The Opening of the Film Archives – Le Hangar à Bananes July 2016

Continuing our journey through the film archives, we find ourselves on the Île de Nantes, home to the iconic Hangar à Bananes. Let’s rewind to July 2016, when I captured this vibrant scene with my then favourite Canon AE1. Once a shipbuilding powerhouse, Nantes had cleverly repurposed its abandoned infrastructure into a bustling hub. The area is now home to the fantastical Machines de l’Île, the historic Chantiers Navals, the towering Grue Jaune, and of course, the Hangar à Bananes itself. Back then, the Hangar was a hive of activity, buzzing with picnics, impromptu barbecues, and lazy afternoons under the summer sun.

My goal was to capture that unmistakable “Summer Vibe.” As always, I started with the architecture, drawn to its striking modern lines, a refreshing departure from the stark brutalism of the 1970s. The clever use of texture and the innovative design of the apartment buildings particularly caught my eye.

That summer, the Voyage à Nantes festival had a brilliant idea: communal barbecues for everyone. Genius, right? You simply brought your food, and they provided the grills, charcoal, tables, and chairs. It might not be Texas, but the French know their way around a barbecue, and being the food lovers they are, they go beyond the usual sausages and burgers. It was a true testament to what a public space should be – a place for everyone to gather, share, and simply enjoy themselves.

Then there was the dancer. He was just filming himself with a GoPro, but the way the sunlight caught his movements and the glistening sweat on his skin was mesmerising. It was a fleeting moment, the first and only time I’ve ever photographed a dancer, but it left a lasting impression. There’s something undeniably captivating about the human body in motion.

My wanderings continued to the edge of the island, where the mighty Grue Jaune – now a “monument historique” and a symbol of Nantes – stands tall. Walking past and through this enormous yellow crane was an awe-inspiring experience.

Along the riverfront, the Anneaux de Buren, a series of massive rings, stretched out in a mesmerizing pattern. At night, they transform into a dazzling display of vibrant reds, blues, and greens – a photographer’s dream, offering endless possibilities for capturing leading lines, geometric shapes, and unique framings of the cityscape.

And of course, no photo series of mine would be complete without the obligatory bike shot. It’s a bit of a tradition for me.

Even now, in 2024, the Hangar à Bananes still exudes that same “Summer Vibe.” It remains a popular spot for after-work drinks with friends and colleagues, boasting a variety of restaurants, bars, the HAB Gallery, and the infamous “Warehouse.” While the area can get a bit dicey later at night, it’s perfectly safe and enjoyable for a daytime visit or an early evening soirée.

The Opening of the Film Archives – Clisson May 2016

Posted on Jul 24, 2024Jul 30, 2024 Posted in Architecture, Camera reviews, Film Photography, France, The Film Archives, Travel photographyTagged analog photography, Architectural Photography, Artistic Photography, camera review, camera settings, Canon, Canon AE-1 Program, Canon AE1, Canon AE1 film camera, Canon AE1 photography, canon AE1 program, Canon FD lenses, classic cameras, Clisson, color film photography, cultural travel, FD lenses, film archive, film camera collecting, Film cameras, film developing, Film Photography, film photography revival, film vs digital, fine grain film, France, France Travel, French, French villages, Fuji Superia, Gallic charm, high-speed film, ijm photography, ijmphotography, Italian architecture, Landscape Photography, Nantes, nostalgia, people photography, photo essay, photogenic location, photographer, Photography Aesthetics, photography basics, photography blog, Photography community, Photography Education, Photography gear, photography history, Photography Inspiration, Photography Techniques, picturesque town, shutter speed priority, spring photography, Travel photography, travel tips, vintage cameras6 Comments

Introduction

Welcome back to the film archives. Today I’m going to share some photos of the first reel from my “new” Canon AE1. Well, not new, but certainly new to me. The Canon AE1s were produced between 1976 and 1984. It is one of those iconic cameras and at the time I must have paid about 50€. When I say iconic, I really mean iconic. It is a shutter speed priority camera using Canon’s FD lenses. I used it an awful lot that summer. I liked it so much that I even bought a second one that I ended up giving to a photographer friend.

Colour

To some people of my generation they represent their first cameras, and were so popular. Talking of popular, the photographs from this part of the archive are from the very popular and photogenic town, Clisson. Also you will have noticed that the photos are in colour. Which only goes to show that not all film photography is black and white photography.

Clisson, as you can see in the photos, is one of those beautiful French villages that oozes Gallic charm. It also exudes a certain Italian charm, and is known for its Italian style architecture.

