bon appétit: food photography | provence-alpes-côte d’azur, france

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.”

― Julia Child

Many of you know, and many of you don’t know, that food photography is a huge passion of mine. It’s not just the food itself, but the community and cultures that humans create around food. When that is tied to my passion for ethereal light, my love of a shallow depth-of-field, capturing moments, and my yearning to eat, experience, and share all the things, the only result is a glorious collision of light hitting film and sensors capturing light as colored pixels.

It’s around a kitchen table where some of my best memories were made, where I learned from my family, and was consistently asked, “What did you do for your country today?” by my father as he took a swig of his wine and a bite of his bread…or popped an olive into his mouth, because we never had a meal without a boat of olives. It’s around a kitchen table where I learned to make tamales at Christmas time while novelas played in the background, try everything at least 1 time, spend hours protesting carne guisada despite my love for it now, and actually stop to reflect on the day and its happenings from a very young age. I was blessed to know that the kitchen table was a place of solace, a place of camaraderie, and a safe place to talk to my family. The kitchen table is a place of sharing, and there is no better way to enjoy a meal than to share it with the people who make you tick.

While it has taken me some time to figure out where my life is headed in terms of a creative career, I’m confident that I now know where I want to be. I want to be in a place that I can share my adventures and the food that shapes them, and all the stories that come along with them. Food is more than nourishment, it is a gift from God, it is an art form, and it is a precious commodity that I am thankful for everyday. To the farmers, the chefs, the families, the non-profits, and the consumers: you’re the ones who feed the world and that’s a huge job…I’m here to document every part of that.

Our trip to Bonnieux and the South of France was an opportunity to really delve into more personal work. How could you not with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and all the French cooking? The best food starts with the freshest ingredients, and I’m sure Julia Child and any other chef would agree with me. I believe the best food photography starts with the freshest ingredients and the purest of light. Below are a sample of photos I made that document my trip through my food, some staged, some at markets, some at home, and some at restaurants. I’m thankful that I have a family who understands that all food must be photographed before it is eaten, who knows that me going to the markets is like my brother walking into a music shop, and also who just lets me be me at the kitchen table when I whip out some sort of camera to remember something special from that meal. Here’s to the next adventure, a load of supporters, a solid quote from Mrs. Child herself, and a fury of passion..finally.

After gawking over (and naturally, photographing) all the fresh fruits and veggies from the garden at the house where we stayed, we made our way out to Goult which had the most adorable grocery store…smaller than my apartment but still fresher than anything around here. I love how the French, and anywhere in Europe really, opposes the use of preservatives. The food tastes much fresher and I can tell you the body appreciates the organic and local nature of these foods.

We spent a few nights cooking at home, which allowed for all the photos of all the pretty parts of food including family. Everything so fresh. Everything so natural. And everything just delicious.

Those fries, though.

These next few photos are from out and about. Food trucks, restaurants, markets, and patisseries. Just lovely, every bit of it.

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And of course, if you’ve been following along, you have seen that kitchen window. That kitchen window let in the most glorious of light onto a beautiful kitchen farm table. When we arrived, we were gifted with three giant heirloom tomatoes just waiting for a photo shoot before becoming a caprese salad.

For my last food shoot in Bonnieux, I greeted that kitchen table with some pretty macarons from Aix-en-Provence. I mean…when in France, right? I do think, however, I had as much fun shooting them as I did crushing them and then subsequently eating them.

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Thank you for traveling along with me! Again, if you’d like to see how we chronicled our trip in instagram posts, search our hashtag, #bonnieuxmonsieur. I’ll leave you with this fiery quote from someone who never let anything or anyone stop her:

