Portraits of People and Places

Photography is often at its most powerful when it captures not just a face or a building—but a moment, a feeling, a question.

In my work, portraits are more than subjects. They are invitations—to observe, to reflect, to connect.

Whether it’s a quiet glance, a candid laugh, or the architecture of a city street, I aim to capture something beyond the visual: an emotion, a memory, a story waiting to be told.

Why I Photograph People and Places

I’ve always believed that a place reveals itself slowly—and so do people.

A portrait isn’t just about appearance; it’s about presence.
A street scene isn’t just about buildings; it’s about movement, rhythm, and life.

These images represent my attempt to understand both the familiar and the unknown—to document relationships, revisit moments, and preserve the subtle beauty of everyday life.

“A portrait is never just a record—it’s a reflection.”


What You’ll Find Here

This section brings together two of the strongest threads in my work:

👥 People

Posts that focus on individuals—friends, family, colleagues, and strangers—capturing their expressions, emotions, and personalities. These aren’t staged portraits but moments observed and recorded.

Some highlights:

  • Nathalie – a deeply personal reflection on loss and presence
  • Sir Foxy Foxalot – a playful yet meaningful encounter
  • My Wife… series – intimate reflections on love, time, and familiarity

🏙️ Places

Photos of streets, architecture, urban scenes, and familiar landscapes—often revisited across seasons or moods to show how our perception changes over time.

Some highlights:


The Stories Behind the Faces

Every portrait tells at least two stories:
One visible through the lens.
One hidden in the photographer’s intent.

I don’t seek perfection—I seek authenticity. Whether I’m photographing my daughter, a stranger on the street, or a friend enjoying a quiet moment, I try to let the image speak for itself.

Sometimes, the most compelling photographs are the ones where nothing is said out loud.

That’s what this collection aims to be:
A quiet gallery of faces, places, and fleeting moments—where meaning lingers just beyond the frame.


Join Me in Seeing More Deeply

If you’re drawn to candid moments, emotional resonance, or the poetry of place—this is where you’ll find some of my most honest work.

Each post here is an invitation to look closer, think deeper, and feel something real.

Thank you for stepping into this space.
Let’s explore the world, one person, one place, one frame at a time.

Posts

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark.

  • Nantes Grand Angle Photo Rally

    What do you do on a nice, sunny, Saturday afternoon, when the Gilets Jaunes have forgotten to turn up? You get in the car with your daughter and meet some fellow Instagrammers from Nantes Grand Angle to go out and take some pictures. My camera for the day was the Canon 6D Mark II, with…

  • Alignements de Kerzhero

    The writer visited Brittany, France, known for clichés like salted butter, crêpes, and the sea. They enjoyed a photography session with their sister-in-law using a Canon 6D Mark II and 16-35 F4 lens. Initially disappointed with the results, they salvaged the photos using Lightroom and were pleased with the outcome.

  • Île de Saint Cado

    Île de Saint Cado

    The post discusses a visit to the Island of Saint Cado in Brittany, France, featuring landscape and wildlife photography. The writer shares the experience of spotting a rare Spoonbill bird and testing new camera equipment. Despite the windy winter weather, the trip was rewarding, rekindling a sense of childlike wonder.

  • The first morning in Edinburgh

    A heartfelt journey from Autumn to Winter leads to a decision to visit distant parents. In Scotland, a decadent Scottish breakfast rejuvenates with a mix of comfort and indulgence. The trip also reveals a fondness for a compact camera, despite its battery quirks, making it a cherished companion.

  • Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, Edinburgh

    The Churchyard in Edinburgh is not only a resting place for famous and infamous residents but also an inspiration for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter characters. Despite its haunting reputation, the cemetery offers moments of calm and beauty, especially during sunrise. A fearless little creature adds a touch of charm to the scene.

