Capturing Nantes: A Photowalk Through Urban Charms

Posted on Aug 25, 2023Aug 23, 2023 Posted in Art, Black and White Photography, Film Photography, France, Nantes Photography, Street PhotographyTagged art in Nantes, artistic exploration, artistic wonders, bike shots, black and white, capturing city life, capturing moments, capturing urban life, Cigale café, city's essence, city's pulse, cityscape charm, classic photography, Combronne statue, creative exploration, Film Photography, Fomapan 100, France, French, hidden beauty, historical elegance, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, marine sculptures, Nantes attractions, Nantes landmarks, nostalgic charm, Pentax ME SUper, photo walk, photographer, photography, Place Graslin, Place Royale, preserving memories, rollei rpx 100, timeless allure, urban art, urban exploration, urban photography, urban rhythm, urban storytelling, urban theater, urban tranquility, vintage camera, visual narrative, Voyage à nantesLeave a comment

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 this vibrant urban landscape, and the latest offerings of the Voyage à Nantes. Join me as I take you on a visual journey through the enchanting Place Royale, the charming Place Graslin, and the captivating sculptures that make Nantes truly unique.

Place Royale: A Fountain of Marine Delights

My journey commenced at Place Royale, where the graceful fountain stood adorned with marine sculptures straight out of a storybook. These sculptures, by the Blegian artist Maen Florin, glistened in the sunlight and droplets of falling water. The Pentax ME Super clicked away as I framed each marine figure, capturing the interplay of water and art with the delicate precision of film photography. The Rollei RPX 100 film lent an air of timeless elegance to each shot, turning the bustling square into a tranquil haven through its lens.

Place Graslin: A Meeting of History and Charm

Next on my path was the inviting Place Graslin, a captivating square that exuded elegance and history. Here, the statue of Combronne with his coffee and glass of water, the newer version by Maya Eneva and the Cellule B collectif, welcomed me outside the iconic Cigale café, where I imagined stories of bygone conversations and shared moments. As the Pentax ME Super’s shutter clicked, the Fomapan 100 film brought forth the statue’s enduring presence, immortalising the blend of past and present that this city so effortlessly portrays.

Artistic Wonders of Cours Cambronne

A stroll along Cours Cambronne revealed hidden gems in the form of statues – “homme pressé” by the English sculptor Thomas Houseago and “éloge à la transgression,” by the famous Philippe Ramette both stunning creations from the Voyage à Nantes. These sculptures spoke of bold expressions and the city’s penchant for creative exploration. The Pentax ME Super captured their intricate details, with the Fomapan 100 film adding a touch of mystery to their narrative. In the heart of the city, a feeling of tranquilly pervaded, as I marvelled at the artistic tableau that surrounded me.

Bike Shots: Capturing Urban Rhythm

No Nantes photowalk would be complete without capturing the city’s quintessential “bike shots.” Bicycles, intertwined with daily life, spoke of a rhythm unique to urban living. With each click of the Pentax ME Super, the Rollei RPX 100 film transformed these moments into frames that held a slice of the city’s pulse. It also allows people to keep fit and be very smug about not polluting…

A Spectator of Urban Theatre

As I ambled through the city’s streets, I couldn’t help but feel like a mere spectator in the grand play that Nantes puts on every day. The camera in my hand was not just an instrument but a witness to the stories woven into every corner. With the Pentax ME Super, I was able to capture these narratives, bridging time and space through the magic of film.

Conclusion: Nantes Through a Different Lens

The Pentax ME Super, armed with its classic charm, and the duo of Rollei RPX 100 and Fomapan 100 films, transformed my photowalk through Nantes into a visual tale. From the marine wonders of Place Royale to the historical elegance of Place Graslin and the artistic marvels of Cours Cambronne, each click of the camera immortalised the city’s essence. Through the lens of film photography, Nantes unveiled its soul—a blend of history, art, and an urban rhythm that beats to its own tune.

As I reflect upon the captivating frames that now grace my album, I’m reminded of the vibrant energy and artistic tapestry that Nantes weaves. Just as the city’s sculptures and streets tell their stories, the Pentax ME Super and film quietly tell mine – a narrative of a city that thrives in its own unique rhythm, an urban theatre where I played the role of an enchanted spectator.

