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.
A 45-minute walk along the river in Clisson with a Canon EOS 500 and a roll of Agfaphoto APX 400. Castles, viaducts, calla lilies, and laundry — what film photography finds when you stop looking too hard and start looking behind you.
Ian’s contemplative journey through Nantes’ Saint-Pierre Cathedral, captured on Ilford HP5 Plus film with a Nikon FE. This black and white photography essay explores reclaiming sacred space from municipal spectacle, celebrating grain, silence, and winter light. A meditation on film photography as spiritual practice and architectural reverence in France’s historic cathedrals.
A raw, reflective post on seasonal depression, creative silence, and recovery. The IJM Photography blog explores acute depression, Franco-British identity, and the healing power of film photography. Honest writing about mental health, resilience, and returning to art—one frame, one word at a time—amid winter’s weight and the quiet journey back to self.
Discover black-and-white street photography from October 2016 in Nantes, featuring the Praktica MTL3 and HP5 Plus film. This article highlights ‘Ian and Killian days,’ capturing intimate father-son moments and the raw texture of film. Explore the charm of analogue photography and the beauty of imperfections.
In this latest film archives installment, we return to Clisson with the familiar Canon AE1 and HP5 Plus from Ilford. Clisson, a town renowned for its Italian-influenced architecture and market, offers picturesque options for exploration. The writer shares a departure from routine, finding serenity and contentment in the charming Quartier St Jacques.
The post delves into the use of a vintage camera, Olympus Trip 35, showcasing its simplicity and enduring appeal. The author also discusses the rising prices of both the camera and film, while sharing their nostalgic travels to Noirmoutier. The island’s allure lies in its natural beauty and local delicacies, despite challenges with overtourism.
This is the second part of a special day with the author’s daughter. They visited Jardin des Plantes, then went to Altercafé at the Hangar à Bananes. The daughter’s strong-willed nature is highlighted, and the author reflects on her as a model. The day concludes with the recognition that even a top model needs rest.
The writer reminisces about a time when his daughter was younger and more eager to spend time with him. He describes a visit to the Jardin des Plantes in Nantes, recalling how his daughter subtly led the photography outing. The images captured hold nostalgic value, representing a specific moment in time from 2016.