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.
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.
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.
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.