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
― Julia Child

bonnieux, les agnels distillerie de lavande | provence-alpes-côte d’azur, france

Oh, Bonnieux, how I miss you so (rhymes with monsieur, if you’re curious how to pronounce it)! Nestled and perched high on the side of a mountain in the Luberon region lies Bonnieux, another Roman-Gothic tiny village that has vibrant life, steep streets (very very steep, which is still an understatement), and a spectacular view onto the land of les paysans (farmers). This little town, home to Les Chapelins (a small neighborhood surrounded by vineyards that climbs the mountainside where we stayed), unlike any other is bustling with life, beyond welcoming, home to delicious restaurants, and had the most casual lifestyle. While we didn’t make it to the bread museum (shucks…just more carbs for next time!), we did make it to the18th-century chapel at the bottom of the village, the market, found a lively little grocery store, and grabbed our daily croissants and baguettes from the local paâtiserie and salon de thé. We antiqued with some locals and met a lovely artist couple, Carole Sebton and Laurent Vauxion, who own Sous les toiles de Provence Atelier-Galerie who make some of the most unique impressionistic and mixed media work I’ve ever seen in person. We stayed in an old Provencal home that had been modernized, but still kept its old world charm in way of its stone sink, worn stairs, thick stone walls, and its lack of windows facing the street (cool fact: the French were taxed for the number of windows on a home that faced the street…so they wouldn’t put windows on the side of that house!).

This house was our sanctuary to everything that weighed heavy on our shoulders at home. It was one of the best escapes I can remember and easily one of the most photogenic, too! It was so photogenic, we could not pass up a 30th anniversary and family portrait shoot for Jerry’s parents. With a view fromBonnieux, across the valley all the way toLacoste, one could sit for hours gazing off past the horizon. When I wasn’t daydreaming my life away, I was playing badminton with Jerry and Tess, dipping my toes in the pool while glued to my newKinfolk and sipping sparkling lavender lemonade, I spent my mornings noshing on pastries, butter, and honey, and drinking endless amounts of espresso while sitting in the kitchen window. Tess and I also had a lovely time photographing (and eating) ALL THE FOOD (wait for the next post!), enjoying our time together with family, and occasionally dodging a scorpion. I even raced snails (escargot on the go!) and admired the beauty of spiders and their webs, rather than screaming and running away. This house had so much natural beauty and history with it’s towering trees, terraced garden full of lavender, pears, figs, blackberries, olive trees, and all the pretty flowers that overlooked the vineyards of Les Chapelins. And all the history is tied up with the key to this home… it’s so big, you could never lose it!

Go! Go! Go! Escargot!

OMG PASTRIES + ESPRESSO!

I spent probably 30 minutes in awe of this florist as she whipped up the most beautiful bouquets in merely seconds. If there was an olympic racing event for creating stunning fresh-flower bouquets, I’m certain she’d win.

On one of our slugfest days (days where you do nothing but slug around), we went out to Les Agnels Distillerie de Lavande to see how lavender was farmed, harvested, distilled, and turned into the finest essential oil. We learned about the health benefits of lavender, too. I’ll give you a quick description…it heals everything with 1 drop. We even finished up by watching lavender get stuffed by a tractor tire into the still while sipping on lavender water (not to my taste, hence why I took photos instead). This was a very interesting and informational visit. I had no idea there were three different species of lavender that grew at three different altitudes: traditional lavender (high altitudes), spike lavender (low altitudes), and lavandin, a hybrid of the first two where they meet in a middle altitude. Most of what we use in oils, perfumes, lotions, and other aromatherapy forms are lavandin, rather than lavender, because it is easier to genetically reproduce. They all have their own different medicinal qualities too, but it seemed that lavande officianale, true lavender, had the best and most healing qualities. It also yields some of the BEST honey I’ve ever had, besides of course, the local honey from Eastern NC.

Thanks for stopping by–I hope you enjoyed our photos from Bonnieux of our epic slugfest (massive key below)!

Some really not-so-awesome-but-can’t-live-without-them instax shots of our tablescape and view from the kitchen window.

And again, our trip was, of course, chronicled in instagram posts. Below are some from this part of our trip. To see them all, and unfortunately see the nsfw spam that made it’s way into our beautiful hashtag, search #bonnieuxmonsieur.

Up next, FOOD. ALL THE FOOD. Please eat before you view! 🙂

lacoste, l’isle sur la sorgue, aix-en-provence | provence-alpes-côte d’azur, france

I think it’s ok to say that good people come to you in the most unexpected places. That would be how I’d sum up a good chunk of our trip to Provence. You might be in a pretty place with breathtaking views and decadent food, but without family and friends, both new and old, your experience will never be as rich as it could be. I don’t mind talking to strangers, in fact, I always make it a point to befriend someone especially if they are going to be in front of my camera. If I learned anything with my photojournalism schooling, it’s that if you don’t speak up you’ll never get the shot you want, because rapport is such a wonderful thing. I’ve met a lot of lovely people in the past six-ish years who have let me be a part of their story somehow. I’m thankful for the friendships and the photographs they’ve given me, and the contact that still remains. People and their stories open your eyes to a world that you may have never known existed; and it’s with these people and their stories, that your life becomes much richer than it ever was before.

