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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The high altar of the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Nantes, photographed on a Nikon FE with Ilford HP5 Plus 400, black and white 35mm film

Waiting for the Light: Reclaiming the Cathedral with Ilford HP5+

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.

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Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless camera with interchangeable lens

Fujifilm X-T2 Review (2026): Still Worth Buying?

In 2024, the Fujifilm X-T2 remains a versatile and budget-friendly mirrorless camera option for photography enthusiasts. With a 24-megapixel sensor, film simulations, weather sealing, and 4K video, it excels in street, travel, and portrait photography. Discover why this timeless camera still holds appeal for passionate photographers today.

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Wide street scene in Nantes, France, at midday — Fujifilm X100F 35mm

Seeing the World Through 35mm: Street Photography with the Fujifilm X100F

The author discusses the appeal of the 35mm lens for street photography and environmental portraits, as well as their experience with the Fujifilm X100F camera. They highlight the lens’ versatility, practical tips for street photography, and comparisons with other focal lengths. The conclusion emphasizes the subjective nature of lens choice and encourages using what one already has.

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my daughter contemplating cake

Manual Mastery – a beginner’s guide Part I

Learn photography with ease! Discover the exposure triangle – ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Mastering manual mode is simpler than it seems. Understand film sensitivity and how it influences your images. Unleash your creativity by balancing settings to capture the perfect shot. Stay tuned for more insights on aperture and depth of field next week!

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Prime Lenses: Elevating Your Photography Beyond the Basics – Part II

The article explores the author’s experience with prime lenses, including the 50mm f1.8, Helios 44-2 58mm f2.0, Canon 85mm f1.8, and Helios 135mm f2.0. These lenses offer natural perspectives, creamy bokeh, and great shooting experiences for both digital and film photography. Primes are praised for their sharpness, large apertures, and ability to enhance the creative process.

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Prime vs Zoom Lenses: Choosing the Right Lens for Your Photography

In this article, the author shares insights on prime and zoom lenses, emphasizing their unique advantages. Prime lenses excel in image quality and creativity, while zoom lenses offer convenience and versatility. Ultimately, choosing the right lens depends on personal needs, budget, and the desired photography style, encouraging readers to explore their passion fully.

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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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