Paris shining, Paris raining… Paris covered in a blanket of cloud … it doesn’t matter to me… she is always engaging and always snap worthy.
Walking the streets is always a joy.
I sometimes even prefer her a little dull.
Sometimes a bright blue Paris is almost too much beauty to handle.
When I look at Paris in black and white it is as if all her features jump out… they are in relief.
The architectural elements of the buildings look sharper… the boulevards appear longer and wider.
Details that I never normally notice or pay attention to appear larger and brighter.
Corners are a big deal in Paris… I never really thought about this before.
How unobservant of me… Paris is all about the corners… the broad and generous curves are perfect for sidewalk cafés.
They are all the more charming with this rounded perspective.
The Parisian skyline, with it’s up and down chimney pots and chambre de bonne windows is one of the most unique features of Paris.
When I walk around Paris I want an extra pair of eyes in the top, in the back and in the side of my head as well as in the front.
I can’t take in enough… I can’t look far enough or wide enough… there is so much to grasp and I don’t want to miss a moment.
Do you ever feel like that?
Looking at Paris in black and white highlights her differences.
The softness of the vegetation against the solid nature of the stone river banks.
The bridges that transition between the right and left banks.
The white painted buildings of Paris against the golden stone of the Hausmannian architecture.
Contrasts that get lost on a full colour day.
Have a wonderful weekend Vicki, and thank you for the sharpened view of the Paris streets, in the words of Cole Porters 1953 song "I love Paris in the springtime…." big hugs, Margie.
Le noir et blanc a un impact plus fort, je suis tout à fait d'accord… Nous sommes nées, en ce qui me concerne avec le noir et blanc…
Des photos parisiennes magnifiques et enchanteresses.
Gros bisous
Thank you for the wonderful hotel tip in yesterday's post, Vicki. And Paris wears black and white impeccably. I guess that's no coincidence. Have a beautiful weekend in one of your favourite places to be.
Bonjour Vicki, I hope you are having a wonderful time…I certainly am! … and you are right about the gray skies …it just adds to the moods and ambience of the city…
I understand that it is a national holiday weekend for May day? Not sure what to expect in the way of the public transit. The bullet train from Provence was great!
~Terri
I always love your book recommendations Vicki. You've never steered me wrong yet! Beautiful post, amazing pictures. Please tell me you're working on another book?? Meredy xo
Oh V,
I do feel the same way. No matter how many times I've been, I always feel like I'm "wasting time" if I"m not always walking, looking, snapping! I love your BW images today. They bring back fond fond memories. I hope your time in Paris this week as been glorious.
As for the books, I LOVE Quiet Corner of Paris and of course David's Sweet Life!
V
Agree Vicki…black and white, sepia, antique… they all translate so well to Paris. I love your interpretations and I recognise many. :) Good luck this weekend…remember to take it slowly…
Jeanne xx
Stunning photos Vicki there is something about the black and white.I was to visit Paris in June but my father is unwell so I have postponed the trip I can enjoy Paris through you. Have a wonderful stay.xTrish
I absolutely love these photos….and your comment about "the corners", I'd never thought of that before either but it's true isn't it?
Those wonderful rooftops too….it's impossible to get tired of Paris :)
What a wonderful hotel….I've really enjoyed your photos and tweets about your trip :) XX
Lovely shots, Vicki. Now that I do not have to live (and work) under "la grisaille" anymore, I can focus more on the unique Parisian skyline and architectural details, like you, when I visit… Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Paris is always beautiful and more so in black and white. Was a little surprised not to see Atget's name among the artists. He is my favorite Paris photographer!
Fabulous photos. Paris is beautiful, whether in black and white or color.
Best…Victoria
I agree, I did a post comparing rooms in color and then in black and white and you see shapes, outlines, accents more clearly in black and white, it was an interesting study. I love seeing Paris through your eyes, in color or in black and white,
Kathysue
gorgeous, restful, dreamy images, vicki.
smiles and happy weekend to you.
michele
I have been a long time blog lurker. Coming out to say I am loving this Paris series of pictures on your posts. I am hoping to go to Paris later in the year, after our Normandy trip this May.
The pictures are lovely.
You made me miss Paris, walking through the streets and getting lost in all her beauty.
