Street Photography in Paris

As chilly wind came back tonight after a sunny day, so did a thriller like atmosphere. Was this man part of some kind of plot or just a quiet night walker ?

Leica M8 with 35mm Nokton at 1.2, ISO640

These two girls sitting on the bank of the Canal Saint-Martin seemed to hold their own little party. A balloon, a rose, a cigarette and a can of beer … what else ?

Leica M8 with 50mm Summicron, ISO160

Egyptians built Obelisks (such as the Luxor one that was given to France in 1829 by Viceroy Mehemet Ali) to pierce the clouds and dispers negative forces. It did seem to hace some effects on the crowd passing by, yet this man remained  deeply absorbed in his inner world. Or was it some obscure Egyptian forces suddenly hitting him and sending him to a mystic trans ?        (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at F2.8, ISO160

A couple was waiting at a bus stop with melancolic looks. Had they just seen one of the great tragedy at the Opera ?      (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 85mm Jupiter 9, ISO160

While visiting the Artparis modern art fair, I noticed how the 150 stands each had their different layouts and interconnection between the staff. I thought the box below was an illustration of it. Class struggles, age, business, love affairs … obviously, there are many interpretation that can be made of this scene.     (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO320
photographie rue street photography paris leica m8

As the a promotions campaign of the FNAC department store came to an end today, workers were asked to rip off the large poster. To do so, the man slowly cut through the large ad just like if he was lacerating the exhuberant model pictured. Nevertheless, it seemed to cause more tickles than pain as the woman looks away in mischievous embarassment.        (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F4, ISO640

A woman standing on a high wall in contemplation of an enormous gate. Was she to jump into the sixth dimension or enjoying great views over the Seine River ?     (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 85mm Jupiter 9, ISO160

Well actually not quite a fire but a trompe l’oeil picture of a Sunday morning exercise of the Paris Fire Department by the Seine River.    (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 85mm Jupiter 9 at F8, ISO160

The first days of sun and the terraces invade the Champs Elysées again in a few hours. This one  looked like it had just popped up out of nowhere and was still being assembled.Leica M8 with CV25mm at F5.6, ISO160

There are two main reasons to visit this exhibit that runs until May 31st in Paris : the exhibit is located in a wonderful setting and the quality of the 150 pictures displayed is just outstanding. Indeed, the Hotel de la Monnaie on the banks of the Seine River hosts the exposition in old Renaissance style rooms whose decorated roofs are a must see in itself. As for exhibit it contains, among others, a few of LaChapelle’s large scales pictures such as “the Deluge”, his surprising series of “Awakened” (where people hover dressed in a water container) and his most famous pictures of world reknown stars. Note also that two videos on the making of his large scale works are shown and give an idea of the human resources and technical means necessary to perform such shootings. Finally and on top of being a “pop art” artist with an endless creativity and composition talent, David LaChapelle knows how to convey strong messages  such as a a dismissal of capitalism and consumerim, or the presence of God in even the most incongruous scenes.

The shot below shows a visitor at the entrance of the exhibit looking at the top of the building. Was he looking at the ceiling decorations or already feeling a divine presence ?      (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at F2.8, ISO640

Apart from being the largest park in Paris, Boulogne is also home to many sports facilities such as football or rugby fields. Behind the posts of the end zone stood this father patiently teaching his son how to place kick and maybe forge a future star.     (click to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F2, ISO160

Yesterday took place the commemoration of the signing of the cease-fire between France and its old colony Algeria. This eight years long war caused huge losses in human lives and certainly influenced heavily the existence of the ones that survived. This picture shows a veteran lost in his memories walking away from the ceremony that occurred under the Arch of Triumph where the grave of the Unknown soldier is located.

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at F2.8, ISO160

The Bir Hakeim Bridge is one of the remarkable view point of Paris. As it can be passed through by boat, car, foot or metro, the combinations of path between passengers and walker bys are endless.       (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 85Mm Jupiter 9, ISO160

Horse races are one of the favorites activities of many Parisians on weekends. There are four majors horse tracks in Paris (Auteuil, Longchamp, St Cloud, Vincennes) so there is always a competition going on somewhere in the city. Being around the fanatics and professional bettors is a great experience as it will immerse you in a typical world that has not been altered too much over the last decades. 

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Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit, 35mm Cron and 85mm Jupiter 9

On weekends on the Seine river branch running in front of the Defense high rises, you might see rowing crews racing. While the Seine River is usually a still one, it sometimes can get pretty rough for them when a large barge races past them and send them splashing waves.    (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 85mm Jupiter 9 at F2.8, ISO160

Funnily, cotton candy (Barbe à papa) translates litterally to “Dad’s bear” in French as the bits ripped of it take the appearance of a long bear. This scene shows the fascination that this sweet still provokes on kids  as the little boy stares greedily at the pink candy.       (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at F2.8, ISO160

While Les Champs Elysées are one the busiest street in the world, it usually seems a common avenue early in the morning. Therefore, when the sun comes out and the pavement has just been washed like this morning, wonderful reflections and shadows start to appear. So next time you visit Paris, remember to get up early ….    (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 85mm Jupiter 9 at F8, ISO160

Place Vendome is the home of Paris’ most luxurious boutiques where the world’s richest come to spend fortunes. Some stores provide valet parking for their famous customers yet today did not seem a very busy day as the valet scanned the entrance of the square for an unlikely Bentley or Rolls Royce.      (click to enlarge)

Leica M8 with CV35mm Nokton at 1.2, ISO640

Close to the Clichy bridge lays a small pier with a lonesome barge. A great tiny place for a short walk by the Seine River at sunset time.    (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at 2.8, ISO160

The Viaduc des Arts is an old railway elevated track that was converted to a nice pedestrian promenade in the 80’s. Joggers, couples and tourists wander quietly through the 1 mile garden trail with great sights over the city. Nevertheless, at some point the walkers have to go through the giant “Nutcracker”.  Was that girl crushed between the building’s wall ? Probably not, unless she did look a bit dazed and staggering.

Leica M8 with CV35mm at 1.2, ISO160