The X100F, again!

She’s My Pride and Joy

It seems that I’m not the only one who raves about this powerhouse of a camera. This just proves that size truly doesn’t matter. I’ve mentioned it on numerous occasions and I stand completely justified in doing so!

Here’s a selection of articles that I have written showcasing phtoography from this amazing little camera in no particular order:

The idea behind using a camera is not just about capturing moments, it’s also about the experience it grants you. This camera has the ability to inspire and motivate its users to explore and create, which is a testament to its design and functionality. The joy and enthusiasm that comes with using this camera is contagious, and it’s evident in the way it empowers photographers to unleash their creativity. It’s not just a tool, but a companion that fuels the passion for photography, encouraging individuals to embrace the world around them through its lens.

Frame It Right: The Art of Composition in Photography Part IV

Posted on Dec 1, 2023Feb 7, 2024 Posted in Black and White Photography, Nantes Photography, photography tutorials, Travel photography, Wildlife PhotographyTagged Artistic Composition, Artistic development, Artistic growth, Artistic insights, Artistic journey, Artistic Photography, Artistic Vision, capturing moments, capturing urban life, City photography, cityscape photography, composition, Composition balance, Composition Principles, Creative balance, creative exploration, Creative Expression, creative framing, Creative photography, Creative photography ideas, creative process, Creative vision, Direction in photography, Framing techniques, France, Grasping fundamentals, Ian James Myers, Ian Myers, ijmphotography, Image composition, Image impact, Landscape Photography, Leading Lines, Mindfulness in photography, Nantes, Observational skills, Pathways in photography, photographer, Photographing symmetry, photography, photography advice, Photography Composition, Photography composition guide, photography composition tips, photography concepts, Photography Inspiration, Photography practice, Photography Skills, Photography Techniques, Photography Tips, Practice and experimentation, Rule of Odds, Rules of Space, street art, street photography, Street portraits, Street scenes, Symmetry in Photography, Urban environment, urban exploration, urban photography, visual art, Visual Balance, Visual Composition, Visual harmony, Visual Impact, Visual Storytelling, Visual techniquesLeave a comment

In my previous articles, we’ve embarked on a journey to understand the basics in photography. I have talked about exposure, set out some of the “rules” of composition, and even delved into the world of colour theory. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the rule of odds and the rules of space, two fundamental elements that will take your photography to the next level.

Before we talk about these new concepts, let me reiterate the importance of building a solid foundation. Just as we did with framing, negative space, and colour theory, it’s crucial to master each concept before moving on to the next. Take your time to learn and apply these principles in your photography journey. The other four articles will stay up, and you can read them at your leisure.

The Rule of Odds in Photography

The rule of odds is a composition guideline that suggests using an odd number of subjects or elements in your frame, typically three or five, rather than even numbers. Why? Because odd numbers tend to create a more balanced and visually pleasing composition.

When you use the rule of odds, you create a natural focal point within your photograph. Our eyes are drawn to the centre subject, and the uneven arrangement adds a sense of harmony and intrigue to the image. The result? A more captivating and dynamic photo that engages your viewers. It’s all about balance.

Rules of Space: Balance and Direction

Now, let’s look at the rules of space. This concept involves how you position elements and subjects within your frame to achieve balance and direct the viewer’s gaze. It leaves space for the subject and can be used in multiple ways as a storytelling tool. It can also be used in conjunction with the other composition techniques that I have talked about in my previous articles.

Tips

Think outside the frame. What is going on outside the frame becomes as important as what is oing on inside the frame. Let’ take the picture of the guitarist. Who is he looking at? What’s going on outside the frame? Is there an audience? Where is the audience? Using rules of space the viewer will more curious and be more engaged in the photo.

Conclusion

One can talk about composition and the effect it has on photography till the cow come home. People will always bring up “composition” and will always tell you how “they” would have done it differently. In these four articles you will now know what they are talking about and be able to decide for yourself. In absolute terms, “your” photographs are about what “you” saw, and only “you” can see that. But keep the rules that we have discussed in the back of your mind, and take your photograph with purpose and being conscious about what you are doing. Mindfulness is the key.

My next article will talk about the differences between 35mm film photography and medium format photography. For film enthusiasts or anyone else who is curious you will be entering into a new world. There are, of course, trade offs between each format, and we will discover them. Maybe you’ll be bitten by the Medium Format bug too… As always Dear Reader, I appreciate your enthusiasm, and I look forward to our next exploration together. Until then, happy shooting!

