3.30.2009

An American PhotoGrrl in Paris


For my very first blog, I thought I would talk about my last vacation/photography adventure - my first trip to Paris. Simply put, it is as magical as everyone makes it out to be while also being a living, working city full of real people.

It was this time last year that I made the trip, with four of my friends, women from different sides of my life who somehow all came together into one trip. My friend, Katie, first came to me with the idea of going to Paris over Easter in March 2008. Hesitant at first that quickly fell away and as they say - viola! - it was happening. At Katie's suggestion we also investigated renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel. It was a terrific suggestion! We found a wonderful rental in Montmartre through Feels Like Home in Paris that really did make you feel like you were coming home at the end of the day. Investigate this as an option if you decide to go to Paris, it's comfortable and very affordable, for us at the time much more cost effective by far than staying in a hotel.

So, as it relates to photography, my advice if you get to go to Paris and want to photograph it is this, don't expect to see it all and photograph it all, the first time. This is a city you will need to see again (and again, and again). It's massive in its way but with neighborhoods (known as Arrondissmonts) that give you the feeling of hidden roads and byways to explore. Trying to photograph such a place and feel like you got it all in one trip - impossible!
Door detail, Versaille

One other observation is the weather. If you plan to go in March, plan for rain. But if you plan right, it's never quite a downpour and shouldn't hold you back from any adventure. I took the approach on this trip that I would be both tourist and photographer. It's impossible to forget the big things in Paris - like the Tower Eiffel (that's how the French title it). 



But I personally like looking for the little details that will remind me of certain places. The strange potted, yellow flowers in front of a small restaurant on the way down from Sacre Coeur in Montmartre (the 18th Arrandissmont, part of the Right Bank). The funny eatery called "Flunch" on the way from our apartment to the Metro every day. The amazing small doorknob details in Versaille, as brilliant and unique as the tapestried ceilings that loom overhead.

Remember that when you take photos it's not always about the grand photo of the magnificent scenery or famous tourist spot. It's the small details too that make you feel like you are in a different place, or even a different time and trigger a memory of that exact spot.

Finally, relax and enjoy! Remember, whether it's a trip abroad or a drive a State away - it's your vacation. Don't let your picture taking get in the way of just soaking in the people, the atmosphere and the excitement of being in a new place.




© 2011 MALundquist; blog modified 08.28.11
© 2009 MALundquist