Who could ever tire of the magic of Christmas …especially in Paris, with sparkling lights and holiday bûches galore? But, for a vivid change of scene, this Eye Prefer Paris post travels to a French-speaking country of sun and sea, sitting near the girth of the earth.
My journey to Senegal was only seven days, but I came away flooded with faces and colors … and a newly-rooted desire to return and delve deeper into the secrets of the Senegalese life.
Life in Dakar is dusty and sparse in amenities. The city is filled with buildings abandoned in mid-construction, people extending their hands for a way to survive, and a general feeling of disorganization and cacophony. But, despite these challenges, the Senegalese have an enviable confidence and seem to have a genuine inner smile. What is their secret?
Photographing in Senegal is not easy. There have been too many “tourists” who have taken advantage of the kindness of these people. Now, when one raises a camera, many of the locals turn their head, run away, or try to negotiate their image for a fee. But because I am looking for not just a photograph, but a way to get to know these graceful strangers, I try to make a connection. I begin a “conversation” so that a real photograph is encouraged to emerge. I am rewarded with their strong, direct gazes and their complete lack of pretension. No one is trying to impress anyone or to be something that they are not. I love these photographs (and these people) because I feel they are the truth.
Meredith Mullins is an internationally exhibited America photographer and writer who lives in Paris. She is the author of the award-winning book “In A Paris Moment” and an instructor of photography. Upcoming classes include a Holiday Photographic expedition on December 5 and a Words and Images course (writing and photography) beginning on January 16, 2012. For more information on these and other courses, visit www.meredithmullins.artspan.com. Meredith is also available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. Sign up for an information-filled, creative lesson! Her original photographs are available directly through the artist. [email protected] or (www.meredithmullins.artspan.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 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 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
Beautiful, strong, sensitive photographs, Meredith. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jean(ne) P in MN | December 31, 2011 at 06:48 PM