This part of our trip, we traveled to Lacoste, Aix-en-Provence, and L’isle Sur la Sorgue. Each town and city is unique, but united in their laid back, southern-esque lifestyle. We started in Lacoste, another perched village across the valley from Bonnieux. In the village’s recent history, it’s known for its artistic community and is home to a Savannah College of Art and Design campus. Marquis de Sade’s crumbling castle at the top of the town is now an art museum which was started by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin. At night, the castle is brightly lit and is easily seen from across the valley. We jaunted over to this village unknowingly aware of how rich it was in the arts and how steep the roads were. We climbed from the bottom to the top on a sunny late morning in ill-fitting sandals and somehow managed to avoid slipping on the narrow and winding cobblestone streets. We also avoided getting sunburned from the limestone’s reflections of the blistering sun. The entire walk, or hike, was met with beautiful art and sculptural aspects of this tiny village. Once at the top, we stood with our mouths open at the view and the art that surrounded us. Once we were back in the town center, we were surrounded with the locals setting up for the Festival Lacoste. We peeked our head into a humble church, St. Trophime, and breathed in all its simplistic beauty. We stepped out only to find a sparkly little shop that caught our eye. Here we met Ruth, who was running a small pop-up shop selling her jewelry. We managed to walk in on the last day within its last hour. It was fate, as some might call it. Ruth was very sweet and allowed me to photograph her shop and make conversation. We talked about our love of treats, pretty jewelry and textiles, and some of the best brocantes in the region. We’ve kept in touch sharing images and our love for good photography. Her blog, Rubanensque, is a beautiful menagerie of her French lifestyle and a creative outlet of her work, family, and inspirations. My two recent favorite posts are about truffle hunting and a surprise winter snow. Ruth’s presence, hospitality, friendly persona and recommendation of the best crème brûlée made Lacoste that much more dear to my heart. I can’t wait to return this summer for a visit!

Whoa, y’all, Jerry actually posed for picture without arguing and enjoyed it.

How’d you like to be that cat with that view? Just a little jealous.

Aix-en-Provence, or the Paris of Provence, as some locals call it, always leads to a day of shopping and exploring. Last time, we came upon a quaint little dog shop and searched up and down the streets for the shop again to no avail. We did however, fall back upon the beautiful Cathédrale St. Saveur, which was built upon a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo, and houses a stunning green and gold organ (however, we missed organ practice this time). This cathedral will always take my breath away with it’s soaring ceilings, exquisite frescos and stained glass, and it’s mash-up of Roman, medieval and neo-gothic decorations and architecture. St. Saveur has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, which accounts for its unique qualities. After cooling of in the sanctuary, we made our way to a macaron shop for some sweet cookies for a soon-to-be featured food shoot.

While staying in Bonnieux, we made a few trips to the old textile town of L’isle Sur la Sorgue, which is now home to some of the best French antique markets, or brocantes, second only to Paris. Some call this the French Venice, but I do enjoy this town better than Venice itself. There are canals of crystal clear emerald green water, brocantes, and hidden gems all over. The algae-laden watermills speckled throughout the chilly canals used to power the silk and paper factories that put this town on the map. Antiquing and tourism are its current industries, the first of which we spent days supporting. After walking around in the Provencal heat, we’d end the day by dipping our toes in the chilly Sorgue River with a gelato in hand. Tucked behind gardens and gates off the main road were shops, galleries, and warehouses of antiques. La Boutique de Francine, was a favorite as it housed hoards of antique linens, silks, and clothing. These brocantes are open only during the weekend and Mondays, with the street flea on Sunday mornings. Each one had its own personality and flare, our favorite of which was where we met Robbie and Nava.

