Okay, so, PARIS??

[ChevyBaby]

Heyhey guys and gals!

Next week I'm off to Paris for a photo exhibition and I'm really uneducated. Got a U in photography, have never paid particular interest in Geography, history or Architecture...

What do you recommend I look out for as far as photo inspiration and awesome shots goes?

 

[o hey tyler]

What's a U stand for? Unsatisfactory? Unedumacaterd? I'd look out for things that tickle your photographers eye, you know, in that good way.

 

[Derrel]

I would say look for inspirational architecture and inspirational sights, as well as awesome skylines, awesome buildings, and awesome people. Together with your U in photography it ought to add up to a great big,satisfying FTW. I'm not that big on geography myself, but I think Paris is in France, which is located in Europe. Take plenty of film, don't drink the local tap water, and pay for everything in Spanish doubloons, and you will be okay.

 

[bentcountershaft]

They have that tower thing that haven't gotten around to putting walls on yet, so that may be worth a snap or two. I'd go for a "cheesy tourist" guided tour type deal that hits the highlights and then maybe go on a self guided "go get lost with the camera" walking tour of my own after. A whole of museums there if that's your thing, that's probably where I'd end up.

 

[ChevyBaby]

Thanks guys lots of ideas! I'll be with a bunch of mates so hopefully i won't get too lost! I've only got 4 days out there.

U stands for 'Ungraded' i think i got 7% in my GCSEs (I don't what the US equivalent is, a diploma maybe?)

*Note to self* Remember not to drink tap water. Super!

 

[rpm]

U is the equivalent of an F in the states really. U is below 30% if i recall from my IGCSE/A levels...
​

 

[AprilEye]

U is the equivalent of an F in the states really. U is below 30% if i recall from my IGCSE/A levels...​

ouch...

 

[gsgary]

Get hold of a Henry Cartier Bresson photo book lots of shots from Paris

 

[ChevyBaby]

A U is lower than an F put it that way lol its anything under 10%

Is it horendous of me to say i'm now officially sick of Cartier Bresson?

 

[enzodm]

Paris: it depends on what you like to shoot, however I like some modern architecture there, like the Centre Pompidou or La Defense, you have nice views of the Seine river (there is a nice Cartier-Bresson picture with erotic double-talk made from one of the bridges), also old architecture of any time (Versailles, Notre Dame) and french-style gardens (not the romantic ones you have on the other side of the sea) (which I prefer, by the way), lot of people around good for street photography, the artists quarter (Montmartre), if you like the Doors you may find the Jim Morrison grave at Pere Lachaise cemetery (incidentally also Oscar Wilde and many other artists are there).
Not last, Tour Eiffel could be a stereotypical but interesting subject, and if you have the patience to wait in a queue, you could climb it with an elevator up to the top, for taking panoramic pictures from about 300 meters (slightly moving in case of wind...).

And last, food. I know you fish-and-chips eaters perhaps do not appreciate ( ) but could give some satisfaction for some close-up pictures, due to the nice presentation given by french chefs.

 

[Studio7Four]

I've been to Paris a few times and there is such a variety to shoot it's hard to recommend without knowing your preferences. Do you know where you're staying (in which arrondissement/neighborhood)?

If you want to shoot architecture there are, of course, plenty of beautiful classical examples. Less photographed are the modern buildings, some of which are pretty cool (such as La Defense and the Pompidou Centre). If you have the time you can walk around for some less common vantage points so your shots are, if not unique, at least less-than-cliche. For instance, you can climb up the towers of Notre Dame to get up close and personal with the gargoyles perched up top (and it's a great view of the city as well - you can see one of my images in the Landscapes section of my site). Paris is also full of narrow winding streets which can make for some interesting images.

If you're in more of a people shooting mood head north to Montmartre and Pigalle. These are the more artsy neighborhoods.

 

[ChevyBaby]

And last, food. I know you fish-and-chips eaters perhaps do not appreciate ( ) but could give some satisfaction for some close-up pictures, due to the nice presentation given by french chefs.

I'll have you know i hate chips - I'm a pie and mash girl lol

That was an amazing post, thanks so much!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

What do you recommend I look out for as far as photo inspiration and awesome shots goes?

Doesn't that come from within?

This question always amazes me.

 

[ChevyBaby]

Studio, I know im staying in a Ghetto type place aparently but the photo exhibition i'm going to is at the [phoenetically] loove... lol

Thanks for the 'people shooting' tip!

 

[ChevyBaby]

What do you recommend I look out for as far as photo inspiration and awesome shots goes?

Doesn't that come from within?

This question always amazes me.

I'll be straight with you.

I normally wouldn't even take my SLR to Paris, my photography at the moment is a very personal documentary style and I feel like I'm under pressure to take my SLR and try and be interested because I'm going with my uni. Judge me if you like but I like to open up to doing new types of images but if I'm not originally into it, I can't get into it and taking some tips from others will definitely encourage me to look closer.