  • Off to see Mum and Dad in Alnmouth

    A trip to the picturesque village of Alnmouth was a much-needed escape from everyday worries. Despite Brexit and family concerns, the beauty of the village worked its magic, bringing peace and joy. The visit allowed cherished time with family and moments of bliss, capturing them through the lens of a camera.

  • Walkabout in Nantes with the lads from Instagram – Part I

    Now and again I do some colour photography, especially with the colours you get from the X100F. Everyone goes on about it, but they really are good. A guy on Instagram wanted to get some people together of various photographic levels, some who know little, some who know a lot, some who have loads of…

  • Walkabout in Nantes with the lads from Instagram – Part II

    So we’re still out taking photos and learning from each other. We all know Nantes and it’s good to see how other people might see the place. Photography is one of those things that actually lets me show you a moment in time through my eyes. It’s especially so when you have a camera and…

  • Walkabout in Nantes with the lads from Instagram – Part III

    We crossed over from the Castle and headed over past the Tour Lu (sans thé) down towards the Canal St Félix, along the Loire, pas the CIC building, and back into town and we ended having coffee and tea in the Sugar Blue Café where I have this habit of going to and eating wonderful…

  • On the market in Nantes

    My name is Ian, I have a Jamie Oliver cook book. Hello Ian! Oh com’on. Gimme a break. We’ve all done it The recipes for the hamburgers were really good. Anyway. What was as appealing as much as the recipes was the photography of some of the food but the markets as well. These were…

  • February in Nantes

    February in Nantes

    The month of February was amazing. We had a veritable heatwave! Alright, it wasn’t 30°C in the shade, but about 15°C – 18°C. It’s February after all. I felt alive whilst getting all that free Vitamin D. This is more typical of the photography that I do when I’m out in town. Generally black and…

  • Come to Nantes – It’s a riot!

    Oooooh… About to get political. Well, not really, but for the last 19 weeks, the Gilet Jaune movement has become a reality and what was at first something pretty scary, has now become part of everyday life and people are just getting on with it! I love the way they just say “merde” which delivers…

  • Edinburgh at night

    Edinburgh at night

    I knew there was something that I had forgotten… To finish the Edinburgh series. I seem to get distracted easily. Oh look, a shiny thing…. It’s like when you’re having a long conversation about something, then go off on a tangent, and then have to work out how to get back to what you were…

  • The obligatory bike shot!

    Do you ever get that shot that just seems to turn up on each of your films or series on an SD card? I do. Usually it’s doors, or door knockers for me, but I’ll leave that for an other post. This time I’m going to talk about the obligatory bike shot. Now I’m all…

  • Down on the waterfront Part 1

    After having met Nikos Aliagas on the Saturday I was still starstruck and it seemed to bring me out of my photographic funk… I’m not saying that all my photos were crap, but I was definitely getting into a rut. I was originally going to go out on my own to Clisson, but Kate asked…

  • Down by the waterfront Part 2

    Right, where was I? Ah yes, down by the waterfront, the front being the Hangar à Bananes and the water being the Loire. So we’ve done the Grue Titan, had a quick look at the rings, and even looked at the Cantine where Kate and I had lunch. Whilst having lunch I noticed a gentleman…

  • Modern architecture on the Île de Nantes

    I remember when the words, “modern,” and “architecture,” when used together in the same sentence would conjure up images of post-war concrete brutalism. Think carparks from thw 1960’s etc. Thankfully, this is no longer the case! Or at least I hope not. So nearly 60 years later, yes, that does give you a bit of…

  • My Wife…

    My Wife…

    I don’t usually think of myself as a portrait photographer, but I do take photos of my wife and children for family albums. I have a Helios M44-2 58mm which is a dedicated portrait lens and found a willing victim… I say victim but she did say “yes” all that time ago. She usually hates…

  • Clisson in Black and White.

    Clisson, a quaint French town, transforms into a haven for Heavy Metal fans during the annual Hellfest. The author reminisces about visiting the weekly market, lamenting the inability to frequent it due to work. They spent two hours in Clisson before an impromptu picnic in Nantes. The photos showcase their exploration with different camera lenses.

