Reading, a Parisian pastime. Back in May, I
wrote about my fascination with the number of people I spotted sitting in parks, cafes, even on the Metro, reading. Now I regret that I didn't put my camera down more and find a nice chair in the park and read as well! Today a few readers I found at one of my favorite spots, the gardens at the Palais Royal. ( I'll be staying very near the Palais Royal this trip. I'm smiling from ear to ear!)
Today I join Aileni's Monochrome Weekly gang. Click here to see their interesting images.
If I'd had my new longer lens I'd have gotten a better shot. As it was, I had to practically sit in his lap to get this!
The second gentleman looks like it's giving him a touch of mal à la tête. :) But where better to have a headache... Lovely candid photos, V!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Parisians do love their books! As further proof, witness the traffic in the book department of the FNAC at Forum les Halles!
ReplyDeleteI think that in Europe the closer you get to the Med, the more relaxed the lifestyle; I think they have it right.
ReplyDeleteHe wouldn't be much of a Frenchman if he objected to you sitting in his lap.
ReplyDeletePortraits in monochrome look so very perfect ....
ReplyDeleteWonderful candid portraits, it would be fun to live somewhere people read everywhere and anywhere. ~ Calico Contemplations
ReplyDeleteCalico,
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's an interesting change from what I see here, where people spend every spare minute staring at a stupid cell phone!
Starman,
Maybe when I get there, I can find a lap and do just that! tee hee
John,
You might be right! And i have a photo of some old cameras you might like to see. Email me.
Daryl,
Our friend Victor in Gabriola has pounded that into my head!!! I try to listen.
Louis,
I don't love les Halles but the book department at Bon Marche had some great deals.
Shsh,
He was probably thinking if I would just disappear and quit clicking my camera he could concentrate!
The first monochrome image kept my interest the longest. I like the sockless man reading about the former nobel peace prize winner. . . perhaps this man was a refugee. The placement of his portable perch I like and of course the bird in the foreground just puts it over to top for me. I've always enjoyed Kertesz's book on reading perhaps this is the start of yours!
ReplyDeleteBoth images are good, but the first is special. The pigeon adds another element of interest to a great B&W shot that captures the moment.
ReplyDeleteSlim and Awarewriter,
ReplyDeleteMerci. I was very drawn to the top image as well. Intrestingly, I photographed a delightful gentleman in the exact same spot last June with his cute dog that he put on a chair next to him to have me take their photo!
Thank yo both for your visit and your comments.
Nice, Virginia. And, of course, I'm interested in what they are reading...
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteAll I can tell you is I"ve been very nosy about the reading material, and they're not reading tabloids! If I sit and read there, I'll be sure I have something "substantial"! HA As a former teacher I wish I saw that here. I'll post a few more "readers" soon.
V
The pizza pie was made yesterday by my daughter in Bloomington - and it was good. So, yes, it was a trick...
ReplyDelete