Saint-Martin Canal in Autumn – Photographing Light, Reflections and Memory
Golden reflections on the Saint-Martin Canal. Nearly 30 years after living in this neighborhood, Sebastien Desnoulez returned to photograph autumn in Paris. An unexpected image, born of light, memory… and a technical setback.
Between 1994 and 1996, I lived on rue des Vinaigriers, just 100 meters from the lock at the Bassin des Récollets. Even back then, I dreamed of photographing this iconic spot along the Saint-Martin Canal in autumn with my 4×5 view camera. But the relentless pace of my work in motorsports photography left no time for that.
Today, the conditions were perfect: soft light, golden leaves, a clear sky. I went back more than 25 years later, carrying my gear, ready to finally capture the image I had envisioned — just like in my series exploring natural light and long exposures.
My initial idea was simple: mount the camera on the iron railing of the footbridge, frame horizontally, and take a very long exposure — one to two minutes. But the wooden footbridge vibrated slightly with every passerby. These subtle movements made a sharp long exposure impossible.
The resulting photograph wasn’t the one I had imagined. And yet, it moves me. The reflections of trees in the calm water, the autumn light, the natural symmetry of the scene… It creates a peaceful, almost suspended atmosphere — an iconic image of Paris.
After 40 years of photography, this picture reminds me to remain humble before the light, the moment, and the place. Technical mastery is never the goal. A photo is meaningful not because it’s perfect, but because it conveys something deeper.
I won’t go back tomorrow to try a better version. This photograph is a moment of connection, not a technical demonstration.
Order a fine art print of this photograph, limited to 30 editions, from the online gallery Une image pour rêver
Author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a professional photographer passionate about urban scenes and natural reflections. He explores light, places of memory, and fleeting moments through a sensitive and contemplative approach. Learn more.
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