  • Clisson in colour, and close up…

    As you might know from reading the rest of this blog, I love using my Canon 6D Mark II with vintage glass. This Helios M44-2 is a bokeh beast for my inner bokeh whore… I love depth of field and this lens allows me to really express myself. Not only do I get the bokeh…

  • Abbaye de Maillezais Vendée

    The writer reminisces about Yorkshire’s historic abbeys, destroyed due to Henry VIII’s divorce dispute. Despite mentioning the famous sites, the focus shifts to Maillezais Abbey in Vendée. The story humorously recounts a scenic but mistakenly chosen route to the abbey. The article hints at future content featuring photography equipment used during the visit.

  • Parc Oriental de Maulévrier

    The author finally visited a place they had heard about for years, finding solace in photography. Exploring a Japanese garden, they cherished the freedom to move at their own pace. Despite the photographer’s frequent stops, their patient son tagged along. The photos, taken with a Canon 6D Mark II, captured the serene beauty, showcasing the…

  • Photography in the streets of Nantes, May 2019

    Now that you’ve had a bit of time to get used to me, I’m going to show you some of the usual photography I do, to keep my eye in. No fancy lenses. Just the Fujifilm X100F with it’s 35mm equivalent lens. So basically I go into town with my small inconspicuous little camera that…

  • The river Erdre in Nantes and some birds…

    It was Ascension Thursday which is a public holiday in France, and as usual I headed out to Nantes with my camera. The Canon had been getting jealous of the Fuji so I acquiesced. Killian, my son, and favourite travelling companion (have a look at the photos from Edinburgh) came with me. We ate at…

  • In the streets of Nantes on Ascension Thursday 2019

    Same day as the last article, but this series is about the streets on Nantes, with some obligatory bike shots, some lovely knockers, shops, churches, and other buildings. This seems to represent part of my universe when I’m in Nantes. Or more the way I see this little area of Nantes. I usually park in…

  • Garden birds

    Garden birds

    I have always loved watching the birds in the garden and since I was a small boy we have always put out food for them. For my last birthday, my wife and children bought me a couple of feeders and they have been well used. It may sound silly, but it brings me such happiness…

  • St Nicolas Basilica, Nantes

    Do you remember me saying that in one of my previous articles that I would show you the inside of the Basilica? Chose dite, chose faite. As I say, I will do! You may be a Catholic, you may not be. I’m not going to judge anyone. You may even be a convinced, and militant…

  • Pommeraye et Crébillon

    As you might have realised by now, sometimes I seem to find myself in Nantes quite often. Ever the creature of habit I have my “spots” that I seem to go to and one of them is the street between la Place Royale, and la Place Graslin, La Rue Crébillon. It’s basically where rich people…

  • Yoga in town

    Yoga in town

    This was my first go at doing a photo shoot and as any perfectionist worth their salt I wanted it to be as perfect as possible. I’d done my homework about how to approach working with a model. I’d looked up so many tutorials you can’t even begin to imagine how much footage I must…

  • Nantes, the Green Line!

    Le Voyage à Nantes is an art festival that happens every year in Nantes. They give out maps with the green line that travels all the way through the city and if you don’t have a map, you can just follow the green line on the ground. Yes. I shit you not. They have painted…

  • Beverley Minster, East Yorkshire

    You might just have noticed that I didn’t publish anything last Wednesday. And even if you didn’t not notice, I still didn’t publish anything last Wednesday. I had just had some time off work and had just got back from an amazing visit to Hull to meet up with some old friends that I was…

  • Humber Street

    Humber Street

    In 1987, my father bought me my first SLR. Notice the D is missing. So, I did say SLR and not DSLR. It was a Praktica MTL3 and it is now retired (polite way of saying Kaput) and sitting on a shelf in my son’s room. It took film. And the first roll of film…

