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Photographer in the park

C3PO

Bare trees

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Flag in Nice

Chairs on Nice beach

Three Drummers

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Drum solo

Pont du Gard

French window

If it can take a lifetime to photograph France, what can you do in just a couple of weeks?

In November 1999 I was in England on an assignment and it happened that I had to change my schedule leaving two weeks free. I decided to cross the channel and do some photography in La belle France.

I made the conscious decision to travel light. Limiting my photographic gear to two camera bodies one fitted with a 20-35mm lens, the other with a 70-200mm. I took a monopod and my trusty bean bag with me instead of carrying a tripod. I shot about 20 rolls of film.

I spent the first week wandering around the streets of the capital. As is often the case in northern Europe the November weather was cold and grey, but there are always ways of making the most of whatever light is available.
I could have shot everything in black and white but decided to stick to colour as the soft diffused light suited the style of shots I had in mind.

Paris couple
I liked the way that the heroic couple in the background sculpture are oblivious to the man peering over their shoulders. At the same time this Parisian pair were equally unaware of me with the camera.

Photographer in the park
This photographer had his sites set on the statue, while I photographed him. Has someone perhaps got a shot of me photographing the photographer?.

C3PO
French culture is deep rooted, however you will see young Parisians enjoying "le fast food". Although this shot was taken on the Champs Élysées it could have been in any big city in the world. (maybe even the galaxy)

Bare trees
The crisp, cold air and early evening light gave a stark beauty to these bare branches.

I headed south for the second week. The train journey on the TGV echoed the contrasting nature of the regions. As the train crossed the Massif central it did so with modern efficiency and truly grande vitesse. When it reached the south the nature of journey changed dramatically slowing to a much more relaxed pace.

Flag in Nice
Mediterranean light is sharp and intense, colours are vibrant and saturated, even the shadows seem to glow.

Chairs on Nice beach
I arrived in Nice late in the evening with just enough time for a quick stroll by the sea front. These blue chairs were dotted all along the beach. They were lit by very green sodium spotlights, so a lot of filtration was needed. The 2 second exposure gave the waves a creamy appearance.

Drummers
The French are known for their joie de vie. Life is there to be lived and enjoyed. The drummers on Nice esplanade are not buskin, they are just there to play their music and have a good time.

Pont du Gard
The lone figure crossing the Pont du Gard gives some sense of the scale of this 2000 year old aqueduct.

French window
The harsh sun of the south has taken its toll on the paint work of this building. This shot taken under cloudy conditions shows the weathered texture of the paint and wood.

I found the whole experience very stimulating. Sometimes you need a deadline or some other external pressure to focus the mind.

I look forward to going back to France, next time to shoot at a more leisurely pace. Maybe "Six months in Paris" or "A year in Provence". Now that would be a good title for a book!

Andy Piggott, April 2001

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