Hello Summer!

Posted on Jul 28, 2023Aug 2, 2023 Posted in Black and White Photography, Family Life, FranceTagged BBQ, beer, Biden, black and white, Black and White Photography, Canon 6d Mark II, France, French, friends, fuji x100f, guitar, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, meal, Music, musician, party, photographer, photographyLeave a comment

Hello Dear Reader. It’s been a funny old time lately. Something is not quite right. I can’t quite put my finger on it. It could be depression, or lowering of my mood, not too horrible, but not nice either. On the way to mass last Sunday I had a moment and cried. It could be because of work. New job, a transition from my old job that has been poorly managed, and has left me homeless in the factory. It could be because of good old-fashioned tiredness despite my super-duper sleep apnoea machine, and the holidays just being a week away. It could be lack of self-discipline; I have films to scan, and am having trouble getting the required results from my scanner, and therefore lacking motivation.

Hey, even with everything going on, I’ve managed to sneak out with my camera a couple of times and snap some awesome shots. I’ve got pictures of Nantes, the super cool Voyage à Nantes, a fun evening with friends, and even my buddy the barber doing his thing – cutting hair and beards like a pro. So, it hasn’t been all bad, you know? There are still moments of fun and excitement to be found out there!

It seems as though we are in a state of limbo. Killian and I have been doing a heroic job of holding down the fort while my wife and daughter have been away attending a wedding on our behalf and will be gone until Sunday. There have been no mishaps around the home and all the animals have been fed and watered. The dog and the two cats appear to be healthy as well!

Yes, a funny couple of weeks. On the news, or at least the BBC website, all we hear about is Ukraine, and how climate change is sizzling all of Europe, how fires are burning all over the place, and how it’s all due to climate change and how we must continue to worship at the altar of Greta, buy new and expensive electric cars to save the planet. The Vendée seems not have got the memo…

The photo was taken on my phone and edited in Snapseed.

As far as the photography is concerned, the photos were taken on the Canon 6D Mark II and the Fujifilm X100F.

Bastille Day 2023

Posted on Jul 14, 2023Aug 2, 2023 Posted in Family Life, Film Photography, France, Street PhotographyTagged 14 juillet, 14th of July, analog, analogue, Bastille Day, black and white, Black and White Photography, Canon, Canon AE1, canon AE1 program, day off, development, Family Life, film, film development, Film Photography, France, holiday, holidays, Ian James Myers, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, july 14th, lifestyle, lunch, photographe, photographer, photography, rollei, rollei rpx 100Leave a comment

It’s of course Bastille Day here in France so you have to imagine the pace of life in a 2CV, in first gear, driving along a farm track, at not a rapid rate of knots. One could even go as far as too say, slitgly more sedate than usual, pumped up on black French coffee.

This morning was very sedate. My alarm went off as if it were normal working Friday, and the pleasure I had turning the multiple alarms of and not going to work was almost obscene.

My shower wasn’t hurried and as I did my skin care routine (thank you Horace) I felt glowing, nearly as much as the sun trying to come through the shutters.

My cup of tea this morning was a pint of Darjeeling tea. I must have still had the glow-up as I actually filled the dishwasher before being yelled at to do by that woman who said yes 25 years ago so now has to put up with me full-time. I even made us all lunch.

My wife has an aversion to prawns so guess what I prepared for lunch. But I cooked them in olive oil and deglazed with lemon juice. So off to a good start. Sauce – half mayo, half Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, sweet paprika, and with the prawns, some chopped up four hard boiled eggs, one cucumber, and one red onion. All that served up on French “pain” as opposed to baguette, with baby spinach.

It was delicious and i now have to wash my t-shirt which has sauce on it. I also did all my dishes so I dont want to hear any nagging from a particular lady.

My original plan for the day was and still is do develop some films that have been waiting around and I have no idea what is on them, and some films that I must have started over a year ago but never got around to finishing. The idea is to have a fresh start and get back into doing some analogue photography.

