Online Tour of my 2024 exhibition

1. ORGANIC LIFE

To kick off this exhibition, I wanted to start with a series of images that differ from my usual style. This particular photograph, taken from a drone, offers a unique “bird’s-eye view” by positioning the camera directly downward, parallel to the ground. The beauty of this image lies in its ability to reveal the landscape from a fresh perspective, showcasing textures, shapes, and colors that are often invisible to the naked eye.

Captured along the banks of the Seudre estuary in La Tremblade, this photograph highlights fascinating contrasts between the dark, lush green vegetation that appears almost alive—like microscopic organisms under a lens—and the lighter, more uniform areas of mud that provide a striking backdrop.

2. VEGETAL VEINS

In this image, I capture the beauty of Bonne Anse Bay. Taken just before low tide, this bay offers a fantastic playground for exploration, revealing a fascinating mix of shapes and textures created by the interplay of vegetation, sand, and mud. I’m particularly drawn to this lines showing up as “veins” flowing from the right side of the image. Initially lush and green, they gradually merge into the sandier, muddier areas until they become purely sandy. On the left side, the intricate patterns and textures in the sand divide the composition into three interconnected sections.

3. “CLAIRES” (Oyster pools)

The next two images complement each other beautifully. This photograph is also taken with a drone but with the camera raised to include the horizon in the frame and is taken just after sunset offering this exceptional light on the pool’s banks. I’ve long wanted to photograph this estuary to highlight the geometric patterns of the oyster pools that are often invisible from ground level. Having grown up just a stone’s throw from these marshes, I frequently visit in the summer to escape the crowds of tourists that are on the ocean side.

For those familiar with the area, you can spot the charming little road leading to Mornac sur Seudre, a beautiful stroll from the town center all the way to the banks of the estuary. This perspective reveals the landscape in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

4. CURVED CHANNELS

Here, we remain in Mornac but shift the camera to the opposite side of the estuary. This image presents a different style, focusing less on the geometric shapes created by the oyster pools but more on the gently curving lines of the channels. These lines guide the viewer’s eye, inviting them to navigate along from the main estuary inland. This perspective captures the fluidity of the landscape, emphasizing the natural flow of the water and the intricate pathways that weave through the marshes.

5. AFTER THE STORM

This image was captured right after a storm last winter back home.

The water had risen to the edge of the forest due to the high tides and the storm’s impact, creating a dramatic scene.

Above, the sky is heavy with clouds, yet there’s just enough clearing at the horizon for the sun to break through, casting a gentle display of soft colors. This moment beautifully illustrates the calm that follows a storm, reminding us of nature’s ability to transform even the most turbulent conditions into serene beauty.

6. BLOCKHAUS

These blockhouses left from WWII have long been on my photography wish list. I attempted to capture them many times, often during storms with crashing waves, but I was never quite satisfied with the results.

I strive to convey a certain aesthetic in my images, and let’s be honest—a blockhouse isn’t exactly the most attractive subject. However, by taking a higher vantage point and photographing them from above, I discovered a fresh perspective that I’m truly pleased with. This angle draws the viewer’s attention to the subtle color variations and textures in the sand, evoking a painterly feel that transforms the scene into something beautiful..

7. DRIFT WOOD

In this image, I shift from drone photography back to using my camera. It was taken at the end of winter, when large pieces of driftwood are still partially submerged in the water. For this shot, I positioned the camera low to give prominence to the wood, making it the focal point of the composition.

I employed a long exposure technique, setting the camera on a tripod and capturing the scene for about one second. This approach beautifully captures the movement of the waves as they gently lap around the driftwood, creating a dynamic interplay between the stillness of the wood and the fluidity of the water. The result is a serene yet captivating image that highlights the beauty of nature’s elements.

8. CLOUDY BREAKS

This photograph features the Coubre Lighthouse beneath a hail-laden sky. A little anecdote: right after I took this shot, the wind picked up dramatically, causing my camera on the tripod to topple into the sand. I struggled to bring the drone back, ending up on my knees with sand everywhere and frozen hands. Another lesson about how a good photo certainly requires some effort!

In this instance, I used the drone not to soar high above, as is often tempting, but to achieve a viewpoint that’s inaccessible on foot. The lighthouse stands prominently against the backdrop of the ocean, offering a unique angle that can only be captured by rising a few meters above the forest and dunes.

You can also spot my exhibition space at the base of the Coubre Lighthouse, a particularly iconic location in the region. It holds special significance in my photographic practice, as I photograph it every time I return home.

9. WAVES OF REFLECTIONS

In this photograph, I am on a beautiful long sand beach called the Côte Sauvage, but I am embracing a minimalist style. The dune serves as a small subject, barely fitting within the frame, while I allow ample space for the vibrant colours and reflections to take centre stage.

In the foreground, a wave retreats back into the sea, and the long exposure creates a painterly effect, making it look as if brushstrokes are sweeping colours from right to left. This approach highlights the beauty of simplicity, drawing attention to the interplay of light and water in a serene coastal setting.

10. LOCAL FISHING HUTS

I couldn’t possibly have an exhibition about the Charente coastline without including at least one photograph of a carrelet – our very traditional fishing hut!

This image was taken on the Gironde estuary, and the water appears strikingly blue compared to the colour of the estuary around there. This vibrant hue is actually a reflection of the sky on the water, beautifully smoothed out by a long exposure. The serene scene captures the essence of the coastline, showcasing the unique charm of these traditional fishing huts against the backdrop of a tranquil sea.