  • Farman

    Farman

    Yesterday, I was out with my daughter in Nantes. Nothing new about that, but those who know me, know that already. What was new was that I had just bought a Canon 85mm F1.8 lens and wanted to try it out. Kate had decided that we would not go to the pub but go the…

  • First night of the holidays

    It was Friday. The boss had come round and asked where we were with our workload. I was fully up to date. He asked if I wanted to finish work that morning or work the Friday afternoon. Strangely enough I said, oh alright, I’ll finish at lunchtime then. And so started my four week Summer…

  • My wife.  Again…

    My wife. Again…

    Let me re-introduce my wife to you again. The sweet loving woman, who has been my long suffering companion, and my love, for more than 25 years, and 20 of those years married to me. She is also the only woman who could put up with me for that long too. But, when asked in…

  • Pegasus Bridge

    Pegasus Bridge

    This is the first in a series of posts about Normandy, and now you know where I went on holiday this year! Having lived in France for so long Normandy conjures up images of apples, cider, Calva, and Normans amazed by the fact that you can actually eat apples and not just use them to…

  • Commonwealth War Cemetery, Ranville

    In my last article I talked about Normandy and the battle to take Pegasus Bridge, and in this article I want to talk about the soldiers that didn’t come back. Ranville is a town, not too far from Pegasus Bridge and the men that fell in that engagement are buried in the Parish Churchyard. Just…

  • Omaha Beach, Normandy

    Omaha Beach, a critical D Day landing site, witnessed the immense sacrifice of the 1st and 29th Infantry Division of the US Army. General Bradley nearly abandoned the operation due to heavy casualties. Today, American families visit as a form of pilgrimage, while the nearby American War Cemetery stands as a somber reminder of the…

  • Honfleur at night

    Honfleur at night

    Honfleur, a picturesque town in Normandy, is the birthplace of composer Erik Satie. Its charm attracts Parisians and art lovers, with galleries and a connection to renowned painters. The town offers culinary delights like Camembert and Calvados. A peaceful night stroll around the old harbor provided an opportunity for photography, showcasing Honfleur’s beauty.

  • Honfleur, Daytime

    Honfleur, Daytime

    I’ve been trying to “find myself” lately as far as photography goes. Different editing techniques instead of always doing black and white. Maybe it’s time to get back to basics for at least one article. You’ve seen Honfleur in colour and at night in my last article. However, I did take my camera out during…

  • Course de Serveurs et Garçons de Café, Nantes 2019

    It has been know for me to frequent a certain establishment in Nantes now and again, he said whilst competing for the understatement of the year. That establishment, aka Daddy’s happy place, aka mes quartiers à Nantes, aka the pub, aka home from home, is the John McByrne Irish Pub, 21 Rue des Petites Écuries…

  • Nantes in September

    I’d been wanting to get back into Nantes with the X100F to try and do some old fashioned street photography. I’ve been experimenting with colour and have had some interesting feedback. Maybe it was a case of getting it out of my system. With the Canon I have a few interesting lenses and although it’s…

  • Countryside in October

    The weather today is officially depressing and even more so because it’s a Monday. I was so annoyed with life that it now is Friday afternoon. 5 days to get to the second sentence is possibly a sign. Of what, I don’t know… The tree that is in the photo is “my tree” that I…

  • Lourdes.

    Lourdes.

    The author recounts returning to Lourdes, seeking reconciliation with God and finding peace. They view the journey as essential, parallel to the destination. The experience impacts both the author and their son, who acted as a caregiver. They engage in religious activities, reflecting on faith, and capturing moments with a discreet camera.

  • Zoo de la Palmyre

    Zoo de la Palmyre

    During the Summer, I prioritized spending time with my family instead of pursuing photography. We visited the Palmyre zoo to allow my children to see animals up close. Despite differing opinions on zoos, I believe it provides an opportunity for educational observation and forming connections with the animals. I captured zoo moments with a Canon…

  • À la recherche du temps perdu…

    The writer expresses a longing for past experiences and memories, triggered by sensory cues like smells and tastes. Nostalgia evokes moments from boarding school, tensions with parents, and youthful dreams. A sense of wonder and loss permeates the reflection, as the writer contemplates the divergence of their past aspirations from their present reality.

