Paris in black and white
#1
Original Poster
Paris in black and white
I have only recently rediscovered how interesting it can be to see Paris in black and white, just like in the old movies and photographs. When I was little, half of the postcards for sale were still in black and white, but of course I would go straight for the garish ones in color.
But when you start looking at Paris again without all of the color, it helps you to realize what a timeless place it is. Many of the scenes look 50 or 100 or 150 years old and the obvious anachronisms just sort of fade away.
Here is a compendium that I have started of modern Paris scenes in black & white or sepia and it is really remarkable how much more powerful some of the images become: http://tinyurl.com/parisbw
But when you start looking at Paris again without all of the color, it helps you to realize what a timeless place it is. Many of the scenes look 50 or 100 or 150 years old and the obvious anachronisms just sort of fade away.
Here is a compendium that I have started of modern Paris scenes in black & white or sepia and it is really remarkable how much more powerful some of the images become: http://tinyurl.com/parisbw
#2
As a "valued" member of Any Port In A Storm, I received an email yesterday alerting me to your post. Very nice photos, and it gives one a good feel of the Paris of days gone by...even though the photos are in the present. Nice job!
#6
Original Poster
Thanks, but I think it just means that black & white imparts a completely different sensibility to pictures of Paris (and probably also London and Rome). And when you take black & white photos, you frame them differently because you are no longer distracted by the colourful elements.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2006
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This collection is lovely, just lovely! Question: the building with the tile sign, "Assainissement de Paris," what is that, an old laundry? I loved the little signs to the left and right, of the computer game characters! They're obviously more recent additions to that facade!
#17
Original Poster
"Assainissement de Paris," what is that, an old laundry?
That's along the Canal Saint Martin. "Assainissement" refers to sewage treatment. The artist 'Invader' has placed little computer game mosaics all over the city (in fact, all over the world). Even the building I live in has a space invader on it.
http://www.space-invaders.com/
That's along the Canal Saint Martin. "Assainissement" refers to sewage treatment. The artist 'Invader' has placed little computer game mosaics all over the city (in fact, all over the world). Even the building I live in has a space invader on it.
http://www.space-invaders.com/
#18
Join Date: Jun 2014
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I agree Paris is great in B&W. Thanks for the link to your photos. I took one that I like of the Eiffel Tower at night on my most recent trip. Link if anyone wants to see it:
http://spencercoxphoto.com/p1036742646#h3456a163
http://spencercoxphoto.com/p1036742646#h3456a163