Paris is a vibrant city,rich in tradition, culture and history. As I spent time, not nearly enough, in the city, I felt the stories, written in the walls, stones and walkways. I couldn’t help looking through my lens to capture, not what I saw, but what I felt. High dynamic range photography seemed to be the only way I could bridge the gap between my dreams and my abilities. HDR images provided some relief from the need to capture the singular light of this marvelous city on canvas. I have no skill with the brush. I must rely on pixels to form the images I can only imagine amidst the landmarks which call to me in my sleep.
At the tip of the Chanps-Élysées, Napoléon’s arch is still the center of any Parisian parade.
One of the islands on the Seine, near the birthplace of Paris.
This castle served as one of the earliest homes for French royalty.
With the bridge across the Seine visible in the distance, this castle served as one of the earliest homes for French royalty.
Quasimodo may still live in these imposing towers.
View of Notre Dame from the Seine River.
A view of the Cathedral of Notre Dame form the rear.
View from the River Seine.
Scenic apartments contribute to the Paris sensibility.
Not far from Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle was built by order of King Saint-Louis.
Paris is a city in motion. Cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, the Metro and people. People everywhere, constantly moving. It was easy, shooting motion pictures. Not so easy to capture stills. And the stories–in every face–I want to know them all. I have my own stories, but I want to know theirs. They won’t tell–easily. All I can do is stare–at their faces–and wonder. I will just have to imagine their stories.
Peace and warmth on a cold stone bench.
Right before she waved–they watched me take their picture.
On the Paris Metro, a woman leaves the world behind for deeper meaning
So much to see, so much to do, let’s eat.
A couple plot their course on the Paris Metro.
Russian spy or shy Parisian?
In Paris, the best camera is the one you have with you.
Subway–in Paris–really?
It’s not really about the food, it’s about the location.
Respite for a senior couple at the cafe.
Name brands are the style for parents and kids, in Paris.
The city of lights is the city of love.
A woman struts with high fashion down the center of a Paris street.
Even the sandals are expensive on the Champs-Élysées.
Just my shade–with matching lips and glasses, this woman means business.
Two men exchange stories on a Paris sidewalk
A group of ethnically diverse young men gather on a Paris street corner.
One day in Paris is not enough, but that’s all I had. The city is beautiful and overwhelming. French architecture stands as a witness to the genius minds of grand tradition meant to last through the ages. However, it was the people of Paris that fascinated me, fun, friendly, aggressive and rude. I could see stories in their eyes, in their faces. I took pictures of the places, but, the people in the places were just as interesting–perhaps more so. They all have stories. I tried to capture them, in the moment, as many as I could, as fast as I could. The places will last, the people in motion, their stories changing, these photographs holding them for just a moment.
Amidst the plenty of Paris, an old woman begs for alms.
Playing in the sand outside the Palace of Versailles
A wandering child returns as his mother waits patiently just outside Paris.
A woman rests from her burdens.
This man has a special relationship with pigeons.
A young man smiles at life in Paris.
Profound decisions pondered on the stone steps of the Château du Louvre.
Getting around Paris takes patience and a cool European shoulder bag.
Anticipation–just before the kiss.
Years written on her face, an old woman watches with anticipation.
Vespa–maybe the best way to see the city.
Crossing a Parisian street may create anxiety, concern and possibly anger.
The stonework of Paris provides the perfect spot for lunch.
Bonne créme glacée.
A Parisian minstrel captivates with the accordion.
A young boy plays on a Parisian fountain.
A Parisian man takes a smoke break.
What’s for lunch? In Paris, it may be all about the food.
On my last night in Lima, Peru, I wanted to share a few photos of the people I have encountered. Their faces a tell a thousand stories I will never know.
Sack lunches and school uniforms for this class in Lima, Peru.
This teenager enjoys a field trip to the Plaza in Lima, Peru.
Scones and Smiles, she’ll warm your heart with both.
They're Calling To Me 