Four decades behind the lens. Six years of sharing the journey.
Welcome. I’m Ian — photographer, horn player, and writer living in the Vendée, near the Loire-Atlantique border. This blog has been running since 2019 and shows no sign of stopping.
You’ll find black and white film work, travel essays, orchestra photography, philosophical digressions about why any of us bother pressing the shutter, and the occasional camera review written by someone with strong opinions and a perhaps unreasonable attachment to grain. No algorithms chose what appears here. No agency wrote it. Just forty years of looking, and six of writing it down.
Start anywhere. Stay as long as you like.
Latest from the Field
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The Opening of the Film Archives – Le Forêt de Grasla, October 2016
Explore the Forêt de Grasla through the lens of a Canon AE1 using Ilford HP5 Plus black-and-white film. Discover the joy of mushroom foraging while delving into the history of the Vendée, capturing the sensory beauty of nature and the timeless essence of woodland photography on film Read more
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The Enduring Elegance of Vintage Cameras: A Personal Journey
In my cross-generational discussions with family, the term “vintage” takes on different meanings. As I embrace vintage cameras for my photography, I find a slower, more deliberate pace that connects me to the past and enriches my creative process. The emotional resonance of these cameras far surpasses digital simulations, offering a profound and satisfying experience. Read more
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The Opening of the Film Archives—Abbaye de la Grainetière, October 2016
Discover the serene beauty of l’Abbaye de la Grainetière, a historic Benedictine monastery in the Vendée. This article explores its rich history, the simplicity of monastic life, and personal reflections on finding peace amidst modern complexities. Experience the tranquility of this spiritual haven through evocative photography captured on Ilford HP5+. Read more
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Classic Chrome Meets Portra 160: Evaluating the Pentax ME Super and Fujifilm X100F
Discover the key differences between the Pentax ME Super and Fujifilm X100F in this in-depth comparison. Explore how film photography on Kodak Portra 160 stacks up against Fujifilm’s Classic Chrome simulation. Learn about lenses, focusing methods, and shooting experiences as these iconic cameras capture the beauty of Northumberland. Read more
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The Opening of the Film Archives – Trentemoult October 2016
Explore the timeless beauty of Trentemoult through black and white film photography as a father reflects on capturing moments with his daughter. This nostalgic photo essay delves into family bonds, the art of composition, and the fleeting nature of time. Perfect for fans of photography and personal storytelling. Read more
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The Fujifilm X-T2: A 2024 Perspective – Is It Still Worth It?
In 2024, the Fujifilm X-T2 remains a versatile and budget-friendly mirrorless camera option for photography enthusiasts. With a 24-megapixel sensor, film simulations, weather sealing, and 4K video, it excels in street, travel, and portrait photography. Discover why this timeless camera still holds appeal for passionate photographers today. Read more
Featured Projects
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
About the Photographer
I am not an influencer. I am not a brand.
I am a photographer, ever so slightly 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
Stay in Touch
New work drops weekly — never spammy, always sincere.
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IJM Photography 
j’adore
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il y a des jours avec, et les jours sans….
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