  • Nantes in Novembre

    Nantes in Novembre

    Halloween has come and gone and the countdown to Christmas has begun, but no trees until at the earliest the beginning of Advent or at the latest St Nicholas’ Day. The weather is now officially miserable and rainy. And with the hour having gone back the nights seem to be staring earlier. The rain is…

  • Mass in the Cathedral

    If you’ve read the Lourdes article then you’ll know that I am a practicing Catholic, and after a break away from the Church I’m trying to get back to Mother Church. It was Sunday, and well, I hadn’t been in the morning as I could see the clock turning. I remembered a friend telling me…

  • Happy birthday Gilet Jaunes

    I’m writing this in a theatre before the tune up begins in about half an hour’s time. I was thinking back to yesterday and going out to Nantes to take a couple of photos. I was in a foul mood on Friday; a colleague who was a nice bloke and all round good egg has…

  • Sainte Anne, and the Grue

    This weekend I haven’t taken any photos, but as they say so well in Blue Peter, here’s one I made earlier.  These photos are now two weeks old. They were taken from different sides of the Loire. The first were taken in the Hangar à Bananes on the Saturday when I was with my daughter,…

  • Marianne en Concert

    Marianne en Concert

    I have a friend who sings, and who really sings well. She plays the guitar too. She also happens to be Australian but we won’t hold that against her! Tonight is her first concert in the pub where she works. She’s a nervous as heck, but the first song went off really well, and she’ll…

  • Out to tea

    Out to tea

    On a slightly miserable Friday afternoon, the writer was cheered by their boss allowing them to leave work early, a friend working at Fnac, and the Sugar Blue Cafe. Despite considering buying a drone for aerial photography, they ultimately decided against it. The evening ended with enjoying cheesecake and tea at the cafe.

  • Day out with my son

    I’m in the pub after having heard Mass in the Cathedral with my son. Last might he was out having “drinks” with friends for his birthday. I said I would meet him in Nantes the next day and that we would spend the day together. He would be able to choose his birthday cum Christmas…

  • That time of the year

    Since my last article, I seem to have spent more time away from this blog than usual. Let me reassure you, Dear Reader, that I have not abandoned this enterprise, nor am I dead. Quite the contrary really. I have been living life. I have been drinking tea. I have been eating cake. I have…

  • Letter to my daughter

    I have a daughter.  Those of you who have followed this blog for a while will have seen pictures of her.  She is a thousand things to me, and more.  A muse, an inspiration, a little mother, my child, a force of nature, an enigma, a reminder of her mother, a little person turning into…

  • The last Saturday before Christmas

    I have said it on here before, and I will say it again. I have moments of folly, where lucidity says bugger this, I’m outta here punk! And so it was the Saturday before Christmas. I had agreed to meet a friend in town and help her choose presents for her nephew and niece in…

  • Christmas 2019

    Christmas 2019

    Merry Christmas dear Reader. Ok. I know I’m a little late but that’s fine. Most of these blog posts have that impression of being slightly out of sync like a news reporter talking live from outside Parliament, or a badly dubbed film… trust me, I will wish you a Happy New Year by the end…

  • Happy New Year

    Happy New Year

    So I was almost late for Merry Christmas, but in France you get until the end of January to wish people Happy New Year, so not late at all! Yayyyy, go me! Thank heavens that I’m not called Nads…. (old joke, and I’m nearly ashamed of using it to introduce an article) Here we go…

  • Passage du Gois, and the Port du Bec

    The writer enjoys solitude in Nantes with photography, tea, and cakes, but feels it’s affecting their health and creativity. They switch to a coastal location, limiting gear and exploring a passage submerged during high tide. The serene experience rejuvenates them, hinting at a potential return.

