Donat, 65

I live in a small apartment in Paris, but I escape to beautiful landscapes. One of my favorite activities is sailing and spending time at the sea. I’m a big fan of the photographer Philip Plisson. He has a gallery and creates canvas prints that are truly stunning. I’d love to have a photograph printed on canvas, if that’s possible.

I’d like an image related to the sea and children. Every summer, my extended family gathers on an island in Brittany. This private island has a history. It’s a large, friendly, family-oriented “summer camp.” Your project made me think about what I love most in the world, and it’s this place. It would be a photograph taken on this island according to my instructions. A personal photograph that requires reflection.

One of my children died there in a boating accident. I married off my other son there. I’m thinking of a viewpoint at the top of a big rock. It’s the place my son loved, where he’d go to chat, drink beer, or meet up with people. It’s the biggest rock on the island. Behind it, there’s a big house with a tower.

I’d love a view of the bay from the rock, with my son and his sister sitting together. Your photographic eye would capture the scene just as I would if I were there on the island, watching them take in the view from this vantage point.

My 18-year-old son, a sailor at heart, had a passion for this island; he would meditate there and host his friends. This photograph would symbolize my late son’s tastes. He was very close to his brother. And this photo would be for him once I’m no longer here. It would be a snapshot of a life that was being created, that was taking shape.