Friday, July 24, 2015

People, I Need People....

by Deanna

Well, golly, I just returned last Saturday from an absolutely wonderful, marvelous, trip to Paris, France.  I was there for six days and believe me that was not nearly enough time to see all that I wanted to see, or to do all that I wanted to do.  However, the body said no more.  We walked, walked, and walked some more and not at a leisurely pace, I might add. First the knees hurt, then the back of my calves started screaming, and finally the hips just down right yelled at me.  I kept telling myself to get in shape prior to this trip, but did I listen....obviously no.  Anyhoo, I have a mere 1,000 plus photos on my DSLR not counting all the I-Phone snaps I took, so no telling how long it will take me to go thru them all.  But instead of showing you images of the eye-popping buildings, monuments and churches, I decided to show you a little "street" photography.  Again, I did not capture nearly enough, but you will get a taste of the people of Paris.  

Street photography is defined as photography that features the human condition within public places.
Eugene Atget, coincidently, a Parisian, is regarded as the father of the genre, not because he was the first of his kind, but because of his popularity as a Parisian photographer.  As the city developed, Atget helped to promote the city streets as a worthy subject for photography. He worked in the city of Paris from the 1890s to the 1920s. His subject matter consisted mainly of architecture: stairs, gardens and windows. He did photograph some workers but people were not his main focus.


There have been disagreements over the legalities of taking pictures of people in public places without their consent, however in both the USA and France taking photographs in public places without permission is legal and is considered part of the 1st Amendment in the US. In France it has been decreed that street photography without the consent of the subject is an important freedom in democracy. 


Many photographers are uncomfortable taking pictures of people without their consent. I find it rather fascinating and when I can capture moments like these I am thrilled.  The two images above were French citizens watching my daughter's dancers perform in a local park. Look at their smiles.

These two were sitting along the Seine as we passed by on a riverboat tour. Not exactly the image I wanted to capture of a red umbrella in the rain in Paris, but it is red, and it is an umbrella. 



Hats were very in "vogue" in Paris....



This is my favorite, not as clear as I would like, but look at the character in that face.



All dressed up in her pearls and fancy hat sitting in the Luxembourg Garden.  Not sure if she was reading or taking a little snooze. 




Lovers in the Luxembourg...



Walking the streets of Paris you can find just about any kind of street performer.  Ready to have their picture taken with you, but expecting compensation in the form of Euros for the deed.


Obviously a brother and sister, thinking they may be twins??



I don't think he is from Paris. The shirt is a dead giveaway....the right colors, wrong country. 



What do you suppose this conversation is about?



The perfect traveler, skates for transportation, camera ready, map and purse in hand, fit bit counting her steps, water bottle for hydration, and a light back-pack.  She is standing right by the Metro Station, wonder how she rides the Metro with skates? 



And since Eugene Atget, the father of this genre called "street photography", never took pictures of people but focused on architecture: stairs, gardens and windows....here is one in his honor...


Au revoir...

14 comments:

AFishGirl said...

WOW! What a beautiful series of shots, Dotti. I am highly enamoured of the umbrella one and the man whose face has such character and the red haired young woman. Beautiful! You have a wonderful series here, lovely to see. Hey! Welcome home!!!!! oxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Carol said...

These are great! I am always amazed by your perfect focus! I have many favorites here -but the twins🙀. Pam is right, great series!

Dotti said...

Fantastic street photography! Paris certainly provides the perfect opportunity for it. Ummmm. I hear you on the knees, legs and hips. We were over there for 3 weeks ... walking and walking and walking. When we returned home i was sure I needed hip replacement. But finally, two days ago I could climb steps without my hips hurting. Still stretching them out, though. It was worth it, though! Again, terrific street photography. You do it so well.

Dotti said...

BTW, this is Deanna's post, not Dotti's. Mine will be next Friday.

Anonymous said...

Lovely! I enjoyed seeing your images on Facebook as you posted...

Nicki said...

I envy those who can freely and liberally take street photography. Even when I muster up the courage, I am always confronted by a member of my family to "stop", "quit creeping", "not cool mom, NOT cool!". We are booked to visit London, Paris, Zurich, and Venice next Spring and I fully intend to step up my street photography game. These are outstanding Deanna and I am so glad you had a wonderful time.

kelly said...

wow deanna! i feel like i was walking right along beside you! such wonderful shots! i think the people of these amazing places is just as interesting and give just as much character as the beautiful architecture! bravo!

Unknown said...

I have loved reliving your trip with you.
The couple on the bench with the umbrella's - oh the story you could tell with that shot. Their expressions have lead your imagination in many directions!
See you soon - maybe we'll do some street photography too?

terriporter said...

You are my street photography idol! I always love seeing the people you see through your lens and have personally watched you ask someone if you can take their photo or their child's photo, something I am too chicken to do. And these that you took in Paris are the frosting on the cake! I completely agree that taking photos of the people in a place are just as important as the buildings, or maybe more so. Thank you for taking us along on this journey!

Unknown said...

Simply the best! Love the hats!!!

Barbara said...

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this! I am fascinated with people, especially in other countries. To get this glimpse is just so much fun. I love seeing what they're wearing, the expressions, imaging a story to go along with them. I am such a chicken about this but I am VERY happy that you are not! I am glad your trip was wonderful. I hope the aches and pains feel better soon.

Barb said...

Welcome back! I enjoyed walking the streets of Paris with you, people-watching and wondering what their stories are. Everything about the B & W man is perfect - including his outfit.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Good to have you back and with fabulous street photography. The studies of people is fascinating. I should do abit more of that.Love the B & W shot.

Lynne said...

People peeks . . . such a treat wherever . . .
And in Paris . . .
Perfect . . .

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