Twin towers of Basilique Saint-Donatien lit deep red against black night sky above Nantes street, Fujifilm X100F 23mm

Saints, Shadows and Brass: An Evening at the Festival Saint Donatien

A Friday in May, a Facebook message from an old friend, and a brass quintet about to perform at the Festival Saint Donatien in the Basilique Saint-Donatien, Nantes. I took the Fujifilm X100F, arrived early to hunt for light in the old stone streets around the basilica, and ended up inside one of the most atmospheric concerts I have attended in years.

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French horn section detail at SBL rehearsal, Nikon FE with Ilford HP5 Plus pushed to 3200, March 2026

Part 3: The Grind — General Rehearsal on HP5+ 3200

The grind continues. General orchestra rehearsal without soloists, shot on Nikon FE with HP5+ pushed to 3200. Heavy grain, raw aesthetic, iterative work. Part 3 of a trilogy documenting the Symphonique des bords de Loire through lunch, concerto rehearsal, and general rehearsal.

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Landscape format orchestra rehearsal, Symphonique des bords de Loire, Canon AE-1 Program with Ilford HP5 Plus pushed to 1600, black and white 35mm film, March 2026

Part 2: The Work — Rehearsing a Double Violin Concerto on HP5+ 1600

After lunch, the work begins. Documenting rehearsal of a double violin concerto with two Chinese guest soloists. Shot on Canon AE-1 Program with HP5+ pushed to 1600, these grainy black and white images capture collaboration between soloists and the Symphonique des bords de Loire. Part 2 of 3.

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Saint Cado

This article captures the quiet magic of early mornings spent alone with a camera, blending reflections on music, family, and solitude. Join me on a journey from a cosy concert in Lorient to the tranquil beauty of St Cado, where photography becomes a peaceful, personal gift.

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Notes in Monochrome: Music, Photography, and a Quiet Beach Walk

After a month in China, I’ve joined a new orchestra in Lanester—but it’s the journey between rehearsals that inspires me most. In spring’s incoming tide and hush, I found a parallel between music’s subtle notes and black-and-white photography’s textures. These unposed images capture the quiet rhythm of light and sound.

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Illuminated Chinese pagoda glowing against night sky in Shao Xing after Franco-Sino concert, Fujifilm X100F 23mm

China – Shao Xing

Explore Shao Xing through the lens of a French orchestra tour. From humorous toilet encounters to the serene beauty of a park, this article captures the city’s cultural vibrancy. Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity in Shao Xing, offering a unique perspective on travel and local life in China.

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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.

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First Concert in over Twenty Years

The author reflects on attending a concert where they had the dual role of photographer and audience member, highlighting the challenges of shooting under poor lighting and the importance of listening to live music as a musician. The evening successfully merged music and visual art, culminating in a learning experience and enjoyment.

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