The last time I was in snow ecstasy was in February. The photography gods were thoughtful enough to shake me awake at 5 am, and I went forth into the darkness, camera in hand, to capture the spirit of the snow. That morning, as I wandered alone in the silence, I understood the meaning of pure joy.
Such a euphoric moment (and the images created as a result) would have lasted me for life, truly. But a few days ago, Paris was graced with another breathtaking snow—my ecstasy (and photographic) cup runneth over.
This time, the snow started at 8 am. The photography gods were off somewhere having coffee so I was grateful that a friend called me out of my slumber. Snow was swirling everywhere, changing even the most familiar of Paris scenes into something completely new.
This time I was not alone in the silence, nor were my footprints the first. Business people were bracing headlong into the swirls to get to work, children were wide-eyed as they went to school with hands and tongues extended to feel and taste the snow, usually invincible motorcyclists were skidding this way and that, and the Paris snow patrol was out in full force (a team that consists of a few good folks with snow shovels and salt).
Despite all the activity, everyone seemed united in awe, transported back a few centuries to a Paris outside of time … simpler, softer, and silent.
Meredith Mullins is an internationally exhibited American photographer who currently lives in Paris. She is a recent winner of the Grand Concours Photo sur Paris and the author of the award-winning book, In A Paris Moment (click here to order). Visit www.meredithmullins.artspan.com to see more of her images. Original photographs are available directly through the artist.
Meredith will be teaching several new photography courses and workshops beginning in January 2010. She is also available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. Sign up for an information-filled, creative half-day lesson! Contact: [email protected]
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte’s professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 3 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Richard, beautiful pics. There was one of the Eiffel Tower on the Miami Herald, so beautiful. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year. Maria
Posted by: Maria Ruiz | December 23, 2009 at 05:04 PM
A white Christmas in Paris. What could be more perfect? Thanks for posting Meredith's stunning pics!
Posted by: Layla Morgan Wilde | December 23, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Great Pics......Thanks A little snow is magical.....
Posted by: Marty | December 23, 2009 at 07:27 PM
Thanks! i don't usually think of paris in the snow...but these are very pretty.
Posted by: Sherry | December 23, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Not only are this photos beautiful, they evoke unbridled jealousy on my part. I am sitting at my office in St. Louis, looking out onto gray, gray skies and rain, rain, rain. Just a few degrees lower would transform this dreary landscape into something beautiful. It would quiet the streets, slow down the holiday hubbub and lift our spirits.
But for now, I will just have to gaze at my email from I Prefer Paris and dream....
Happy Holidays and a great New Year to you!
Posted by: Anne | December 23, 2009 at 07:29 PM
thank you gorgeous xxxx merry christmas
Posted by: grace | December 23, 2009 at 07:45 PM
Lovely and so beautifully written- Merry Christmas,
Posted by: Pam | December 24, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Fabulous. Glad they were in B&W - much more emotional and ethereal in B&W.
Posted by: Kristi | December 24, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Thank you, Richard, for giving us Meredith's evocative photographs. Today in the Twin Cities we have lots of snow and it looks totally different. Happy Holidays to you and yours and Happy New Year.
Posted by: Jean P in MN | December 24, 2009 at 06:12 PM
absolutely breathtaking! I’m hoping to get to Paris for snow pictures this winter..fingers crossed!
Posted by: jessica | December 30, 2009 at 06:49 PM
I appreciate the work of all people who share information with others.
Posted by: College Research Paper | January 09, 2010 at 08:55 AM