Wooden crate of courges on a Clisson market stall, black and white film, Nikon FE with Kodak Tri-X 400

A Fan Letter to Monochromia

There’s a photography blog I keep coming back to, and I want to tell you about it. Monochromia is a collective — photographers from Chicago, Nuremberg, Rome, Washington D.C., and a village on the Nile, all posting one black and white image at a time with barely a word of explanation. I contribute the occasional shot from France, which makes me biased. It also makes me a better photographer.

Read
Stone cross on Pont Saint-Antoine with Château de Clisson in background, cobblestone bridge leading to medieval towers, Canon 6D Mark II 16-35mm

Clisson — A Guilty Pleasure

Clisson on a warm Wednesday in May. The medieval château, the weirs on the Sèvre Nantaise, the old stone bridge with its cross. A familiar town — but this time the film bag stayed at home. Instead: the Canon 6D Mark II, a 16–35mm, a 24–70mm, a 70–300mm, and the nagging question of whether producing this many good images this easily is something to be proud of.

Read
Black and white film photograph of crowds on the quarry rock pool at the Jardin Extraordinaire, Nantes, on a sunny April afternoon.

On Est Bien Là: Back at the Jardin Extraordinaire

A warm Sunday in April, a Canon EOS 500, and a roll of AGFA APX 100 at Nantes’ Jardin Extraordinaire. Film photography, slow days, and why it’s nice to be out in it.

Read
Black and white film photograph of a person lying on a granite ledge at the water's edge in the Jardin Extraordinaire Nantes, trees and an urban building in the distance, shot on Ilford Pan 100 with a Nikon FE

Birdsong in Black & White: A Morning at the Jardin Extraordinaire

First visit to Nantes’ Jardin Extraordinaire meets first roll of Ilford Pan 100. Shot on a Nikon FE, developed at home in Ifosol 3, scanned on Opticfilm 8100. A slower pace, a Panama hat, and the Grue Titan in the distance. Why analogue photography still matters in 2026, and how film helps me be more authentic.

Read
Black and white film photograph of the Maine valley from the Le Porte-Vue belvedere, the river and weir winding through the wooded gorge, Château-Thébaud.

Making the Ordinary Less Ordinary: Rollei RPX 400 at Pont Caffino

After 40 years behind the lens, still learning. Explore Rollei RPX 400 shot handheld in flat light at Pont Caffino, France. A honest look at dodging, burning, and making ordinary prints less ordinary in Lightroom.

Read
AI-generated illustration for "Balancing Film and Digital: A Photographer's Journey" article on the China Orchestra Tour dilemma, IJM Photography

Balancing Film and Digital: A Photographer’s Journey

Balancing film and digital photography is a challenge many photographers face. In this piece, I explore my dilemma before the China Orchestra Tour: should I shoot film or go digital? Weighing nostalgia, practicality, and travel restrictions, I ultimately chose the Fujifilm X100F. Here’s why it was the perfect choice.

Read
Underwater scene mural on quay wall beneath Montjean suspension bridge with cobblestones foreground, Canon 6D Mark II 16-35mm

The Philosophy of Photography: What the Camera Teaches Us

Dive into the final chapter of A Photography Philosophy Series, where we explore the deeper meaning of photography. From capturing emotions to storytelling, identity, connection, and impermanence, this reflective journey goes beyond technique to uncover why we photograph and how it shapes our perspective. Join the conversation and share your story!

Read

Photography Philosophy – Part VII – The Philosophy of Impermanence

Explore the philosophy of impermanence in photography and how fleeting moments, mistakes, and spontaneity shape powerful images. Discover how embracing imperfection and accepting the passage of time can lead to greater creativity and deeper connections with your subjects. A journey through the essence of photography and its evolving process.

Read

Photography Philosophy – Part VI – Connection Through Photography

In Photography Philosophy – Part VI – Connection Through Photography, we delve into the social side of photography, exploring how the craft builds relationships with fellow photographers, subjects, and strangers. From bonding over vintage cameras to overcoming introversion, this article celebrates photography’s power to connect us all.

Read

Photography Philosophy – Part V – Identity and Self-Expression

Explore the profound connection between photography and self-expression in this reflective piece. From personal growth to cultural influences, discover how photography captures identity, shapes perspective, and evolves over time. Join the journey of capturing moments that speak to who we are and who we’re becoming through the lens.

Read

Photography Philosophy Part IV – The Art of Storytelling in Photography

Explore the art of storytelling in photography with insights on crafting narratives through images. This article delves into techniques for capturing daily moments and the significance of single photographs, guiding photographers to create meaningful stories that resonate with viewers. Discover how to transform your photography into a powerful narrative tool.

Read