This British couple transplanted themselves in L’Isle Sur la Sorgue because of the antique industry and the calmer way-of-life compared to London. After interrupting their lunch, we bought some prints and a surprise present for Jerry, cracked a few jokes and realized that they were some pretty awesome people. They were an integral part of Mrs. Donna’s antiquing expedition and helped her find an antique stone sink, in addition to letting us know which dealers were solid and which were crooks. We checked out some real estate with Robbie and Nava, then walked around the canals, visited the overly gaudy, but still mind-blowing, Baroque cathedral, Notre-Dame-des-Agnes, and ended our day with Pastis, an anise-flavored apertíf, and sparkling lemonade. I of course, got lost taking photos of a colorful street across from the cathedral with such lovely vintage typography. We arrived the next day to continue our quest for antique tables and sinks, and then grabbed a lunch at Restaurant Le Carre D’Herbes with the lovely couple before we left town. It was one of the tastiest lunches of traditional Provencal fare served with a to-die-for Côte du Rhone. It’s hiding inside one of the galleries surrounded by vines and greenery. We then parted ways as our new friends went to go move their gallery to a new site, called Rives de Bechard. You should go visit at the very least to meet these lovely friends of ours. Just like Ruth, we’ve kept in touch with Robbie and Nava since we’ve left and hope to meet again this summer.

Hundreds of lovely little ducks speckled the canals.

Quirky entrances graced most of the shops and brocantes throughout the town.

And of course, a daily gelato stop and toe-dip.

One of the coolest things were the gentlemen who boated their way along the canal. Unlike Venice, all the bridges were very low, so they definitely had to limbo their way through.

Fig trees graced the edges of the canal as we made our way down to Francines. Some shots of the linen shop are below.

The colors and patterns that surrounded L’Isle Sur la Sorgue got my heart good. I would cage all my windows if cages looked like this.

Robbie and Nava were so full of life and hospitable. After interrupting their lunch, she could only offer fresh apricots to us while Robbie cracked jokes about us crazy ambitious antiquing Americans. I love these portraits as they really capture their dynamic and caring personalities. Below are some shots of the trip to the stone mason’s gallery, and his dog, who searched for toy rocks in the sinks.

Look at the size of that office chair. Whoa.

Vintage french typography. Be still, my heart.

And Jerry’s new favorite photos of us.

Don’t fix it if it’s not baroque! Also, don’t let people see you taking photos!

Some really not-so-awesome-but-can’t-live-without-them instax shots.

And again, our trip was, of course, chronicled in instagram posts. Below are some from this part of our trip. To see them all, and unfortunately see the nsfw spam that made it’s way into our beautiful hashtag, search #bonnieuxmonsieur.

Bonniuex & a lavender distillery are up next! À bientôt!

goult + gordes | provence-alpes-côte d’azur, france

Finally, after months of working, being caught up in life, and editing my heart out, I bring you the first installment of our summer trip to Provence. I have been dying (quite literally, Jerry might think) to publish these photos for your pleasure and to start working them into my own portfolio (more on that in a future blog post if it doesn’t kill me first). For the last few years, I’ve been blessed to travel with my husband’s family abroad for a few weeks every summer. Two and a half years ago, they fell in love with Provence (but really, how could you not?) and decided to travel back this year to explore the Luberon region, a bit further East than our last trip. This region is full of rolling mountains, lavender, golden-stoned architecture, and spectacular views through a crystal-clear sky. So clear that you can see the village from one mountaintop all the way across the valley to another mountaintop. We stayed in the lively village of Bonnieux and mainly focused on exploring smaller villages, making friends with locals, and just enjoying life…and food. Always food…and Côtes du Rhône wine. These small communities are full of artisans and antique dealers which made for delightful conversations throughout markets and brocantes. I now understand why artists love this region so much; the sky and light are so pure and the culture so warm, refreshing, and hospitable. It makes sense why Vincent Van Gogh explored this region of Provence in search of the purest of light resulting in his Starry Night. I could spend hours dazing out across the valley watching life happen below and clouds wisp around above me or days noshing on pain au chocolat while drinking an espresso at the patisserie and salon de thé while locals come in for their daily baguettes.

In this first post, I will show you some explorations in Goult and Gordes, two small villages with stunning sites, astounding food, and such a humble unspoken beauty about them. Goult is a very quiet, and arguably one of the least-known towns in the Luberon region. It is a romanesque town with a quaint square, a few shops, and a few cafés for drinking an dining. We didn’t venture all the way up to the top to see the town’s well-known windmill, however, we found the most peculiar, out of Alice in Wonderland cemetery. One of the prettiest cemeteries I’ve ever seen and we have a knack for finding beautiful ones (check out this one in Ireland, and this one, this one in Texas). After exploring the shrines and altars of deceased loved ones, we stopped at La Carillon, a restaurant for a delicious du Jour lunch of brandade de cabillaud en tartlette, vinaigrette aux fleurs de jasmin séchées, et mousse line de brocoli de parmesan…basically a delicious and highly photogenic fish and potato tart with creamed broccoli. This was then followed by a tartelette crème citron et mangue fraîche, râpé de citron combava…or a really delectable and tangy citrus cream and mango tart with syrup and lime zest. Oh, I’m drooling just remembering this meal. You can see a preview of these below in my instagram compilation.

