Paris Photo 2017

After YEARS I was finally ble to experience Paris Photo in 2017. Each trip in November, I gave it great thought and always decided it would probably mean waiting in long lines to enter, even if I had a ticket. This day, Peter, Mary and I were headed to the Petit Palais for an exhibit when I looked toward the Grand Palais and discovered there was not line that I could see! Peter spoke with a guard and voila! I walked up, paid my 30 euros and was inside. This was also my first time under the fabulous glass and steel dome of the Grand Palais, so I experienced an adrenaline rush just wanting to photograph every inch. That and the hundreds of photography exhibition booths was just as Meredith Mullins had warned, sensory overload. I wandered without an organized plan but managed to experience the architecture and the photography. More photographs to come this week!

Paris Photo 2019, November 7-10. 

Meet Elliott Erwitt

This is one of the displays of Elliott Erwitt's photogeraphy books during the exhibit at La Hune, in 2015.  This blog post reminded me to order his Paris book!

Fast forward to November, 2017. I was lucky enough to FINALLY attend Paris Photo at the Grand Palais. It's sensory overload as there are HUNDREDS of photography exhibits under the glass dome. It's been on my TO DO list for years and it was overwhelming but thrilling. The highlight was getting to snap 2 quick photos of Monsieur Elliott himself. I was so awestruck, all I could do was pat his shoulder and mumble, "I'm honored."

Petite fille avec parapluie

While waiting outside the Grand Palais after Paris Photo, trying to stay dry, I spotted this petite fille, doing the same. 

Paris Photo 2017

If you are in Paris the second weekend in November, you must see Paris Photo. Held in the Grand Palais for three days, it's well worth the 30 euros! I FINALLY was able to see it this last trip. It's an amazing visual overload of photography. So worth it.

Une autre vue

Pardon. I was so thrilled to be inside the Grand Palais for the fabulous Paris Photo Exhibit, I have many photos to share. Another Paris memory that I will never forget.

Paris Photo - Elliott Erwitt

While wandering the fabulous international photographic exhibit at Paris Photo last November, I watched as two photographers were snapping photos of this man. Realizing he must be someone of importance, I motioned one of the photographers over and asked who he was. I couldn't understand the name as he had an accent and it was very noisy. He must have seen this and added, "He is ia Magnum photographer." That I understood and so I asked him to repeat the name. "Elliott Erwitt." I all but screamed. I"m very familiar with his remarkable work and even attended a small Erwitt exhibit at La Hune a few years back. I literally chased this man down. I asked the woman who was with him if I could take a quick photo. She answered, "Yes, make it quick." I did! After, I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Merci, I am so honored." This will always be a favorite Paris memory for me.

I saw the two photographers later and they were happy I got the photo. I told them I didn't think he was so glad to see me but I was thrilled nonetheless.

Erwitt was in Paris for the signing of his just released book of his images of Cuba taking many years ago.

Paris Rouge - Paris Photo

This petite fille looked so adorable with her umbrella leaving Paris Photo in the rain!

Paris Photo

Every November Paris Photo celebrates photography with an enormous international exhibition under the glass and steel roof of the Grand Palais. This event has been on my Bucket List for YEARS and I finally was able to attend this last trip. Warning: It's sensory overload and a lot to see. Plan to spend several hours. I was torn between photographing the interesting attendees, some of the photography I just wanted to remember, and the amazing Grand Palais. 

Le Grand Palais des Champs-Elysées

This past trip, I was finally able to check the Grand Palais off my list. Since 2007, I've gazed longingly at it's beautiful façade and glorious steel and glass dome. Paris Photo made it possible this trip. This Art Deco structure made of iron and light steel opened in 1900 and regularly houses exhibits and events of all types. It was well worth a 10 year wait!

For a listing of upcoming events, check out the website HERE.

Enfin!

Well, it took 15 trips,  but I finally got inside the Grand Palais.  I also FINALLY was able to attend Paris Photo. It was just as Meredith Mullins warned, "Sensory overload". I was totally torn between soaking up every photograph and shooting the fabulous glass ceiling. If you are in Paris in November, be sure to attend this fabulous 3 day event.

I"m doing the BW Photo A Day Challenge on Facebook where I post a BW image a day for 7 days, no people, no words. I"m double dipping here. 

A Rainy Day in Paris

Last November, these Parisians, and I'm sure a few tourists, waited patiently in the cold and rain. outside the Hôtel de Ville.   It was worth the wait to view the fabulous Brassai exhibit during Paris Photo. No secret why I love Paris in November.

Paris Photo

Another plus for visiting Paris in November is Paris Photo. Everywhere you look around the city you will find wonderful photography exhibits, many free. The Jardin du Luxembourg always has something interesting on their fence- this trip fabulous photos of ocean life. Of course the big event is always held the Grand Palais. I've toyed with visiting this mega exhibit but decided it was too much to take in with limited time. Meredith Mullins says it's sensory overload and has to take it in on several visits. Maybe I'll get there one day. Until then, I will continue to enjoy all the other exhibits that Paris has to offer.

Photo Month in Paris - Yousuf Karsh

If you love Paris and you love photography, then November is the month you need to go!  For the entire month, fabulous exhibits, many free, are offered all over Paris from the Grand Palais to the smallest galleries.  We didn't opt for the extravaganza Paris Photo, at the Grand Palais, but in one day saw three terrific exhibits, at no cost.  Today we visit the Mona Bismarck American Center, just across the Seine from la Tour Eiffel.  The Yousuf Karsh exhibit was excellent.  You might not have know his name but you certainly would know his work.

Mona Bismarck American Center

34 Avenue de New York

75016 Paris