Beautiful shots! That corner image is my favorite, brings on memories of having a cafe au lait and watching all wiz by me!
Xx
Callie
Great shots. I like the corner shot & the rooftops, especially.
I love B&W;, too & you have some great links of famous B&W; photographers.
Adore the black/white images. Have a wonderful time in Paris. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Black and white makes everything look so dramatic, I fancy Paris as a vixen, so she would probably love that!
Lovely thoughts and lovely photos. Paris is in my soul and I cannot wait to be back there.
That is why I love black and white photography Vicki, it enhances the contrasts always!
The 2012 Artist Series featuring Designer and Paper Artist Anita Rivera…on my site, please stop by! Her work is amazing!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
The book you recommended 'Paris in Colour' is on my to get list! but I have to say these black and white images capture the 'feel' of Paris beautifully – it just couldn't be anywhere else in the world – could it? I hope you are having a wonderful time!
Sharon
Captured to perfection lovely to see thanks Vicki :) I watched Midnight in Paris Last night shot in some gorgeous locations!!
Beautiful photos! I like the rooftops a lot, as well as the final photo of the river. Rhi xx
thewildestofdreams.blogspot.com
What magnificent photographs. You always manage to suprise and delight……. I remember Paris just how you described it today…..lots of love sherie xxxx
Paris looks incredible no matter what color its in! Love it and can never get enough of looking this beuatiful city!
Ah… what transporting photos. I've never really thought about the corners, but it's true – like everything in Paris, there's that extra thought, attention and appreciation for them… bon dimanche!
What is it about Paris that lets her beauty and her moods show through so clearly in black and white? Colors are generally required to add mood, many images would lack mood entirely without color. Perhaps it is because the beauty of Paris is not superficial that it shines through so well in black and white. It is so strong that even when I am looking at color images of Paris the colors seem to fade away as if her intrinsic beauty is pushing them aside. Nice work Vicki!
I love this shot of the Seine. Beautiful perspectives Vicki. Shiree'
Why is it that black and white photographs seem more real to me than colour ones?
Lovely!
I love your photos. Now I and my family moved from Norway to France, and now I write about the good life here in France on my blog. Thanks for the inspiration you share. Hugs from Maliva
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! One day I will experience my dream- a trip to Paris!
Seems lonely doesn't it
HI Vick, Brava, brava, brava, Incredible shots and I love the black and white. Such a treat to see you in Paris. Carla xx
Just divine! Phil xxxx
"Sometimes a bright blue Paris is almost too much beauty to handle." – you're absolutely right, Vicki! When I close my eyes and envision Paris, it's in that rosy grey with a magical shimmer.
Hello Vicki,
Paris is black and white is stunning! Of course it is magical anytime but these images make it seem magical!
Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
And for the book suggestions. I am going to check out the ones I do not already have in my collection.
Have a wonderful day, Elizabeth
Vicki,
Black and white or color…there is a beauty about this city that is unrivaled.
Karen
Thank you for sharing the glorious shots. So true. I lived in San Francisco–my other favorite city and Sister City of Paris–for 20-years and recently back. Under any colored sky–both are beautiful and much loved.
I too adore Paris in B&W…; although… any colour would satisfy me when it comes to Paris!!
~ Clare x
Love your new site. RE: “Shabby Chic”: I agree, the French have a way with a few Geraniums, a few old flower pots and some vines to augment their wonderful classic architecture. In our home we have tried to replicate some of the things we love about France but we just do not have the beautiful old buildings to work with. Joe
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, your pictures, your life with us! So educational! You make it all seem easy!
beautiful photos :-)
Vicki–everything looks superb as usual and good luck with the updated site. I just posted it on my Facebook page. My friend Pat sent me the link to your site more than a year ago, and I always open my email with a sense of anticipation. Where is Vicki and what’s on her mind? Your photos are glorious, and the French government needs to confer some sort of medal for your contributions to French culture.
Vicki – I look forward to your posts each day. Thank you!
Love the blog – have forwarded to so many friends and they all signed up. For those of us who love Paris but can’t get there as often as we would like to, it makes coming home to your posts the highlihgt after a long day at work. We can vacation on our sofa looking at all your beautiful photos. We save your e-mails in our travel folders for our next trip over. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enchantment with all things French!