When we landed in Marseille at the beginning of our trip, it was lavender harvesting season (literally, the day the French start harvesting this stunning, and scorpion-friendly flower). We quickly set off to find a field after we got some food in our hungry traveling tummies. Alas, we couldn’t find many accessible fields, but we did make our way to Gordes to see the lavender at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. We greeted Gordes with howling winds, known as Le Mistral, and survived taking a poorly focused selfie. These winds and bad selfies, however, did not stop us from exploring the food at the market and the local chapel, St. Eloi, which was a nice sanctuary from Le Mistral.

The next day, I begged Jerry to wake up before dawn and go with me to the Abbaye, which is just outside Gordes in the Vacluse region, down a series of very steep and tightly wound roads (that are so thin and windy you might plummet to your death if you drive like I do). I couldn’t resist the morning light that graced the sacred Cistercian abbey and illuminated its lavender fields. The monks who live here farm lavender and raise honeybees as their source of income. While we stood in awe, I came across a lovely Spanish woman who was filming a self-portrait and a painter who also, loved the morning light. It was so quiet and peaceful, until of course, my shutter would click, and virtually echo off the walls of this tranquil hidden ravine. Later that evening, I returned with all of Jerry’s family…proof of this in the goofy, and probably looked-down upon group selfie below. I couldn’t resist getting some snaps of Mrs. Donna as she was overjoyed with the sight these rolling hills of lavender. We managed to escape the blooms free of scorpion stings or snakebites, however, we did meet a very friendly fox (François, if you fancy his name) who just wanted a piece of baguette and to wish us a safe trip back to Bonnieux.

Our trip was, of course, chronicled in instagram posts. Below are some from this first leg of our trip. To see them all, and unfortunately see the nsfw spam that made it’s way into our beautiful hashtag, search #bonnieuxmonsieur.

Stay tuned for my next post on Lacoste and L’Isle Sur La Sorgue! À bientôt!

family portraits | bonnieux, provence-aples-côtes d’azur, france

allen_france_portraits-1

This summer marks the 30th anniversary of Jerry’s parents. These two have been through so much together, that I don’t even know where to start. But besides that, Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Donna have loved each other through every bit of their journey as husband and wife. While getting excited about all that awaited us in France this summer, Mrs. Donna asked if I would take portraits of them, since some of the most recent portraits of them are from their wedding day. So in went the tripod and all the photo gear to prep for a beautiful Provençal sunrise photo shoot of my in-laws and then some of the family together (gotta love a tripod and built-in intervalometer!). I even shot a little bit of film, although, I will admit I do need some more practice with that new-fangled color stuff! It was an experience photographing family in a way I photograph clients, as most family shots are truly just on the fly documentary-style and not posed portraiture. However, these shots are something to cherish. Not only do they serve as a reminder of love and of the beauty that this Earth surrounds us with, but they are also a new family heirloom that can be hung in a special place for future generations to see. It was an honor to photograph this love and an honor to be part of this family, so thank you for letting my camera win the race to be in your face before your daily croissant and espresso, and letting “Screech Owl” make an appearance to make someone wake up, haha!

rubanesque pop-up shop | lacoste, provence-alpes-côte d’azur, france

Have you ever just walked into a shop and stopped in awe because eclectic beauty was dripping from everywhere you looked? That was my reaction walking into the Rubanesque Pop-Up Shop in July in Lacoste. Lacoste, a small artsy village in the Luberon region of Southeastern France, is home to Ruth Ribeaucourt, creative mastermind behind her “artisan antique French silk Jacquard ribbon jewelry.” Ruth started making jewelry when she moved to France from Ireland. Her family, the Faure family of St. Etienne, had an acclaimed silk factory, Les Freres Faure (now Julien Faure) in the 1800s and 1900s, which became the inspiration for her jewelry after she got a plethora of 120-year-old (and older!) antique silk ribbons from her husband’s family as an engagement gift. Full of antique and vintage motifs, Ruth uses these ornate fabric echantillons, passementerie trims, and ribbons in her jewelry to create one-of-a-kind, glamorous standout pieces. Decorated in rich gold thread and stitching, Swarovski crystals and luxurious vintage and antique beads, her eye-catching jewelry has been featured in Design Sponge, Cosmopolitan, and her silk fabrics and ribbons sought after by Vogue editors and designers.