Canon AE1

I have both a Canon AE1 and AEI Program. The AE1 is the big brother of the AE1 Program, and doesn’t have a program mode, but as you can see from the photos it still works a treat.

Feature	Canon AE-1	Canon AE-1 Program	Differences
Release Year	1976	1981	AE-1 Program released 5 years after AE-1
Exposure Modes	Shutter Priority AE	Shutter Priority AE, Program AE	Program AE added to AE-1 Program
Metering	Center-weighted Average	Center-weighted Average	No difference
Shutter Speeds	2s – 1/1000s	2s – 1/1000s	No difference
Viewfinder Display	LEDs	LEDs	No difference
Film Speed Setting	Manual	Manual	No difference
Self-timer	Yes	Yes	No difference
Depth of Field Preview	Yes	Yes	No difference
Motor Drive Compatibility	Yes	Yes	No difference
Other Notes	First Canon SLR with microprocessor; revolutionary for its time	Simplified controls for easier use; appealed to wider audience	AE-1 Program aimed at beginners and enthusiasts

As you can see there’s not a huge differece between the two. The major difference being the Program option, and the other allowing for easier changing of the ASA film sensitivity setting.

On the day in question I must have parked just next to the river and concentrated on this picturesque area. You can see the castle, the bridge, and the river, all making for a peaceful spring moment.

I think the film was Fuji Superia, and I just wanted to use colour. Thetones are slightly muted and warm, and the flowers, trees and plants were just screaming out to be photographed. I remember the excitement of loading the film into this “new” camera, and the novelty of simply using an iconic camera.

Here is what fuji tells us about the film:

FUJICOLOR SUPERIA X-TRA400

An all-round general purpose, high-performance, high speed color negative film delivering truly fine-grain. Superb for snapshots or action, in low light with flash, outdoors or indoors. Ideal for general use with compact zoom lens cameras.

Excellent skin tones
For beautiful, clear people-shots.
Fine grain
Great results even when enlarged.
High-speed
Superb results, whatever the shooting conditions.
Sensitivity and Film Sizes
ISO : 400
Film Sizes : 135 : 36 exp.

When using digital, it’s so difficult to get that particular film look, and using film and an older camera just changes your whole outlook. The fact of not having your image straight away leaves you with that anticipation that we all used to feel when we sent off our films to the lab.

Give film a try. There are still cheap film cameras out there, and your photography experience will be totally different. I certainly appreciate it.

Seeing the World Through 35mm: Street Photography with the Fujifilm X100F

Posted on Jun 21, 2024Jun 25, 2024 Posted in Architecture, Bikes, Black and White Photography, Camera reviews, Nantes Photography, Photography Tutorials, Street PhotographyTagged 23mm lens, 35mm lens, 50mm lens, aperture, be aware of surroundings, bokeh, busy scene, camera cost, Candid Photography, close-up portraits, composition, depth of field, distortion, don't overthink, DSLR, environmental portraits, f/2.0, focal length, Fujifilm fanboy, Fujifilm X100 series, Fujifilm X100f, Fujifilm X100T, Fujifilm X100VI, full frame sensor, human eye perspective, image quality, inconspicuous camera, intuitive camera, ISO, lightweight camera, low light photography, mirrorless camera, photography 101, photography basics, Photography tutorial, practical tips, prime lens, self confidence, sensor size, shutter speed, silent shutter, Street Photography, Street photography 101, street photography basics, street photography gear, street photography tips, teleconverter, versatility16 Comments

Introduction

I have been writing for this blog for a while now and everytime I get a comment it feels wonderful. Especially when I get a thought provoking comment. LIke this one from my friend Joe:

Excellent post Ian I admire your willingness to stay neutral on the merits of which focal length lens is better for street photography. I personally find the 23mm 2.0 Fuji lens fairly close to what my eyes are seeing before I take the image. Of course we are talking about lenses designed for the APS-C sized Fuji sensor so 35mm would be the equivalent field of view for my 23mm lens (23mm x 1.5 = 34.5mm). Undoubtedly some people will say the nifty fifty is a closer field of view to what the human eye sees but in my opinion I will leave that up to other people that may care to argue that point….
Sorry for my long winded response but I enjoy your articles so much I cannot resist replying even though once I get started you can’t shut me up

I am grateful for Joe’s thoughtful comment and I am still going to stay neutral, and just explain why I use the 35mm (equivalent) on my X100F, for street photography, and environmental portraits, despite having the teleconverter to convert that lens into a 50mm (equivalent) lens. As a special bonus I will present my latest street photography from Nantes, which just goes to show the sun can shine on us…

The Appeal of the 35mm Lens

The 35mm offers a world view which is very similar to that of the human eye albeit with a very slight distortion that disappears at 50mm. So, when on the street, we know that our image will have much the same view as what “we” see. When I get really close for a close up of a subject, the possible distortion remains manageable and doesn’t distract from the subject.

