IJM Photography — Blog & ProjectsBlog

Four decades behind the lens. Six years of sharing the journey.

Welcome

“Photography, for me, is not about gear or trends — it’s about presence. It’s about standing still in a rushing world and saying: this moment matters.”

Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

With over 40 years of capturing light, shadow, and soul — from the cobbled streets of Nantes to the misty peaks of the Pyrenees — this blog is my open journal. Here, you’ll find black and white film archives, vibrant digital travelogues, personal essays, and quiet reflections on why we press the shutter at all.

Every image is edited by my hand. Every word, chosen with care. No algorithms. No agencies. Just decades of seeing — and sharing.

Featured Projects

  1. The UK Chronicles
    Light, minimalism, and preparation.
    Shot entirely on the Fujifilm X100F during a recent solo journey through Britain — a deliberate exercise in traveling light, seeing deeply, and preparing for the sensory overload of China.
  2. The Film Archives
    Memory in monochrome.
    A vault unlocked: black and white film photographs from Nantes, Clisson, and beyond — captured long before this blog existed. Grain, patience, and timeless moments.
  3. Photography Philosophy
    Why do we do this?
    Not a tutorial. Not a gear guide. A quiet exploration of purpose — the “why” behind the viewfinder. For those who photograph not to post, but to feel.
  4. The Orchestra Visit to China
    Culture, chaos, and concert halls.
    A visual symphony from the road with the orchestra — temples, trains, backstage glances, and the electric silence before the first note.

Latest from the Field

  • Zoo de la Palmyre

    Zoo de la Palmyre

    During the Summer, I prioritized spending time with my family instead of pursuing photography. We visited the Palmyre zoo to allow my children to see animals up close. Despite differing opinions on zoos, I believe it provides an opportunity for educational observation and forming connections with the animals. I captured zoo moments with a Canon… Read more

  • Lourdes.

    Lourdes.

    The author recounts returning to Lourdes, seeking reconciliation with God and finding peace. They view the journey as essential, parallel to the destination. The experience impacts both the author and their son, who acted as a caregiver. They engage in religious activities, reflecting on faith, and capturing moments with a discreet camera. Read more

  • Countryside in October

    Countryside in October

    The weather today is officially depressing and even more so because it’s a Monday. I was so annoyed with life that it now is Friday afternoon. 5 days to get to the second sentence is possibly a sign. Of what, I don’t know… The tree that is in the photo is “my tree” that I… Read more

  • Nantes in September

    Nantes in September

    I’d been wanting to get back into Nantes with the X100F to try and do some old fashioned street photography. I’ve been experimenting with colour and have had some interesting feedback. Maybe it was a case of getting it out of my system. With the Canon I have a few interesting lenses and although it’s… Read more

  • Course de Serveurs et Garçons de Café, Nantes 2019

    Course de Serveurs et Garçons de Café, Nantes 2019

    It has been know for me to frequent a certain establishment in Nantes now and again, he said whilst competing for the understatement of the year. That establishment, aka Daddy’s happy place, aka mes quartiers à Nantes, aka the pub, aka home from home, is the John McByrne Irish Pub, 21 Rue des Petites Écuries… Read more

  • Honfleur, Daytime

    Honfleur, Daytime

    I’ve been trying to “find myself” lately as far as photography goes. Different editing techniques instead of always doing black and white. Maybe it’s time to get back to basics for at least one article. You’ve seen Honfleur in colour and at night in my last article. However, I did take my camera out during… Read more

About the Photographer

I am not an influencer. I am not a brand.
I am a photographer — stubborn, analogue at heart, digital when needed, and fiercely independent. I’ve been developing my own film since the 1980s. I built this blog in 2019, not for followers, but for focus.

I do not outsource my editing. I do not chase trends. I shoot what moves me — and I hope, sometimes, it moves you too.

“Commercial editing offers and unsolicited partnerships will not be published or replied to. This space is sacred — for art, not advertising.”

A Note from a Reader

“j’adore… il y a des jours avec, et les jours sans….”
— A kind visitor, September 2025

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