11. CORNWALL’S CLIFFS

As promised, we’re embarking on a journey across the Channel, starting in England. When French people think of England, they often picture iconic sites of London, but I wanted to showcase the stunning coastal landscapes of the South and highlight the similarities with some of our own country. This photograph was taken just after sunrise, capturing the warm glow of the early sun on the cliffs and the clouds above. The shapes of the clouds echo the contours of the cliffs in the foreground, creating a harmonious connection between the sky and the land.

12. MORNING STROLL

This is one of my personal favourite images. It was a finalist in a professional photography competition I entered last year, and it proudly decorate the walls of my own living room.

In this shot, I captured a winter sunrise, where the sun rises more slowly and remains low in the sky. Perched atop a huge sand dune, the water stays into shadow, creating a striking contrast with the clouds, which are the only part of the images catching the sunlight. This results in wonderfully gentle and surprising colours, featuring a soothing blue palette.

What initially drew me to this landscape were the successive lines of waves on the calm water’s surface. A light offshore breeze stirs just enough to create beautiful waves patterns, and adding to this scene is a reflection of someone walking their dogs by the shore.

13. ENCHANTED ROCKS

Continuing our journey along the English coast, we find ourselves at a breathtaking sunrise over the cliffs of Devon. I’ve named this piece “Enchanted Rocks” because I’m captivated by the soft, dreamlike waves swirling around the stones.

In this image, I used a long exposure to beautifully capture the movement of the waves as they dance among the rocks. This photograph leaves plenty of room for imagination; it could transport you anywhere, allowing each viewer to be carried away to their own special place.

14. TURQUOISE WATERS

As we travel up the coast, we cross into Wales. This aerial view captures the waves crashing against the rocks from above. Interestingly, this scene could easily be mistaken for Brittany or another coastal location.

I chose to present this image in this orientation, but it works beautifully in any direction. It’s fascinating to see how changing the orientation can transform the viewer’s experience, inviting new interpretations and feelings about the landscape. The vibrant turquoise water adds a striking element, and the wave enhances the sense of movement and energy in the scene.

15. BELLE SOIRÉE D’ÉTÉ

This photograph captures a stunning sunset along the Welsh coast. I love to photograph scenes with clouds, but it’s equally important to show that it doesn’t always rain—sometimes, we even get beautiful summer evenings in the UK!

For photography enthusiasts, I used a small aperture here to create a starburst effect with the sun, which really enhances the image. I enjoy using this technique, even though it requires more time in post-processing to eliminate imperfections caused by the various lens elements when the sun rays enter directly into the lens.

16. ÎLE DE RAASAY

We’re leaving Wales and making our way north to a calm Scottish landscape: the majestic Highlands meeting the sea, with a mysterious island in the foreground. This image captures the moments just before sunrise, when the very first light of day begins to paint a gradient across the sky. The soft hues create a tranquil atmosphere, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of this remote location. It’s a perfect representation of the enchanting landscapes that Scotland has to offer.

17. EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

The stunning castles of Scotland are simply unmissable. This image showcases a classic Scottish landmark: Eilean Donan Castle, photographed at high tide. Here, we find ourselves in what’s known as a sea loch.

These sea lochs resemble a traditional loch, as the sea and horizon are hidden from view, yet they are indeed an arm of the sea, influenced by the tides. The castle’s picturesque setting contrasting the low sun lighting up the hills in the background creates a captivating scene that embodies the enchanting charm of Scotland.

18. AUTOMNAL LANDSCAPE

My favourite seasons for visiting Scotland are spring and autumn, which is also when I organize my photography workshops.

In autumn, the low light enhances the stunning colours of the trees, and the forests lining the lakes become particularly photogenic.

In this photograph, I captured a winding road that stretches for miles along the coast, serving as the only route on the peninsula. The turquoise water is vibrant, beautifully contrasting with the rich autumn hues, perfectly showing the charm of the season.

19. NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE

Further north, we make it to the Isle of Skye, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. At the northwestern tip of the island stands Neist Point Lighthouse, perched dramatically on high cliffs.

This location is a fantastic spot for capturing sunsets, especially when the sky is clear, allowing the cliffs to catch the warm colours of the sun setting. I photographed the lighthouse from an even higher cliff, providing a stunning vantage point that offers an impressive, sweeping view of the scene below. The combination of the lighthouse, the rugged cliffs, and the vibrant sky creates a truly magical atmosphere, and one that I visit during each workshop on Skye.

20. OLD MANN OF STORR

To conclude this journey, I present a stunning sunrise over the Old Man of Storr, a remarkable rock formation on the Isle of Skye.

Reaching this viewpoint is quite an adventure, as it requires about an hour of hiking from the parking area down by the loch. We trek up with headlamps in the dark, eagerly awaiting the first light of day that paint the rocks in golden hues. In the background, you can also catch a glimpse of the Cullins mountain range, which I look forward to showcasing at my next exhibition..

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I hope you enjoyed this online tour of my 2024 exhibition! I look forward to 2025 with a new series of images from home and beyond.
All of these prints are available for purchase online, whether for yourself or maybe as a gift for the coming festive season

If you’re interested in joining me in Scotland, check out the dates for my upcoming photography workshops below:

Thank you for being part of this journey, and I can’t wait to share more photographic stories with you soon!

Photographically Yours,