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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