My friend David Spielman is an extraordinary photographer from New Orleans and loves taking Paris photos as much as I do. We met in May while he was here for a week and he gave me some very valuable photo tips and advice. Here are a selection of photos he took and some personal notes.
When I think of Paris in the spring, I think of color and composition. Then again I always think of Paris in terms of light and dark, repeating shapes and color. I think of Paris in shades of grey. Confused… but of course… isn’t that what Paris really is, a contraction? It certainly is to me! An amazing mixture of the old and new, young and not so young, Paris sparks to the heart, through the heart, alerts the eyes and noise. Always changing yet remaining the same, Paris is comfortable like a pair of old shoes, a friend who remains true even when the visits are few and far in between. A single café au lait, or an absinthe you are in Paris and Paris is in you.
We are fast approaching winter, shorter days, leafless trees, and gray skies with longer shadows. The smells are different as well, chestnuts roasting; burning wood and coal, no longer are the fragrant flowers filling the air.
Before spring passes into our distant memories let’s have one more look and some colors, shapes and activities of Paris in the spring. Let’s wonder through some patterns and shapes of this magical city.
As one of the greatest photographers once said, “if your pictures aren’t good enough, you are not close enough!” So as you meander from the cafés to stroll the narrow streets or traverse the Boulevards, keeps your eyes alert. Don’t just have a casual look but look and see what you can find and uncover. Details, shapes, textures and designs all make up the fabric of the city. I’m always looking for a close-up, texture, something other than the whole image.
These images are part of my sketchbook, my personal shots of this amazing city; nothing monumental is Paris at its enjoyable self…enjoy!
David G. SPIELMAN is a freelance photographer who travels extensively, not only for his private work but for corporations and assorted editorial assignments. He has traveled to Paris over two dozen times and considers it one of his favorite places. Based in New Orleans SPIELMAN has worked on six of the seven continents. From his gallery he sells his fine art work, and the books that he has published. Several cookbooks have used his photography; he also published Southern Writers a collection of seventy-two authors in their work spaces. He also published a book on and about his experiences during Hurricane Katrina. He stayed with and helped the Poor Clare Nuns documenting what was happening to New Orleans. Katrinaville Chronicles is his first person account and images what life was like during and after the storm.
His work and life are diverse, as he considers himself an observer and wants to document all that is going on around. More may be seen at www.DavidSPIELMAN.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
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 Charlotteís 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, and Friday
Minimum of 2 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.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. 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
These are beautiful! I love that weathered door! Do you happen to know where the last one was taken?
Posted by: Cheryl | December 30, 2010 at 04:40 AM