Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Art of the Wait


Most of time I'm in Paris, I seem to find myself on this frantic photo hunt. I try to slow down but somehow I'm always feeling the clock ticking away the days, the hours, the minutes till I must leave again. I haven't been able to overcome that need to get just one more image to carry home with me.

I have been privileged to meet and work with American/Parisien photographer Meredith Mullins. When I first discovered  her book In a Paris Moment, I found an interview where she spoke of "the art of the wait", when you sit and take the time for that someone to walk into your photograph that takes it to another level.   I think about that wonderful advice so often, and sometimes I think I pull it off, usually by sheer luck.  Today, an example of waiting.... until this  boy and his poppa made it happen.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a treat meeting Meredith. I must have a peek at ehr book. My obsession is still very much alive and well. - about Paris that is.
It's a beautiful capture V. Worth the wait.

Shell Sherree said...

I don't imagine you find waiting around in Paris a hardship, dear V. This is lovely.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

How fantastic Virginia that they happened along, I have an image of you poised for action haha! As Shell Sherree pointed out waiting around in Paris is no hardship!!

Leif Hagen said...

Timing is everything! Sometimes the difference of a few seconds can really make or break a great photo! This is a wonderful photo made even better with the father and his son!
Tres bien fait, Madame V!

M said...

Well worth the wait! The human touch adds so much to this image. Excellent!

Daryl said...

C'est vrai!

Starman said...

This is the quintessential Paris!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour, Virginie!

Je suis ravie que vous ayez venue chez moi ce matin!

I am so pleased, so happy to make your acquaintance dear colleague. I too am a practicing fourth grade teacher in a French immersion school where I teach all subjects in French and also teach English language arts. Oh how you would have enjoyed my Paris Link party back in May I believe; we hooked up with many bloggers who love PARIS and I see you are one of them! Your photography is STUNNING and Meredith's philosophy of waiting for the moment rings true to me. Though I am NOT a photographer, I am a wannabe poet and after basking in the likes of Mary Oliver and Nancy Willard this summer, I see I have a lot of "WAITING FOR THE MOMENT" to do.

How wonderful that you came by and left a message! I am joining your blog and am eager to see more of your MOMENTS in FRENCH....

Bonne journée ma nouvelle amie!

Anita

Fábio Martins said...

I can't understand the title for this image. Interesting framework

Harriet said...

You do these vertical shots so well.

Harriet said...

Is there a way to get the Françoise Hardy music working again?

Unknown said...

Every corner of Paris is an opportunity for another beautiful photograph.
Costas

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

OH I JUST SAW YOU ON PARISIAN SALON!!! YEAH! Bravo, ma belle! Anita

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Great advice from Meredith and a lesson in patience bien sûr! Glad you "waited"... you did, of course? You didn't take 5 shots quickly while waiting? (just kidding)

Jack said...

It is a very nice moment you captured. I have wondered how Genie and you and the others in your clan manage to take so many photos and still savor the environment. Now I see that you recognize the problem.