Are phone booths non-smoking areas ? In these day were legislation prohibits smoking in public places, people usually get out to have a smoke and brave the cold weather. Probably too cold that day for that woman, I even wonder if she wasn’t faking a call for a quick sheltered smoke. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/1600, ISO160
Who will win the three on three Tuba Wars ? Power, organization and soundless winds or chaos, variety and harmonious melodies ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/1400, ISO160
As her man shows the way, this woman can’t help having a nostalgic look to that what might have been their first car (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/250, ISO320
The female name of Marianne means a lot to the French as this figure represents the values of the French Republic, namely “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. After decades of immigration, I guess that the figure of Marianne could no be a bit more representative of the country’s diversity. Just like in this scene of last Sunday’s Chinese New Year celebrations where local queens were parading in a truck with entangled flags of France and China. Maybe the election of the 2010 Mari-Han ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2800, ISO160, ND filter
This peaceful Army had only one goal in mind yesterday, that is to march down the street of Paris to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2000, ISO160, ND filter
No, you won’t escape the traditional Valentine’s day picture. Yet, no couples, no kiss, no flowers, but a simple balloon tied up at the entrance of the Louvres. Left behind or romantic meeting point ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/500, ISO160
In France, most bakeries act also as pastry and candy shops (Boulangerie, Confiserie, Patisserie). Meaning, it is quite impossible to spend a day without a quick stop in one of them. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/125, ISO200
While some kneel down for a few coins, others kneel to find out what they fancy. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F2.8, 1/40, ISO1250
Obviously, difficult to own a full scale sailboat in Paris. Therefore, virtual sailors stand on the shores of the Luxembourg Garden fountain and let their dreams go in rounds. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2800, ISO160
A man walks on the piers of the Seine River when he stops to contemplate a poster of the Che Guevara. Did it bring back to his mind some revolutionary ideas from the past ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/1400, ISO160
Shining lights outside, stars in the inside. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/125, ISO500
A street organist plays on a bridge over the Seine River.I guess he portrays Paris’ heritage much better than the Montparnasse Tower in the distance. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2800, ISO160
In the Luxembourg Garden, you might encounter people enjoying a Tai Chi session in front of the palace built by Marie de Medicis in 1625. She probably would have enjoyed the view of these “slow motion” dancers as she was herself a great parton of the arts. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2000, ISO160
The answer is no but I could not let this beautiful red beret fall into anonymity. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F2.8, 1/125, ISO1000
The King of frippery ? Probably more a meticulous mix of styles covering the last three decades. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F2.8, 1/250, ISO160
On a Seine River arm, a ghost barge is docked waiting endlessly for a captain to take its command. One could almost think that zombis will appear from the decks. Well, look closely, a presence is making sure nobody will board the ship looking for adventure. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2800, ISO80
A street scene in front of a bar. If you pay closer attention, you might recognize a famous French movie star that got scared at the view of my camera. Why ? I ain’t no paparazzi, can’t celebrities also be part of a normalParis life scene? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F5.6, 1/90, ISO1600
Not everybody seemed convinced that day on the latest marketing campaign of a well known Jeans company. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/500, ISO160
Antique or modern hair style … a never ending cycle. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/4000, ISO160
A girl passes in front of le Grand Palais. Was her mind full of sparks, like the dome of the Palace ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/710, ISO160