We’re out at a friend’s house for dinner tonight amd admire the fireworks from afar. I think the word I’m looking for is delightful!

It would appear that I can still produce half decent negatives…

The Ship Cemetery

Posted on Jun 17, 2023Jul 25, 2025 Posted in Bretagne, France, Travel photographyTagged Art, barre d'etel, beech, Bretagne, breton, britanny, Brittanny, Brittany, classic chrome, colour photography, etel, fishermen, fishing boats, France, French, fuji, fuji x weekly, fuji x100f, Fujifilm, Fujifilm X Series, fujifilmx100f, fujifilmxseries, Ian James Myers, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, Kodachrome, photo reportage, photographe, photographer, photography, ria d'etel, sailor, sand, sea, seaside, ship, skeletonsLeave a comment

I can’t help but think about the men who sailed on these old ships that have been abandoned. Most likely, fisherman heading out to sea to bring back fish to sell at Ettel, a Breton port. They must be grateful not to be shipwrecks like their former vessels. And yet, when we contemplate them, we are filled with awe, realising that these fishing boats were the only defence these men had against the elements and the mighty waves.

Some of them are so decomposed that we can only just make out their skeletons and speculate about their previous states. Others have been turned into supports for street art. Maybe a more fitting tribute.

This maritime cemetery is just upstream of the Barre d’Etel, a most treacherous stretch of water with currents that will drag you out to sea, and sandbanks that will stop you entering the Ria D’Etel.

Bretagne – a story of sea and stones

Posted on Jun 11, 2023Jul 14, 2023 Posted in France, History, Landscape Photography, Travel photographyTagged Bretagne, Brittany, Carnac, cornish, cornwall, druids, erdeven, folklore, France, French, fuji x100f, fuji XT2, fujifilm xt2, fujifilmxseries, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, menhirs, photographer, photography, Prehistoric, standing stones, Stones, wales, welsh4 Comments

It has been a quiet week in Saint Hilaire… But it was a pleasant weekend in Brittany. Some may accuse the Bretons of being way too preoccupied with being Bretons, similar to the Cornish in Cornwall, or the Welsh in Wales, when they can manage to forget about getting cuddly with sheep. In that previous paragraph, I just irritated 6.9 million people. That’s not bad for a single paragraph.

Say what you will about the Breton people, they do do a great line in standing stones, or standing lines of standing stones, especially near Carnac. This gets me topq where my in-laws live, which is not far from Carnac. It was the first afternoon of our stay, and I didn’t want to irritate my mother-in-law by just existing, breathing, and so on. I seized the chance to go out with my camera and shoot some photos. It’s one of the reasons I look forward to these visits. It’s truly about getting away from everything and simply soaking in the scenery.

These stones have been standing for around 7000 years, so they must be getting exhausted. Some have just given up on life and collapsed, or have they had too many parties and consumed too much alcohol? Anyway, when I was travelling around the grounds of these lines of standing stones, or stones standing in lines, I observed a lady with dowsing rods sitting on one of the stones. There’s nowt as funny as folk, as my father once stated… Then the first lady’s companion came up and tried to hug the rocks. Now, I’ve seen some unusual things in my life, as has the majority of Hull’s population, since it’s never dull in ‘Ull.

But this not only took the biscuit, but it almost took the tea as well! They said that the Druids had placed the stones there to make the soil more fertile, and that each stone had its unique set of qualities. I tried not to laugh as I thought about how fertile their imagination was. After all, they were completely serious. I know nothing about old stones, whether standing or not, but I patiently listened to them.

I explained how we had once been to Stonehenge and how there was something about the place that was less than ordinary, and how we had seen people kissing the ground and having moments. They told me that of course this was because of the energy. You must ask the stone for permission to use its qualities first then sit on it. And were I to do this I would feel something. The only thing I felt was a sore bottom!

Wait a minute! He mentioned the Sea, not simply stones. We want to see the marine pics!!! If you’re good and well behaved I might include them in an upcoming post. I can assure you that they are ready. I’ll be highlighting Ettel’s Boat Cemetery. Be patient already!

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!