Street Photography in Paris

On Les Champs-Elysées, one must chose between tradition and fashion. The God of shopping is all powerful.  (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux at F1.4, 1/500, ISO200, ND filter

This French movie featuring Sophie Marceau (L’age de raison) was released last week on the theme of adults entering a second step in their life (the forties I guess…). Maybe this man was also pondering over whether riding a powerful motorbike on Les Champs-Elysées is still within “the age of reason”.  (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F2.8, 1/500, ISO200

A few friends climb the statue of  in Park Monceau. Sacrilege ? Maybe not as the following words are written on its base :

“Rien ne nous rend si grands qu’une grande douleur”  meaning “Nothing makes us greater than a great suffering”.  Looks like it was granted to him !

Leica M9 with 75mm Summicron at F8, 1/3000, ISO160

Some centuries ago, ceilings were painted for the Eternity. Nowadays, grounds are sketched for a few hours and euros.  (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/250, ISO160

Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929) was a prolific scupltor whose works you can admire a museum dedicated to him (Musée Bourdelle). One of his muse was Isadora Duncan, an American dancer who died tragically strangled by her own scarf . So when you look through the windows of Bourdelle’s original workshop, you can almost feel the presence of Isadora … and someday maybe even see her in her endless wanderings. (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2, 1/125, ISO320

A gypsy woman plays an instrument in front of the Centre Pompidou, the temple of modern art. Can a picture including a banner on subversion be subversive ?   (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux at F4, 1/180, ISO500

The Eiffel Tower is 120 years old. Not bad for a structure that was not supposed to be dismantled after twenty years. To give it a proper celebration, a special lightning show made of 120′ooo bulbs was shown every night during the last three months. Last night was the last representation of that long birthday so thousands gathered for a last look and to welcome the New Year. Some even managed to get some intimitacy among the crowd.  (click on pictures to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, 1/4, ISO1000

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, 1/15, ISO1000

Diam’s is the most famous French female rapper, so when is featured at the Olympia concert Hall, it is not surprising to see ticket scalping start hours before at the gate.   (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/40, ISO640

During the month of October, an exhibit on the lower part of Les Champs-Elysées displays the best covers of 90 years of Vogue magazine. Looks like women already knew how to seduce decades ago.  (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 75mm Summicron at F4, 1/125, ISO640

“Les yeux de la Seine” is a large scale exhibit on the banks of the Seine River.  JR, the artist, has spread large printed clothes over the walls of the piers to represent a dozen  women eyes. Several expressions are displayed and it opens up a lot of creative composition as one integrates them in their surrounding. In this case, this eyes seem to completely freak out at the sight of a peaceful couple taking a rest by the river. Were they telling horror stories ? (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 60mm Hexanon at F5.6, 1/250, ISO160

This weekend took place this yearly event where citizens can visit any governmental buildings. This was also the case for President Sarkozy’s Palais de l’Elysée where thousands queued to discover the innards of power. While it was an openhouse day, it obviously did not mean visitors could freely enter any place of the Palace … Carla surely would probably not have appreciated.   (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 28mm Summicron at F2, 1/3000, ISO160

“Né dans la rue” is the name of a photography exhibit taking place at the Fondation Cartier in Paris until end of November. “Born in the street” refers to graffiti and street art as this exhibit shows the evolution of this art over the last thirty years through photographies and live graffitis.Yet, for a moment I was fooled as I initially believed this exhibit showed pictures of kids “born in the streets”. Maybe my brain was tricked by the association of this sister in a bus and the charity of Mother Teresa.  (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at F2.8, 1/350, ISO160

Most Europeans that visit the Asian countries return with a picture of monks in temple, such a classic shot. Therefore when I see these two monks with their high tech camcorders, I wondered about which classic picture/scene from Paris they will bring back to their country. A man wearing a beret with a freshly baked baguette under his arm ?    (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 28mm Summicron at F2, 1/250, ISO160

Guess at what (or who) the girl was aiming at ….

Leica M8 with 28mm Summicron at F2.8, 1/125, ISO640

At the flea market, have a stop in one of the various typical bars and restaurants that showcase music bands. With some luck, you might assist to a special performance that will transport the audience in a parralell world.   (click on picture to enlarge)

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

A little pause in the countryside series as France celebrates today the heroes of the French Revolution. In parallel, the Tour de France enters its second week of competition. Therefore I felt this picture taken this afternoon on Les Champs-Elysées was a good symbol as both the country and the Tour are sometimes felt to be “without a driver” .   (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, ISO160

Now a yearly event in more than 110 countries, the “Fête de la musique” was created in France back in 1982 and always takes place on the first day of the Summer. Musicians are encouraged to invade the streets of the city and play all night long as thousands of wanderes go from one performance to the other. A bit isolated was this musician on “Le Pont des Arts”, though his friends would soon pay attention to his jam.       (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 35mm Summilux Asph at 1.4, ISO 640

Paris is home to many art fair like the Salon Violet whose vernissage took place tonight. It is a nice opportunity to meet the artists, have a few drinks and sometimes be overwhelmed by a work of art.     (click on picture to enlarge)

Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F1.4, ISO640

Once a year, a huge flea market takes place in the oldest neighbourhood of the city, that is the Marais. You will find any item there with a special focus on trendy and fashion items. The atmosphere is friendly and after searching through the numerous stands, one will always find a trophy to bring back proudly home. Just like these two gentlemen on Sunday that  found their own creative way to carry their discoveries along.     (click on picture)

Leica M8 with 24mm Elmarit at F2.8, ISO320

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

On the 1st of May, people will give Lily of the Valley to bring one year of luck to friends and family. This tradition dates back to 1561 when King Charles X decided to give these tiny flowers to all the Ladies of the court, it has been perpetuated since then. Now young people have taken over the royal task and sell the flowers all over the city in joy or … boredom.     (click on pictures to enlarge)

Both pictures taken with Leica M8, 35mm Lux Asph at 1.4, ISO160