My Journey with the Fujifilm X100F

I have fanboyed and waxed lyrical about this camera in previous articles and will not do that here. However, I have had mine since 2018 and still use it on a very regular basis, which tells you an awful lot. I use it during travel and when doing street photography because it is light, takes up next to no space, and is subtle, unlike the huge DSLRs and their massive lenses. Moreover, I have enough self-confidence to not need to compensate for anything. It’s also a very sexy little camera, and over the years that we have been together, I have learned how to use it to its full capacity. I can use it intuitively without having to think, which is always a relief. According to camera manufacturers, six years is a long time to be with just one camera, but the costs of replacing it with the latest version are prohibitive, and not enough of them are being produced. The old argument about one in the hand still holds true.

The Versatility of the 35mm Lens on the X100F

The versatility of the lens, as with any lens, depends on the person “behind” the camera. I use it for documenting a scene. It’s just wide enough to get a good view, but not to distort or have too “busy” a scene, as can happen with the 28mm. It’s great for portraits. Dear Reader, I know I have previously talked about the distortion when close up, but what it is great for is a portrait of a person in his environment. It gives us more context about the person and tells more about him, as we can see his surroundings. Because of the silent shutter, I can also get nearer to my subject without making a flapping mirror sound when I press the shutter button. At F2.0, I can either get massive depth of field or shoot in relatively low light. My basic setup is ISO 3200 and F2.0. But on a day like today, I will put it into ISO 400, and if things get really bright, then I can use the inbuilt ND filter.

Comparisons with Other Focal Lengths

I have already touched upon the differences between the 28mm, the 35mm, and the 50mm focal lengths, but let’s get real for a second. The 28mm is great, but too much distortion and makes the image very busy because of the wider field of view. This is fine when used with intent, but you have to be so much more careful with your composition. The 50mm is the lens that I grew up, but after having used the slightly wider 35mm, I find myself backing up to get the same field of view, which leads to banging into things and apologising profusely to the bin that I have just reversed into. It has happened!

Practical Tips for Street Photography with the 35mm

Just use it, go back and use it again, and if you have any doubts then just go out and use it once more to be sure. Don’t overthink it. Don’t worry about the distortion I have mentioned. It only really happens when you get right up to your subject. If you have only used the nifty fifty then you shouldn’t notice a huge difference, but physically you will. You’ll be moving closer to things, but it’s just “one step up.” It will seamlessly “grow” on you.

Be the man in grey, or whatever colour you fancy, but know the environment in which you’ll be shooting. You might want to avoid fuchsia if you’re going to be in the woods shooting, or in that beautifully tailored three piece suit if you’re going to be in the stands at a football match. Think sore thumb and being out standing in a field.

Conclusion

If you so wish, you now have the arguments for and against the 35mm lens. I don’t think that arguing about ti will get you anywhere though… The lens, as the camera, is a tool at your disposal to create an image. Just getting a new lens won’t change your life despite what the guy in the shop might tell you. You “can” use a 50mm for street photography, and some even use the 85mm to go for more details, and more candid shots. Use what you have already. I have just talked about my experience since using the 35mm (equivalent) on the X100F. The information is purely subjective. If you want an X100, then by all means go out and buy one. Maybe go for an older model like the X100F or even the X100T for the price difference. Or if you can get your hands on one, the X100VI is wonderful. At the moment however, I cannot justify buying a more expensive camera to my wife!

I’ll leave you the comments section to debate the various merits of each piece of kit. And you can use the hashtag “#ijmphotography” to share your images with me on the gram. Look forward to hearing from you. Until next time…

Exploring Nantes: A Photographer’s Perspective

Posted on Mar 8, 2024Mar 6, 2024 Posted in Architecture, Black and White Photography, France, Nantes Photography, Street PhotographyTagged a photographer's love letter to nantes, architecture photography, capturing the essence of nantes, City photography, day trip nantes, decouvrir nantes en photos., discovering nantes, europe travel, exploring nantes, finding beauty in the everyday, France, french travel, historical city, historical photography, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, Nantes, nantes architecture, Nantes attractions, nantes city break, nantes france, nantes france voyage, nantes hidden gems, nantes off the beaten path, nantes street photography, nantes things to do, nantes through a photographer's eye, photo essay, photo reportage voyage, photographer, photographie de rue nantes, photographie de voyage, photographie vintage, photography, storytelling photography, Street Photography, the soul of nantes, Travel photography, travel photography tips, traveling with a camera, vintage photography style, visite photo nantes, visite virtuelle nantes, voyage en photos nantes7 Comments