  • Riding the waves

    Riding the waves

    I have missed you Dear Reader since I wrote my last article 20 days ago. There goes my idea of writing every week out of the window. I have been going through a rough time lately as far as my mental health is concerned. Let me reassure you that I am still alive, but it’s…

  • Friends and Social

    Friends and Social

    The post reflects on the impact of social media, emphasizing its pros and cons. The author describes how platforms like Facebook and Instagram help maintain connections with distant friends and family, leading to real-life meetings and shared experiences. The narrative highlights the positive outcome of such interactions, culminating in a memorable day in Nantes.

  • Dont Panic!!!

    Dont Panic!!!

    It’s been a quiet time lateley. Days go by and we continue to exist with the very present threat of the the deadly Corona Virus, Covid-19, for those close to it. Quiet, despite the pandemonium in the media. Quiet, despite the lack of toilet paper, which just goes to show how scared people really are!…

  • The confinement

    The confinement

    Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the writer describes the impact on daily life in France – from the discontinuation of traditional greetings and closure of social venues to the abrupt lockdown. The emotional toll and uncertainty are palpable, highlighting the challenges faced during the 21-day lockdown.

  • Confinement – The Endgame

    Yes, I said Endgame. Well, kind of. My confinement started on the 17th of March, and I go back to work tomorrow morning, the 20th of April. You know when you were at school, and your teacher gave you the “and what did you do during the holidays?” essay. This is the more modern equivalent.…

  • The end of lockdown in France

    As of midnight the confinement is officially over in my area of France. We are green and not red. Were we to be red, then we would still be up the Covid Creek without a paddle, but as we’re green, we’re good to go. What I have just said might seem strange. And of course…

  • The Lockdown Diaries Part I

    Now I realise that this title might sound like the beginning of a series of posts that will have even more episodes than the Avengers film franchise, or for those of you who are my age, even more films than in the Sly Stallone Rocky series, minus the boxing. And I’ve purposely not indicated how…

  • The Lockdown Diaries Part 2

    If you’re still here then it means that you’re still alive and not dead from Covid 19, or the light beer virus for those in the know, which is a good thing after all. Soooo… Lockdown is officially over but it doesn’t really feel like it. People are still covering their faces with masks, which…

  • My Mamiya C220

    My Mamiya C220

    The Mamiya C220, a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera, is the favorite of its owner for several reasons. Its clear viewfinder allows for easy use without glasses, it sparks conversations, and offers exceptional depth of field. Its medium format and vintage appeal make it a unique and exciting tool for photography.

  • My wife…

    My wife…

    Not much text today. I’m just going to let the photos speak for themselves. My wife posing for me, using the Canon 6d Mark ii, 50mm F1.8 lens, and natural light coming through my bedroom window. KISS. Keep it Simple Stupid! Slowly becoming my new ethos…

  • My daughter

    My daughter

    So as in the last post I’m just going to let these photographs just speak for themselves. It was the same set up. My daughter instead of my wife. She had been promised a film on Netflix if she posed for me. A fair exchange in my view!

  • Flash portraits

    Flash portraits

    I know nothing about flash photography. Well I know a tiny bit but hardly anything. During lockdown, when everyone was making cakes, cooking, making banana bread, drinking and getting fat, I decided to do something about it. Yes people. I went onto YouTube and started researching the whole thing. I’ve been taking photos for as…

  • Back in Nantes for some street photography

    It’s always good to back into town. I took along my daughter, a fuji XT2 and a cheap Chinese lens that was dirt cheap. I mean dirtier than my work boots after a hot summer day. But like my dirty work boots, it got the job done. You will of course see the results at…

  • The obligatory bike shot in the streets of Nantes

    To start off with this was just going to be a short preparative article before I publish my the photos from my night time article about night photography in Nantes. I was going to start off by talking the pubs opening in England and Ireland tomorrow. I wanted to show you the way that the…

  • Paris!

