Paris is the perfect city for people watching. On the terraces chairs are often placed side by side so you can sit next to a friend and people watch, without one of you needing to subtly look over your shoulder every few minutes.
I am going to miss the relaxed vibe of Parisian cafes. Grabbing a coffee and gulping it, on the way to the tube, won’t cut in anymore. After five years, I am used to my crème café arriving in a cup and saucer, usually with a chocolate and a carafe d’eau as standard.
I love watching people in Paris, maybe because I'm enthralled by French fashion and France in general, or maybe I’m just plain nosey, but I never tire of watching people stroll past my table.
At least when I leave, I can still indulge on Instagram - Messy Nessy and Parisiens in Paris being particular good at providing a snapshot of Parisian streets. There's so much effortless style on the streets of Paris (although far too many people cycle without helmets, which always makes me anxious).
I’m also a fan of street photography. There have been two brilliant shows recently in Paris - Frank Horvat and Elliot Erwitt. I love their photos of ordinary people going about their everyday lives. I’m always taking photos but of places rather than people. I'm tempted to try street photography. Elliot Erwitt’s advice was to
I always feel odd taking photographs of people I don’t know though, and would definitely feel uncomfortable sharing them. Elliot Erwin also advised that the best way to get beach photographs was “to work with an accomplice, pretend you’re taking a photo of them. . . but aim between his/her ear and shoulder and photograph anyone who passes by." Sounds quite creepy!
Do street photographs ask permission after the fact, or do they just publish the photos?
I often wonder if anyone has gone to an exhibition and seen themselves or someone they know.
Which is probably why my favourite street photographs are of feet, particularly by the brilliant Vivian Maier. I discovered her work two years ago at an exhibition at Musée du Luxembourg, a lesser known but lovely museum, with the added bonus of having an Angelina’s* attached.
Even if I were only taking photos of feet, I think I would still feel strange, so I will continue just watching and leave the photos to the professionals.
*Angelina’s is a famous Paris tea room. The tables for the original one, on Rue du Rivoli are booked weeks in advance, but you can walk straight into the one beside Musee de Luxembourg. It’s expensive but the cakes are devine!
Honestly Alix I live my Parisian dream vicariously through you!! What a gorgeous little bit of art history, tea house recommendations and your own interesting thoughts