In the hushed confines of my study, where the scent of bookst mingles with the comforting aroma of steeping tea, I find myself transported to distant realms of discovery. With my faithful canine companion at my feet and a mischievous feline observer perched high atop a pile of unironed laundry (I must get that sorted out), I embark on a journey not only through the winding lanes of Nantes but through the corridors of time itself.

Nantes, with its labyrinthine streets steeped in centuries of history, beckons with the allure of bygone eras and whispers tales of yore to those who listen with open hearts and discerning eyes. As a photographer of a somewhat vintage disposition, I am drawn not only to the grandeur of its architectural marvels but to the quiet corners and hidden alcoves where the soul of the city reveals itself in subtle nuances and fleeting moments.

My approach to photography, much like my approach to life, is one steeped in reverence for the past and a keen appreciation for the present. Armed with my camera and a discerning eye for detail, I set out to capture the essence of Nantes not merely as a series of picturesque scenes but as a living, breathing tapestry of human experience.

In my wanderings through the cobbled streets of the old town, I am enraptured by the timeless beauty of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, its imposing walls bearing witness to centuries of tumultuous history. Yet it is in the quiet courtyards and shadowed alcoves of this ancient fortress that the true spirit of Nantes reveals itself, echoing with the whispers of generations long past.

Chateau de Ducs de Bretagne, or Nantes Castle

As I meander through the bustling markets and labyrinthine alleyways, I am captivated by the vibrant tapestry of colors and textures that adorn the cityscape, each tableau a testament to the creativity and resilience of its inhabitants. From the fragrant stalls of the Marché de Talensac to the bohemian charm of the Île de Nantes, every corner of the city offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Nantais life.

But it is perhaps in the quiet moments of reflection, amidst the tranquil banks of the Loire River or beneath the leafy boughs of the Jardin des Plantes, that the true magic of Nantes reveals itself. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, I find solace in the simple beauty of nature and the timeless rhythm of the river, a reminder that amidst the chaos of modern life, there are still moments of peace and serenity to be found.

In my pursuit of the perfect photograph, I am guided not only by technical skill and artistic vision but by a profound sense of reverence for the world around me. Each click of the shutter is not merely an attempt to capture a fleeting moment in time but a homage to the beauty and wonder of the world we inhabit.

As the sun sets over the horizon and the last rays of light dance upon the waters of the Loire, I find myself filled with a sense of gratitude for the privilege of bearing witness to the timeless beauty of Nantes. In its winding streets and hidden corners, I have discovered not only the essence of a city but the essence of life itself—a tapestry of moments, both fleeting and eternal, woven together in the fabric of time.

As the golden hues of sunset paint the Loire River, my camera lens captures one last fleeting moment of this captivating city. Nantes has unveiled its charm, whispering stories through its cobblestones and revealing its soul in hidden corners. While my journey ends here, yours can begin. Pick up your camera, wander the winding streets, and discover the magic of Nantes waiting to be captured, frame by frame. You might just find yourself transported, too.

A Pilgrimage to Mont Saint Michel: A Journey of Faith and Endurance

Posted on Sep 1, 2023Feb 8, 2024 Posted in Architecture, Catholic, France, History, Landscape Photography, Travel photographyTagged 16-35mm, 16-35mm lens, Abbey, angel, arch angel, archangel Michael, architechture, arthritis, Arthritis Management, Canon 6d Mark II, Catholic, Catholic Pilgrimage, Devotion, Divine Presence, faith, Faith and Endurance, France, France Travel, French, Ian James Myers, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotgraphy, Inspirational Travel, mass, Michel, Mind over Body, Mont Saint Michel Abbey, Mont Saint Michel Photos, Normandie, Normandy, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Pilgrimage, photographe, photographer, Photography Journey, pilgrim, Pilgrimage, Pilgrimage Reflection, prayer, Prayerful Experience, rosary, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Pilgrimage, Travel Writing2 Comments

The hot summer sun beat down as I embarked on a journey that had been brewing in my mind. Mont St. Michel was not only a quest to escape the sweltering Vendée heat but also a spiritual endeavour to connect with the divine in a magnificent setting.

