On his ongoing quest to help you get more out of your travel photographs, OutThere’s Creative Director Martin Perry shares his postcards from Paris, a city synonymous with romance, effortless chic and, of course, iconic photography.
See differently
We’ve all done it – arrived at a famous landmark, grabbed our camera and snapped the same shot that has been taken a million times, with disappointing results. So, how do you capture a much-photographed subject differently? Firstly, time your visit for when the light is likely to be interesting. I headed to the Place du Trocadéro, a purpose-built vantage point for the Eiffel Tower, at sunset (along with maybe 500 other sightseers all jostling for the best position to take their shots). The view and sky were spectacular, but they alone wouldn’t make for more than a pleasing but still predictable image. So I looked for other elements to help create an interesting composition. After 20 minutes of wandering around, I came across a group of tourists holding balloons and sprang into action in (respectful) pursuit. A few near misses later, I managed to capture a moment when the balloons not only formed a pleasing shape, but also parted to create a frame for the legendary French tower. Keeping your eyes and mind open and trying to see apparent obstacles as potential opportunities often pays dividends.
Bend time
Few cities exude an inimitable sense of style more than Paris. It can be seen everywhere, from Art Nouveau doorways and Metro station entrances, to intimate, open-fronted cafés and couture window displays. Putting your camera into B&W mode, or using a vintage lens (in this case, my beloved Helios-44) or vintage film camera, can really allow a place’s historic character to come through and elevate your photographs to capture a place’s timeless essence.
Stay focused
With his perfectly crafted images, street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson forever defined the city for many. The keys to great street photography are patience and familiarity. Cartier-Bresson would visit the same spot time and time again, carefully observing city life, which enabled him to predict and capture his iconic postcards from Paris. It’s a luxury we travelling photographers don’t have, so instead try honing in on a theme as you wander, and keep your camera on and within easy reach. This will massively increase your chance of capturing fleeting moments.
Photography by Martin Perry
