My experience.
In this article, I want to share with you my experience with street photography.
Recently, I visited two of the most beautiful cities in the world: Paris and London.
As titled: “Street Photography: Paris or London?”
Introduction.
I confess that London holds a special place in my heart and the city’s unique atmosphere has always fascinated me.
But I can’t ignore the timeless beauty of Paris.
The City of Light is renowned for its iconic landmarks and making it one of the most beautiful and famous cities in the world.
But if you were to ask me to choose between these two destinations, my answer would always be London.
Its energy, diversity, and cosmopolitan character make it a perfect place for street photography in my opinion.
Street photography in London and its neighborhoods.
During my last trip, I had the privilege of exploring London in the company of locals.
This opportunity proved invaluable as it allowed me to discover authentic places that often escape the common tourist.
What I saw wasn’t the typical London with its iconic landmarks, but a series of neighborhoods exuding the authentic London atmosphere.
Here are some that I recommend visiting for street photography:
Richmond: Located along the River Thames, Richmond offers a relaxed and picturesque atmosphere. With its spacious parks, including the renowned Richmond Park, and charming streets filled with cafes and independent shops, it’s an ideal place for street photography capturing London’s daily life away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Hackney: This East London neighborhood has become increasingly trendy in recent years but still retains its authentic and vibrant character. With its lively art scene, colorful murals, and bustling markets like the famous Broadway Market, Hackney offers endless opportunities for original and stimulating photographs.
Greenwich: Best known for the Greenwich Meridian and the Royal Observatory, Greenwich is a neighborhood rich in history and charm. Its cobbled streets, markets, and scenic parks offer a unique atmosphere that blends tradition and modernity, making it an ideal place to capture the magic of London through photography.
Deptford: Located along the River Thames, Deptford is a rapidly evolving neighborhood that still preserves its authenticity and bohemian spirit. With its street art murals, trendy cafes, and panoramic river views, it’s an intriguing place to explore and photograph.
Wapping: This neighborhood on the north bank of the River Thames is rich in maritime and industrial history. Its ancient cobbled streets, converted warehouses, and river views offer a unique and evocative atmosphere that is perfect for urban street photography.
My London street photography.
This trip dates back to two years ago, when the concept of street photography wasn’t yet clear to me.
You’ll indeed notice a clear difference compared to the images I captured in Paris, which reflect my understanding of street photography.
At that time, there wasn’t a meticulous search for light or suitable locations; I was shooting more or less randomly.
Now, while I’m not an expert, I’ve drawn inspiration from the great masters of street photography (I discuss them in my article on inspiration, available qui), and I’ve begun to develop my own unique style.
Another thing that distinguishes this fantastic city is music.
Music is a huge passion of mine, and I’m actually thinking about an article on how it can influence the interpretation of an image.
This is because I consider it an art form on par with photography.
Street photography in Paris and its neighborhoods.
Doing street photography in Paris was an incredible experience.
The city is full of life, culture, and history, making it a fantastic place to capture authentic and interesting moments for your photos.
Unfortunately, with the upcoming Olympics scheduled for July and August, the city is currently a construction site.
This means that numerous historical monuments are currently undergoing restoration, with scaffolding covering their facades and limiting their external visibility.
Some RER lines are also closed, making getting around very complicated.
During my stay, I also had to deal with adverse weather conditions, and the sky remained mostly cloudy for most of the time.
This resulted in flat light and was not very favorable for my style of street photography, which favors strong contrasts.
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to be accompanied by a local who could reveal a less touristy Paris to me, I still found inspiration in these neighborhoods:
Le Marais: With its historic buildings, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes, Le Marais is another popular neighborhood for street photography. This charming district is full of life and offers a unique blend of history and modernity.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its historic cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and cobblestone streets. It’s a great place to capture the bohemian and artistic atmosphere of Paris.
Canal Saint-Martin: This neighborhood along the Canal Saint-Martin has become increasingly popular among young Parisians. With its colorful graffiti, trendy cafes, and painted shutters, it offers a unique backdrop for street photography.
Quartiere latino (Latin Quarter): Located in the heart of Paris, the Latin Quarter is known for its lively student atmosphere, historic cafes, bookstores, and universities. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings offer an evocative atmosphere for street photography.
La Défense: The heart of La Défense is represented by the Grande Arche (Grand Arch), a monumental hollow cube-shaped structure designed by the Danish architect Johann Otto von Spreckelsen. This monument is aligned with the Arc de Triomphe and the Arc de la Défense, creating an impressive perspective along the historical axis of the city.
My street photography in Paris.
As I mentioned, it was days of flat light, so not suitable for my type of street photography.
There are many images, and I’ve only recently started developing them, so this section is still a work in progress.
The differences in summary.
Architecture and Urban Landscape:
London: It is characterized by a blend of historic and modern architecture. You’ll find iconic buildings like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge mixed with contemporary skyscrapers. London offers a diverse and dynamic urban landscape, with many bustling streets and distinctive neighborhoods.
Paris: It is famous for its elegant and historic architecture, with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Parisian neighborhoods are characterized by outdoor cafes and Haussmann-style buildings, creating a romantic and evocative atmosphere.
Street Life and Local Culture:
London: Street life in London is vibrant and multicultural. You’ll find a great diversity of people, cultures, and lifestyles on the city streets. London is known for its markets, public parks, and cultural events, which offer many exciting opportunities for street photography.
Paris: Street life in Paris is characterized by a more refined and romantic atmosphere. The streets are bustling with crowded cafes, traditional markets, and street artists. Paris is also famous for its cuisine, fashion, and art, which are reflected in the daily life of the city and its streets.
Atmosphere and Photographic Style:
London: The atmosphere in London can be more bustling and cosmopolitan, with a dynamic energy that is reflected in the photos. Street photography in London often captures the cultural diversity of the city and its vibrant urban life.
Paris: Paris has a more romantic and intimate atmosphere, which is reflected in its streets and picturesque corners. Street photography in Paris tends to emphasize the elegance and charm of the city, with a particular focus on architectural details and the daily life of Parisians.
Conclusions.
While London offers a more cosmopolitan and dynamic experience, Paris enchants with its romantic beauty and classic charm.
Both cities are rich in interesting opportunities for street photography, but each has its own unique and unmistakable style.
A question for you.
If you were to dedicate a week to street photography in either London or Paris, which city would you choose and why?
Well, we’ve reached the end of the article, which I hope will help you choose the right location for your street photography.
Finally, I want to remind you to subscribe to my blog qui to receive all my reflections on the fantastic world of photography.
A hug.
Leonardo