoing series. The clue is in the title: Canon AE1 Street Photography in the streets of Nantes.
I know you have the eyes of a hawk who never miss a trick because your vision is so sharp. You might even have scrolled down to the photos already, and your eagle eyes will have noticed that this isn’t the usual area I visit on these outings. And, of course, you’d be right!
Yes, I still parked in the Feydeau car park but crossed the road to the south, heading along Baco-Lu, past the Tour Lu (sans “t”), towards the St Felix Canal, and then back into town… Some of the places no longer exist or have changed hands, but you would still recognise them even today.
I think that with these photographs, I’m getting closer to what some might call “proper” or “traditional” street photography. The images have a certain gritty quality to them, including the people in the shots. This was something I was actively aiming for. Maybe it’s the grain—something I don’t get with the X100F—that helped bring this about. Or could it be the people, whose presence seems to reveal the stories behind them? Whatever it is, I felt that this was a very good day.
I think I may have shared with you that I’m going to China this Christmas on tour with the orchestra I play for. I’m still undecided about which camera to take and wondering if I should bring a film camera along. With the X100F, I’ve become so accustomed to the 35mm lens, while my film cameras only have 50mm lenses to work with. Reviewing these older images may help me make up my mind. It’s going to be an epic trip, and I want to be sure of the kinds of images I’ll be able to capture.
As much as I’d love the flexibility to hop in the car and retake a shot if needed, this trip to China will be different. I’ll need to trust my choices and embrace the moment as it unfolds—something that feels both exciting and a little daunting. But that’s the beauty of photography, isn’t it? The challenge of capturing fleeting moments, knowing they might never come around again. So, whatever I decide, I know the experience will be unforgettable.
While the anticipation of the China photos may be killing you, I know you’ll be patient, whatever I decide to use. Rest assured, those photos will capture the spirit of the trip. Only two and a half weeks before I start my travels…
IJM Photography 
This is an exciting news… China is almost a great place for photography and I am sure you will make great with any camera. By the way I should have missed that you have a band and playing something… or singing. Good Luck for your performance. And sure nice and safey flights too. About all these amazing photographs, I love street photography, suddenly you catch something, there is no before or after, only that moment… I can see people in most of them, to be honest, people (even only a woman or a man) giving amazing alive to the photograph, There is one photograph fascinated me more them all, number 22 the walking man between two buildings… But no.19 child playing, no.2 the windows of the house the tones of that moment, no.10 the lines…of the buildings, and finally no.25, I can see the happiness there, the happiness of the musician and children… as if I could hear the music too. You have a great looking eyes for a camera… Thank you, isnpiration for all of us. Love, nia
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I’m looking forward to having somewhere completely foreign to me. I think there should be some great photos to be had. My favourite was the one with the boy and the bubble…
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Great series. The boy with the bubble is my favourite- reminds me of Cartier-Bresson.
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I felt the same when I saw it app3ar on my roll of film. That one was definitely a keeper….
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I always enjoy your photos no matter where they’re taken. I hope you have an amazing time in China and safe travels!
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Thank you so much….
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Very nice, so you are a professional orchestral musician as well, what do you play? 🙂 Have a nice tour! PS. looking forward to your China post.
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After having learnt the horn over the years, and even studying here in France, I have also conducted three choirs over 16 years… It was fun!
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The is very good and the pics are lovely. Dad. text
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Thanks Daddy. I appreciate that!
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Ian, this sounds like a fabulous opportunity! Safe travels and I look forward to seeing your pix
😎
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I have a certain fear of the unknown, and I’m hopeful the music will help some of that fear dissipate as it’s something I’m so familiar with. But stiill looking forwards to goin% on tour.
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