Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Réflexions- le Reminet


As you know by now, I do not dine at *pricey restaurants in Paris.  My theory is that you can get a good meal at a reasonable price almost anywhere in Paris. I prefer to save my euros for other things.  I met American photographer Meredith Mullins at le Reminet for lunch in July, 2009, and since then I've returned several times and enjoyed it each time.   Located on the Left Bank, it's close to Meredith's flat so she's a "regular". When you drop her name, the waiters light up!  I love the décor, the mirrors made me pull out my camera.

* For most, le Reminet is a very moderately priced resto. I urge you to try it.

Metro: Maubert/Mutualite

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Trois?? Pourquoi?


I have no idea. This is a chi chi little shop at the Place des Vosges. I wandered in and was overcome. Made a teensy bit of an impulse buy,  which turned out to be a much appreciated birthday gift.  Très bonne!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday Church Series - Église Saint-Eustache


Taken from high atop the Centre Georges Pompidou (through the glass), a view of the Église Saint-Eustache   that one doesn't normally see. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for identifying this lovely Paris church, which geographically is a lot farther away than it appears.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Les tours de l'amour


and artfully arranged......bien sûr !

Friday, August 26, 2011

Lettres


Vous avez du courrier.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Le Mariage


Parc Monceau proved a beautiful setting for this wedding party's photo session.  I think the bridesmaids' gowns might have outshown the bride's.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

À la vie,l'amour et de vin rouge


For my friend Allan, who will be doing this in a few short weeks. Le sigh........

Another one of the locks fastened to le Pont des Arts.  Lock it, throw the key in the Seine and you will return to Paris. I wish I'd known this sooner! Others say your love will never end. Either way, it's worth a try n'est-ce pas?   In 2010, the City of Paris,  heartlessly cut them all off.  If you've been to Paris recently, you can see how effective that was.  I think it is a charming way to show your love and doesn't seem to harm the property. Your thoughts?

Monday, August 22, 2011

La Crete


Mary and I strolled up rue Mouffetard that Sunday and wondered where to have lunch. I spotted La Crete. I had a nice dinner there way back when I was stranded in Paris due to standby issues a few summers ago.  We had a delicious lunch , and the owner kindly agreed to pose for me. French/Greek strangers abound!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Paris Rouge LXI- L'homme rouge


 So Paris.  Le métro, la lumière de la rue, l'homme rouge, et l'Opera Garnier!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

J'ai une boule rouge sur la têt



In Paris, I'm always amused and entertained by the creative street artists. I love walking down a street or across a bridge and finding someone like this that makes me smile... and take a lot of photos!

Friday, August 19, 2011

From High Atop...


la Plus Grande Roue de France
( shot through the window)
Tuileries

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Au Revoir


I took this photograph as I approached our apartement on rue Saint Roch for the last time that rainy day last January.  Wonderful memories of a week I'll never forget mixed with the sadness I always feel when I must say au revoir to dear friends and the city j'adore. Bittersweet.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Le Spectateur


I am charmed by the fact that most of the men that come to Luxembourg Gardens to watch the pétanque players, take the time to dress for the occasion.  Another reason I love Paris.


Art Folk Gallery at Young & Vann
1731 1st Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203


From Snapshots to Photographs 
Virginia Jones 

Join us for 5 lively sessions that have been designed for anyone who is eager to learn how to take better photographs.


You'll learn the basics of:
composition
,using available light
, photographing friends & family, the secrets of terrific vacation photographs, and basic editing on the computer. All that is required is working knowledge of your digital camera! 

5 Classes for *$140

Tuesdays from August 30th - September 27th


Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged!  Call 205-716-1665 or email to director@artfolkgallery.org to reserve your spot today.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

January Afternoon - la Fontaine Médicis



Paris is probably the most photographed city on the planet.  I don't fool myself that I could ever find a new point of view that someone has not already discovered.  It doesn't keep me from the eternal search however!

This crisp, January Sunday afternoon, Mary and I made our way through Luxembourg Gardens. We were grateful that not many tourists spoiled our view.   This image of the Medici Fountain  brings back some wonderful memories.