    Paris!

    Yesterday I went to Paris with my ten going on thirty year old daughter. It was on a whim almost. Just the same about about that song about a sleeping lion, where the desire to burst into song was just a whim away, a whim away, a whim away,a whim away, a whim away, a…

  • Île de Nantes with the XT2

    The author couldn’t go to the UK, so he decided to explore Nantes with his camera. Inspired by minimalism in street photography, he captured the city’s evolving architecture and historical landmarks. Using a FUJIFILM XT2, he focused on form and light for a visual workout, finding joy in the experience and considering it a regular…

  • Saint Cado

    Saint Cado

    Hi everyone. There’s going to be some of you who will be in shock at the end of this article. I’m presenting some colour photographs to you today!!! I know. You’re already scrolling down to check and see if it’s true, and yes it is. I have to keep all of you on your toes…

  • The Quiberon Peninsular

    The narrator recounts a chaotic visit to their French family, characterized by drama, personal restrictions, and familial dynamics. Despite being berated and rushed, photography offers solace. The narrator escapes to capture coastal images, even amidst familial tensions and outbursts. The account concludes with a plea for feedback on the captured photographs.

  • Les filles et un garçon

    As I think I’ve already told you, I am in the middle of trying to learn about this portrait palaver! I had watched the videos, I had perused the books, I had bought the equipment, I just needed some willing victims. Erm, I mean models. I was going to see my perfectly dysfunctional family for…

  • More  Portraits

    More  Portraits

    I have a wife, and my wife has friends from her work. I therefore have friends from her work. One of these friends has a husband. This husband is therefore a friend of mine. Not only that but we were invited to celebrate his birthday with him. As my present to him I said I…

  • Jean Guillaume ce héro!

    I am truly blessed. I have some very good friends that are wonderful people.  Jean Guillaume is one of those people.  He personifies kindness, gentleness and positivity, and an example for us all. No wonder he got to marry Stephanie who is just as wonderful!    You may remember in a previous article that I…

  • La Rentrée – or Back to the Grindstone

    The author reflects on a unique summer, combining work with holiday experiences in France. From photography gigs to family outings, the days were varied. The narrative highlights the joy of photography and the desire for normalcy amidst the current global situation. The writer hopes for a return to human connection beyond pandemic concerns.

  • Canon and the Helios 44-2 58mm

    The Sunday morning sun was shining, and I was in need of some fresh air after a fun-filled birthday celebration with friends. Armed with my trusty Canon 6D Mark II, I decided to push my photography boundaries by attaching the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2.0 lens to my camera. Stepping into the realm of portrait lens…

  • My old friend

    My old friend

    My old friend melancholy is back with avengeance. She’s a bitch and knows exactly what you don’t want to hear. She reminds you that you are in a sexless marriage, that you are useless to everyone, and that you would be better off dead. If I look for sex somewhere then I’m the shit, but…

  • Back in Paris

    Back in Paris

    I’m happy to tell you that I am feeling better than I was when I wrote my last article. Mentally I seem to be on waves and at least now I know things will get better. At the moment I seem to be OK. Right now we’ve got that said we can go on. In…

  • Off to see the King

    At work lately we’ve been having four day weeks and it’s wonderful! There are slightly fewer orders coming in but that’s OK. There’s enough to keep everything rolling by. And who doesn’t love having a day off? Those who said not me, are either liars or simply mistaken. So that Friday I decided that I…

  • Kodak Portra 160 in action

    The author shares photos taken with Kodak Portra film in Nantes and expresses admiration for the film’s quality. They describe the film’s attributes and its use in photography, particularly in capturing portraits and street scenes. The post also includes links to further resources about Kodak Portra.

  • Homesick, but not just.

    The writer’s encounter with their boss led to an unexpected meeting with higher-ups to discuss their mental health struggles. This revelation altered their workplace dynamics. They reflect on wishing to rewrite their past, but appreciate small joys. They emphasize the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and hope for reduced stigma.

