Paris Photo Blog
As photographer living in Paris, I tend to be out in the streets a lot, discovering interesting corners that tourist books don't mention and visitors don't generally see. I also visit photo galleries, events and exhibits, big and small. This blog is a place for me to share some of this information with others who might be interested.
23 April 2010
Posted in
Events
If you find yourself in Paris between now and August 22, 2010, you will not want to miss the Willy Ronis photo exhibit called "A Poetics of Engagement". Willy Ronis, who would have turned 100 this year, is considered one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. Along with Doisneau, Cartier Bresson and Izis, he belongs to the humanist photography movement, which is about taking people as the main subject of the photograph. His place in that movement is confirmed in this exhibit, which is at the Monnaie de Paris...
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20 April 2010
Posted in
Places
The large Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores are well known among Parisians and visitors for the wide variety of products they offer, and for their glamourous window displays. However, fewer people know that both stores have roof-top terraces that are freely accessible to the public. They provide unimpeded 360 degree views over the surrounding Paris skyline, presenting unique opportunities for taking pictures. And since they are only a few steps away from each other, it is easy to discover both terraces in one short excursion...
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09 March 2010
Posted in
Places
This is the first post in a coming series of 'Paris from the Top'. The first thing that comes to mind about seeing Paris 'from the top' is the Eiffel Tower, for obvious reasons. However, even though this is the most famous view, there are other many interesting vantage points to enjoy a bird's eye view over the capital. Today we are climbing the Arc de Triomphe, inaugurated in 1836 to commemorate the victory of soldiers in their great battles...
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08 February 2010
Posted in
Techniques
Night photography provides lots of opportunity for creative fun, and this is particularly true in Paris. After all, it is called the 'City of Light' for a reason! All these lights give us a chance to play with various effects, one of which is the creation of star-bursts coming off points of light. This effect is very simple and can easily be achieved without using a filter or running to a photo editing tool...
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28 January 2010
Posted in
Events
A hundred years ago this week, the Seine river flooded the city of Paris up to 8.5 meters! Paris looked more like Venice and most of the major monuments were affected. Reporters and photographers came from everywhere to record this historical moment, making it the first flood photographed and documented. To commemorate the anniversary, a number of exhibits are currently taking place in the French capital. The Gallerie des bibliothèques presents a comprehensive exhibit with photos, newspaper clippings, postcards and posters, while the Louvre des Antiquaires also offers a photography retrospective of the event. This is by the same token a good reminder that a flood might still happen and - if we believe experts - it might be even worse than the great 1910 flood...
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25 January 2010
Posted in
Places
Artistically-oriented Montmartre projects a small village atmosphere and ample photography opportunities. Dominating the Parisian skyline, the Sacré Coeur Basilica provides a panoramic view of the city. Steps away the place du Tertre, with its artists and restaurants, is a gateway to the hidden charms of the back streets of Montmartre. Discover cobblestone streets, romantic stairways, old windmills, the 'love wall' and much more in this classic Parisian quartier...
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20 January 2010
Posted in
Events
Robert Doisneau (1912 - 1994) was an expert in street photography, walking or biking through Paris with his camera, catching fleeting moments of poetic and romantic Parisian scenes that made him famous. His work is however much more complex than his famous idyllic images. For its first exhibit of the year, the Henri Cartier Bresson Foundation is showcasing about 100 of Doisneau's photographs. Even if the famous 'Baiser de l'hôtel de ville' is among them, most of the other work presented is rather unknown.
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15 January 2010
Posted in
Events
Paris is a great city to simply walk around to enjoy the sites and atmosphere, but when Mother Nature plays her tricks during the winter months, it is also a good thing to stay warm by spending some time inside. There is only so much coffee or hot chocolate one can sip, so here are five hot spots to be cosy and enjoy some good photography by others...
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