A Walk in Paris

This post is about my first 'planned' walk around Paris. Although I've been here before and am familiar with the major landmarks, I wanted to see some of the things I had put off previously.

Two Rules: No taxis and no asking-for-directions. I knew this would make me read in advance and plan my routes. I wanted to use the Vélib’ but I had left my UK credit card (you need a PIN credit card for the service) at my hotel - and I was too lazy to go back.  It didn't take long to regret it...  Thank God for the iPod, comfortable shoes and the Paris Metro.

Three Destinations: Take photos of Paris from the top of the Montparnasse Tower; Visit the Institut du Monde Arabe; and finally to see the Centre Pompidou again - this time from the inside.

I started late this morning with a good coffee near the Eiffel Tower close to my hotel. The weather could not have been better.  After a reasonably long walk, I arrived at the Montparnasse Tower. I've always hated the way this ugly glass tower stuck out. It's horrible from any angle and from any distance and, in my opinion, it ruins the gentle flow of the Paris skyline.

This is why I wanted to be on it when I took these shots... Just look at how this gorgeous city has been woven together.  The boulevards, the cafes, the trees, the architecture - I could go on for a while...

I then headed to the Institut du Monde Arabe - stopping for lunch on the way.  I had read about this building - in an architecture magazine when I was in Denmark back in 1998!  It has a very interesting design on its outside walls.  The architects incorporated the look and feel of a Mashrabiya to the whole facade.  What I love about it is its ever-changing lighting as it closes and opens the apertures within the islamic pattern.

The building did not disappoint, the staff were pleasant, and the collection in the museum was interesting.  However, they had no information in English.  I used the Arabic guide. This institute is supposed to bring a better understanding of the Arab culture to Europe!  Most Europeans don't speak Arabic, and those who do know Arab culture better than the Arabs.  Their Arabic website is poor with broken links and missing information, and their English website is in 'technical maintenance'.  I hope they fix these small issues soon.  It's a place worth preserving, and more importantly: maintaining.

My final stop was at the Centre Pompidou, the most visited building in France.  I have been here before but never had the time to go in for a good look around.  Today I spent two hours and they felt like ten minutes.  If you love art, design, photography and modern art - this is a place where you should consider disguising yourself as a tour guide - and moving in.

It was great to have the time to do this today.  My business trips to France on previous occasions have not allowed me the time to explore.  Today was a nice opportunity to find even more reasons to love this amazing city.

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Morning Coffee

As terrible as it sounds, I am pleased that - starting tomorrow - I can have the only thing I miss in Ramadan: a good coffee in the morning.  I haven't had time to take a photograph for Eid.  I do hope that you like this close up of a Habiscus flower.   The shot was taken in April this year at my mother's garden.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.  I hope all your prayers are answered.

تقبل الله طاعتكم و عيدكم مبارك

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Girgi'an

In the middle of the month of Ramadan, we celebrate Girgi'an.  Boys and girls dress in traditional costumes and sing old songs in exchange for some sweets.  It's our version of trick-and-treat... only without tricks.  When I was a child, it was still a relatively simple affair with small handfuls of sweets, almonds and - if you're really lucky - a couple of coins handed to us.  Today is a different story all together. Parents (mainly mothers) compete to achieve some truely ridiculous results.  The concept of 'Less is More' is yet again forgotten.  Whatever way you do it, I hope your kids have a wonderful time in celebrating this wonderful tradition.

The shot above was my first real test of the new tripod.  I took the photograph from our roof late Wednesday night using a Sigma lens at 500mm.  Have a look at the larger version by clicking the image.

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Nikon Training

I have around ten books about photography, a couple of which I've read at least three times.  The basic information is the same and starts to become repetitive - but it's good to understand the basics.  I took an online 'course' in 2006 but that didn't really offer anything more than the books.  I decided the best way forward was to play... and play I very much did. I have around thirty thousand images to sort as a result!

I looked around for a suitable course, both in Kuwait and London, and I found a polarised choice.  It was either the very basic training, which one can get from a good book, or specialised training in disciplines such as Lighting, Product Photography, Sport Photography etc.  General courses are either aimed at a level for people who need to be told how to press a button (sometimes twice!), or are run by artists who encourage you to break the rules and work outside the norms.  It would help if they described these norms - but I honestly don't think they know them.

I finally decided the best way forward is to continue to 'play' but to do it in style.  I signed up for a Nikon course designed specifically for my camera.  They cover functionalities, capabilities, tricks, shortcuts and a general familiarisation with this weapon of mass distraction.

Today was day one of two.  The above cheerful boy cycled past Nikon's Head Office in Kingston when we were taking some practice shots outside.

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Graceful at Fifty

A couple of weeks ago, I bought what in my opinion is the queen of Nikon lenses. The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 is my first fixed lens  - which I always thought were for grown-ups - and I'm still getting used to it. I've been spoilt by the choice a zoom lens offers - with this lens I have to move a little more which is a great way to learn more about composition.  

Whilst I find myself bopping my head back and forth like a chicken, the results are best described as graceful.  For my non-photographer friends, a lens with these credentials, of a low f stop and Nikon quality, would cost thousands of dollars.  For some reason, this particular one - which not so different in quality especially for non-professionals - is probably the best value for money out there.  I love it and highly recommend it.

I took these shots this morning.  Click for the larger versions.

The Gardenia took a break last year and didn't flower at all.  There were a couple of attempts but they were pathetic.  This year, it made up for last year - and I think it's probably warning me the next year is another break!  The scent of these flowers is out of this world.  The plant, with and without flowers, always looks beautiful.

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Nikon Nikon Nikon

This was one of the first photographs taken on the first day with my then new Nikon D70s.  This was  in August 2006 and I think it's time for a new camera - one that allows me to appear like a better photographer.  Research is now over.  Final decision: Nikon D300.

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