  • Bourrée ou Macé?

    Bourrée ou Macé?

    Initially, the author planned to visit a Loire Valley castle but opted to rest instead. After waking without brain fog, they attempted to visit Chateau de Plessis Bourée, only to find it closed. They explored the more accessible Chateau de Plessis Macé, learning its historical significance while capturing exterior photos before making future visit plans.

  • Lockdown 2.0

    Lockdown 2.0

    The government has imposed another lockdown due to rising COVID-19 cases. The author expresses frustration at the government’s policies and the impact on social interactions. They also comment on the U.S. election and express skepticism about the new leadership’s ability to bring about significant change. Plans for photography outings have been dashed by lockdown.

  • Merry Fu**ing Christmas

    I’m presenting another entry for the « Understatement of the Year 2020” competition.  It’s been a strange kind of year.  I’m wondering how I am coming out of it.  Trigger warning, I may talk about mental health in this article so get over it pussies!  Normally at this time of year, I’m never really good and…

  • The holidays

    The holidays

    Hello. I have a friend called Julie Dodge and she is a photographer in Brooklyn NY. I have asked her to mentor me and maybe put me in a different direction with my photography and help me develop as a photographer. She’s full of talent and is somebody that I admire greatly. She suggested that…

  • Happy New Year?

    Happy New Year?

    Happy New Year Dear Reader, and thank you for continuing to read my twice monthly drivel that spews forth from my  obviously damaged mind. Maybe it’s reassuring for you to have somebody madder than yourself?  Or maybe I just admit it and embrace it! I think at the beginning of any year we always look…

  • Vocation

    Vocation

    This can sound something like a strange word nowadays, but as a Catholic, it was omnipresent during my youth, or at least I thought so. When I was at boarding school, the monks taught us about the monk’s life and how one could become a monk. The local parish priest when I was younger was…

  • Blue Monday

    Blue Monday

    Saw a quote that said, “Be the adult that you needed as a child” and it has changed my whole perspective. Anon A friend has shared that on Instagram in his stories and it did strike a certain chord.  As somebody who has had a certain amount of baggage to deal with, especially as a…

  • Sorry

    Sorry

    Hello Dear Reader from a rather sunny corner of France! My mood is like the weather. Warm and blue skied, and my disposition as sunny as you could wish. I have had it said to me that my last few posts have been far too inward looking and intopestcive. So if you’re reading this then…

  • Barber shop portraits

    The author reflects on their return to photography after a hiatus, sharing experiences of capturing portraits at a barbershop. They discuss overcoming introversion, building rapport with subjects, and experimenting with lighting. Despite initial apprehension, successful portraits were captured, highlighting the essence and personality of the individuals. The equipment used is detailed, and gratitude is expressed…

  • Good morning Dear Reader…

    I seem to have a thing for old fashioned, black and white, low key portraits and as I evolve as a photographer it seems to be my “new thing” to learn about. The person who says he knows everything and no longer needs to learn is wrong and probably has his head up Where the…

  • Cloé in front of my lens

    It was last Friday, and we were only doing 36 hours this week at work, so I was free on Friday afternoon. I like to go and visit my son, and his girlfriend, as I know I’ll be allowed to have a nice cup of tea and be able to talk photography without being told…

  • Jardin des Plantes, Nantes

    This story actually begins in my village in Vendée, with a foray into the next town and its Saturday market. But you could argue that it began earlier in Nantes when I bought my son’s girlfriend an old film camera, a Canon AE1 with a 50mm f1.4 lens, that I nearly kept for myself, but…

  • Beauty of the Mundane

    The content touches on nostalgia for old-style newspapers and radio, the impact of a YouTube channel on the author’s perspective, and an intention to explore beauty in the ordinary through photography. It emphasizes the importance of observing everyday life and embracing imperfection. The author introduces a new Instagram project to capture and share the beauty…