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 Art of Visual Note-Taking in Photography: Lessons from a Reflective Portrait
A Glimpse into Visual Note-Taking Photography is more than just capturing perfect portfolio shots. It’s a journey of exploration, experimentation, and personal growth. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of visual note-taking with your camera, drawing inspiration from a poignant black and white portrait capturing a moment shared between a father and his… Read more
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Canon AE-1 Program – A Classic Film Camera for Timeless Photography
The Canon AE-1 Program, a classic film camera from 1981, seamlessly combines automatic and manual controls, making it suitable for beginners and experienced photographers. Its durable metal body, versatile shooting modes, and bright viewfinder contribute to its timeless design and reliable performance. Whether new to film photography or a seasoned enthusiast, the AE-1 Program offers… Read more
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A Whirlwind of Joy: A Day of Celebrations
The unexpected turn of events on a Sunday morning led to a joyful day celebrating a couple’s 30th anniversary and their upcoming adoption. A broken camera miraculously revived, reuniting with old friends, and an impromptu orchestra all contributed to a memorable day filled with love, music, and gratitude, reminding the author of life’s beautiful unpredictability. Read more
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A Peaceful Stroll Through Jardin de Plantes
In the bustling city of Nantes, the Jardin de Plantes offers a serene escape. With a vintage camera and Kentmere 100 film in hand, the author and their niece explored the garden’s art, nature, and tranquility. This timeless experience captured the beauty of the present and the nostalgia of the past, blending modernity with classic… Read more
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A Pilgrimage to Mont Saint Michel: A Journey of Faith and Endurance
Embarking on a nostalgic pilgrimage to Mont St. Michel, I overcame physical challenges with unwavering determination. Praying amidst the breathtaking scenery, I found solace and witnessed a divine encounter. Despite exhaustion, the spiritual rewards far surpassed the trials, showcasing the power of faith and the human spirit. This journey left a profound and lasting impression. Read more
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Capturing Nantes: A Photowalk Through Urban Charms
In the heart of bustling Nantes, a city teeming with life and stories waiting to be captured, I embarked on a captivating photowalk adventure. Armed with my trusted Pentax ME Super camera and loaded with Rollei RPX 100 and then Fomapan 100 film, I set out to explore the artistic treasures and serene corners of… 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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