Monday, August 15, 2011

Truffes et Plumes


This divine chocolaterie near our apartment last January, tested our will power every single day.

201 rue Saint Honoré
Metro- Tuileries/Palais Royal

* Merci Genie for supplying this name!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday Church Series -Les Bougies


17 rue de Verrerie
4eme
Metro - Hôtel de Ville, Rambuteau

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Le bon et le mauvais


Proof that even in Paris,  all balconies are not the same!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Taking Care of Business


I can't imagine being so blasé about living in Paris that I would be talking on my cellphone while weaving between the colonnes de Buren  at the Palais Royal.  Unlike the yesterday's photo where I more or less composed the photo and then the father and son walked into the shot, this one was taken on the fly. You do what you have to do!


From Snapshots to Photographs 
Virginia Jones 

Join us for 5 lively sessions that have been designed for anyone who is eager to learn how to take better photographs.

You'll learn the basics of:
-composition
-using available light
-photographing friends & family
-the secrets of terrific vacation photographs.

All that is required is working knowledge of your digital camera! 

5 Classes for *$140

Tuesdays from August 30th - September 27th

Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged!  Call 205-716-1665 or email todirector@artfolkgallery.org to reserve your spot today.


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.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Une promenade dans le jardin


The Jardin des Plantes is a lovely spot to spend the day.  The shady allées, the well tended gardens and in addition there is a dear little carrousel and zoo for the children.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Le Menu


Bon Appétit!
Place des Vosges

Monday, August 8, 2011

Artiste au travail


Last January, you may remember that we rented the most fabulous apartment from New York/Paris artist and now very dear friend, Janeen Koconis.  Janeen's apartment also doubles as her studio, and she graciously allowed me to poke around and take some photos. Today, I share one with you.  The place where the KocoNewYork  magique happens!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sunday Church Series - Église Val du Grâce



Église Val du Grâce

So many special  memories of this view from our apartment on rue Berthollet, June 2009. What could be more wonderful than opening our windows and seeing this every day?  I photographed it every time of day, rain or shine.


I am so pleased to announce that Ma Vie Francais is now featuring some of my Paris Rouge photographs!
Please visit and join this great site.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Ma Bonne Chance


I walk down a street in Montmartre and............ I say, "Bonjour Monsieur!"( with very big smile).   I count my blessings.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Tombées due Camion


Often as we stroll the side streets of Paris, we stumble upon a wonderful and unique little shop.  Not this time. I found Tombées du Camion ( fallen from the truck) in * Paris Made By Hand and had it on my list. Thankfully I had my navigational pilot and co-pilot
 ( Peter and Mary) along,  and they sniffed out the address et voilà!  How to describe this tiny place?  A delightful mélange of printmaking letters, antique wooden shoe forms, medical equipment, vintage ties, and doll heads.........it's endless.   Today two photos. One I think illustrates this wonderful wall of letters the best, but it needed the human element, so you get two for one today.

* I  LOVE this little book, but note that a few of the stores featured have since closed. Perhaps a web search before your trip will eliminate some disappointments.

Tombées du Camion
17 rue Joseph de Maistre
Métro: Abbesses ou Blanche

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Paris Rouge LX - Les chaises rouges sous la pluie



I look back on my Paris photos and think this Paris Rouge series might be endless.
Vive la France.....ROUGE!!!

My new book, Paris Rouge Through My Lens is now available on Blurb right HERE!

Aujourd'hui, Françoise Hardy sings one of my favorite songs here.
J'adore!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Trois Vues


This boulangerie in the 5e offers three views.  

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Bleu in Paris VI- Volets Bleus


I have visited the Église Saint Paul - Saint Louis in the Marais many times. I always like to use the 
side entrance which opens onto this charming little alley.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Paris Rouge LIX - Partners


Today, one of my favorite portraits. If Madame looks familiar, she should. I have photographed her three different visits to rue Mouffetard, as she danced with first one man , then another.  Is it any wonder. I think she is fabulous.  She was a late addition to my book, Paris Rouge Through My Lens.

I think Françoise Hardy should sing for you today right here.