A Return to Childhood Memories

The journey began at my home in the picturesque Vendée region, where I set out on a 220-kilometer trip to Mont Saint Michel. It was a return to a place I had visited as a wide-eyed boy, eager to explore its mysteries. However, this time, my mission was twofold: to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of this monument through my camera lens and, most importantly, to offer my prayers to the Almighty.

The Road Less Travelled

The road to Mont St. Michel took me through Nantes and Rennes, where I made stops at local bakeries to purchase food for the journey. As I stocked up on provisions, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my first visit to this iconic place some forty years ago. Speaking with my parents, who recalled our family visit, added a nostalgic layer to this pilgrimage.

Physical Challenges and the Power of Will

One of the significant challenges I faced during this pilgrimage was my battle with arthritis, a persistent companion that had become an unwelcome part of my life. Walking with the aid of a cane, I knew that this journey would not be without its pains. However, I had learned a valuable lesson during my time in the Army: the mind can command the body to persevere beyond its perceived limits. Armed with this knowledge, I pressed on, determined to conquer the physical difficulties that lay ahead.

Prayers in Motion

My journey was more than a physical voyage; it was a spiritual quest. Along the way, I offered up my sufferings to God, a testament to my unwavering faith. The act of praying while traversing the miles was a reminder of the power of faith, even in the face of adversity.

A Divine Encounter at Mont St. Michel

Finally, I reached the awe-inspiring Mont St. Michel. Its grandeur and the spiritual aura surrounding it took my breath away. I knew I was in the presence of something sacred. It was here that my pilgrimage took on its most profound meaning.

A Moment of Grace

Before the Blessed Sacrament, I knelt in prayer. As I poured out my heart to the Lord, I couldn’t help but notice the passers-by who seemed oblivious to the divine presence. In that moment, I offered a prayer that God might reveal Himself to them in some way. And then, as if in answer to my prayer, two individuals genuflected before the Blessed Sacrament. It was a poignant reminder that God’s presence is not always apparent, but it is real and powerful. The simple act of acknowledgment by those two individuals filled me with hope and gratitude.

A Pilgrimage Worth Every Step

As the day wore on and I made my way back home, I couldn’t help but feel tired. The physical exertions of navigating the ups and downs of Mont Saint Michel had taken their toll. However, it was a good tired, a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment that can only be gained through a meaningful journey.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on my pilgrimage, I realize that while the physical challenges were significant, they were far outweighed by the spiritual rewards. My journey was a testament to the power of faith and the determination of the human spirit. If I were to undertake this pilgrimage again, I would not go alone. Having someone to share the driving and the walks would undoubtedly make the journey more manageable. In the end, my pilgrimage to Mont Saint Michel left a lasting mark on me. It was a journey of faith, endurance, and prayer, a testament to the power of the human spirit and the divine presence that guides our paths.

Clisson

Posted on Jun 2, 2023Jun 2, 2023 Posted in Architecture, Café Culture, France, History, Landscape Photography, Street Photography, Travel photographyTagged bridge, Castle, chateau, church, Clisson, color, colour, colour photography, countryside, day out, eglise, France, French, french countryside, fuji, fuji x weekly, fuji x100f, Fujifilm, Fujifilm X Series, fujifilmx100f, historical, History, Ian James Myers, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, live in France, Loire Atlantique, Market, Market town, nature, park, Photo editing, photo reportage, photo shoot, photo walk, photographe, photographer, photography, rural, Street Photography, Street phtoography, streetphotography, summer, town3 Comments

Have you ever come across the articles named “The 10 Prettiest Villages in France,” “The 10 Prettiest Villages in Yorkshire,” “The 10 Prettiest Villages in Northumberland,” or “Some Other Dream Spot in This Beautiful World?” No? The one closest to us, is about 15 kilometres away and not in the south of France, which I believe to be completely overrated. Like most contenders for this type of little town, there is a bustling market every Friday morning (which is actually pretty wonderful, if not a touch on the pricier side), a park that hugs the river and lets you unwind while taking in the gentle sound of the water. A castle stands watch over the entire town. Meandering streets wonder up and down hills as do the locals. It is in wine producing country surrounded by vineyards who would be more than happy to flog you some wine…

Yes, it is one of “those” places, Dear Reader, but it is still beautiful. Clisson is also aware of this. Of course, I’m simply jealous because I don’t live there but wish I did.

In this series of photographs, I also chose to maintain the film-like appearance of my digital photography. It appears that summer is rapidly approaching. The days are already warmer and sunnier, but are not yet unbearably hot. And such weather is simply God’s way of encouraging you to go have a refreshing pint!