Hello from Paris

[tundra]

I find that looking at other's people's stuff gives me ideas of what I might want to do.

Several books that always bring me back to Paris are:

"Le Notre's Gardens" by Michael Kenna

Atget Paris" from Gingko Press

"Brassai From Surrealism To Art Informel" from Fundacio Antoni Tapies

There is this strange artifice you find among photographers that we must never repeat the work of others but only find "our own true vision." This is mostly nonsense. In looking at great work, you will find inspiration for your own (not to mention really feeding you own soul).

[adrien9512]

Hey a french too ! i am a photographer in Paris i do professionnal photoshoot for brand, people and i have a little studio too

[diversey]

Welcome to the forum!

[diversey]

Went to Paris 17 year ago and will go to Paris again this summer! Could you suggest some photogenic sites for large format photography? I plan to bring my 4x5 camera with two lenses (80mm and 150mm) with me. Thanks!

Hey a french too ! i am a photographer in Paris i do professionnal photoshoot for brand, people and i have a little studio too

[fhabit]

I wish I could offer suggestions, but I am still so new that I haven't had the gumption (or the time, honestly) to get the camera out onto the street. I've been shooting little still lifes and the occasional portrait when I can in my workroom. One thing I hear from reliable sources, however, is that if you attempt to pull an Atget and photograph with LF equipment on a tripod in parks and gardens you are more than likely going to be halted by the guards, and not necessarily politely. And if you don't speak French and/or attempt to argue, the results are going to be unfortunate (for you). Everyone, especially the police, is on edge right now because of the Olympics. Anyone who can leave town is leaving, and anyone who can't leave is walking around with a stomach full of dread. If you set up for street shots on a public way, you'll be fine unless you're blocking the sidewalk or a neighboring business feels you're interfering with trade. My hearty advice is too shoot early in the morning whenever you can, before things start stirring much. That's not so hard--Paris doesn't like to get up in the morning I hope you'll have a wonderful time.

[fhabit]

Salut! Your work is beautiful. I'm American, myself – but living here (provided the government agrees) permanently. I've lived all over the place, but never felt so at home as I do in Paris.

[fhabit]

Atget is one of the reasons I jumped at buying a LF camera when one appeared at a shockingly good price. (Fred Holland Day is the other.) I've been shooting with pinholes and a few soulless digital cameras and a late uncle's Rolleiflex since my thirties, but LF aligns so well with my actual work, which also is involves slowly creating with cumbersome equipment what most modern folks prefer to create quickly with light equipment. How could I resist?