Capturing Nantes: A Photowalk Through Urban Charms

Posted on Aug 25, 2023Aug 23, 2023 Posted in Art, Black and White Photography, Film Photography, France, Nantes Photography, street photographyTagged art in Nantes, artistic exploration, artistic wonders, bike shots, black and white, capturing city life, capturing moments, capturing urban life, Cigale café, city's essence, city's pulse, cityscape charm, classic photography, Combronne statue, creative exploration, Film Photography, Fomapan 100, France, French, hidden beauty, historical elegance, Ian Myers, ijm photography, ijmphotography, marine sculptures, Nantes attractions, Nantes landmarks, nostalgic charm, Pentax ME SUper, photo walk, photographer, photography, Place Graslin, Place Royale, preserving memories, rollei rpx 100, timeless allure, urban art, urban exploration, urban photography, urban rhythm, urban storytelling, urban theater, urban tranquility, vintage camera, visual narrative, Voyage à nantesLeave a comment

In the heart of bustling Nantes, a city teeming with life and stories waiting to be captured, I embarked on a captivating photowalk adventure. Armed with my trusted Pentax ME Super camera and loaded with Rollei RPX 100 and then Fomapan 100 film, I set out to explore the artistic treasures and serene corners of this vibrant urban landscape, and the latest offerings of the Voyage à Nantes. Join me as I take you on a visual journey through the enchanting Place Royale, the charming Place Graslin, and the captivating sculptures that make Nantes truly unique.

Place Royale: A Fountain of Marine Delights

My journey commenced at Place Royale, where the graceful fountain stood adorned with marine sculptures straight out of a storybook. These sculptures, by the Blegian artist Maen Florin, glistened in the sunlight and droplets of falling water. The Pentax ME Super clicked away as I framed each marine figure, capturing the interplay of water and art with the delicate precision of film photography. The Rollei RPX 100 film lent an air of timeless elegance to each shot, turning the bustling square into a tranquil haven through its lens.

Place Graslin: A Meeting of History and Charm

Next on my path was the inviting Place Graslin, a captivating square that exuded elegance and history. Here, the statue of Combronne with his coffee and glass of water, the newer version by Maya Eneva and the Cellule B collectif, welcomed me outside the iconic Cigale café, where I imagined stories of bygone conversations and shared moments. As the Pentax ME Super’s shutter clicked, the Fomapan 100 film brought forth the statue’s enduring presence, immortalising the blend of past and present that this city so effortlessly portrays.

Artistic Wonders of Cours Cambronne

A stroll along Cours Cambronne revealed hidden gems in the form of statues – “homme pressé” by the English sculptor Thomas Houseago and “éloge à la transgression,” by the famous Philippe Ramette both stunning creations from the Voyage à Nantes. These sculptures spoke of bold expressions and the city’s penchant for creative exploration. The Pentax ME Super captured their intricate details, with the Fomapan 100 film adding a touch of mystery to their narrative. In the heart of the city, a feeling of tranquilly pervaded, as I marvelled at the artistic tableau that surrounded me.

Bike Shots: Capturing Urban Rhythm

No Nantes photowalk would be complete without capturing the city’s quintessential “bike shots.” Bicycles, intertwined with daily life, spoke of a rhythm unique to urban living. With each click of the Pentax ME Super, the Rollei RPX 100 film transformed these moments into frames that held a slice of the city’s pulse. It also allows people to keep fit and be very smug about not polluting…

A Spectator of Urban Theatre

As I ambled through the city’s streets, I couldn’t help but feel like a mere spectator in the grand play that Nantes puts on every day. The camera in my hand was not just an instrument but a witness to the stories woven into every corner. With the Pentax ME Super, I was able to capture these narratives, bridging time and space through the magic of film.

Conclusion: Nantes Through a Different Lens

The Pentax ME Super, armed with its classic charm, and the duo of Rollei RPX 100 and Fomapan 100 films, transformed my photowalk through Nantes into a visual tale. From the marine wonders of Place Royale to the historical elegance of Place Graslin and the artistic marvels of Cours Cambronne, each click of the camera immortalised the city’s essence. Through the lens of film photography, Nantes unveiled its soul—a blend of history, art, and an urban rhythm that beats to its own tune.

As I reflect upon the captivating frames that now grace my album, I’m reminded of the vibrant energy and artistic tapestry that Nantes weaves. Just as the city’s sculptures and streets tell their stories, the Pentax ME Super and film quietly tell mine – a narrative of a city that thrives in its own unique rhythm, an urban theatre where I played the role of an enchanted spectator.