Ruth welcomed us wholeheartedly into her shop and elaborated on the history behind her miniature masterpieces. Her pop-up shop, while temporary, was an inviting space filled with color, sparkle, beautiful antique photo displays, and her hospitable nature. Please visit her Etsy shop to buy your lovely and unique piece of jewelry or look for her sparkles in Anthropologie later this year! Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph and feature your unbelievable creativity, Ruth! It was truly a pleasure meeting you!

the dissection of my carry-on

Oh, the turmoil of packing the perfect carry-on. Packing gets me all in a tizzy. I loathe it so much, I procrastinate to the last minute doing things like work + laundry. Ask my husband at 1 a.m. as I contemplated every item I placed in my suitcase and carry-on as he tried to sleep. You don’t want it to be too heavy so you don’t have to burden your loving husband with carrying it around the airport, but you know it’ll be the end of the world if you don’t have your favorite trail mix…or chocolate…or camera…or chapstick…or enough airplane entertainment!

After many flights and road trips, I’d like to think I’ve become a pro at packing my carry on, from finding the perfect tote, to the perfect scarf to snuggle in, to the essentials you wouldn’t be caught without (face wipes, toothbrush, makeup), to my entertainment package (iPad, kinfolk magazine, iPhone, journal + pens) and of course, my babies (cameras + film). The perfect carry-on definitely makes for a more enjoyable flight.

What’s in your perfect carry-on bag?

Bon voyage! Bonjour, France!

My essentials are listed below (Not pictured: my camera bag which is full of a whole other world of tech goodies!):

1. Madewell Transport Tote

2. Nikon FM

3. Fuji Instax Mini

4. Mast Brothers Chocolate Brooklyn Blend

5. Kinfolk Magazine

6. Rifle Paper Co. Notebook

7. Anthopologie Tassel Palm Scarf

8. Say Yes to Tomatoes cleansing face wipes

9. Kodak Portra 400

10. Kodak TMax 400

11. Fuji Pro 400H

12. Fresh Market Cranstachio Mix

13. Pigma Micron Pens

14. Apple iPad

15. Apple iPhone + Headphones

france, a one-week love affair (pt. 3)

I’m so sad because this is the last film installment of Jerry & I’s journey through France (visit part 1 & part 2 and be on the lookout for some digital & instax blogs). Oh, how I love black & white film so much. These shots come from our rainy day walk throughout Paris & our view of Charles de Gaulle airport the night before we left. There is something magical about airports, the lights, the coming & going. Let’s just say…I can’t wait to go back.

Love this boy!

Oh, Laudree is heaven for any sweet lover. Best pastries we had the whole trip, and I ate every pastry in all of France.

Caramel with salted butter, Raspberry, Brazil Pure Origin Chocolate…heaven. Pure heaven.

Jerry dropped a piece of this on the sidewalk. He picked it back up & ate it because it was too good to go to the pigeons.

You know me, I’ve got to have my coffee…all day, everyday.

It was a blustery day at the Lourve.

Our instax travels!

Airplanes coming in to land.

Always after that European chocolate!

The digital & instant film part of “France, a one-week love affair” will continue! Keep an eye out for them!

france, a one-week love affair (pt. 2)

After spending a lovely few days in the South of France, Jerry and I caught a train and headed north back to Paris. We walked…everywhere. Next time, we will definitely learn how to work the public transportation. Advice for the future: just because you can see the Eiffel Tower does NOT mean it’s in walking distance. However, it’s extraordinarily pleasant to just stroll the neighborhoods, people watch, & eat a hot, fresh baguette along the way.

Jerry & I happened upon the Arc de Triomphe during a parade, so naturally, I had to recreate my Tia Lauri’s “spinning in the streets” photograph since all the streets were closed. This is the only time there were not a ton of small euro cars fighting their way around this massive traffic circle.

I loved all the biking throughout the city! I especially loved how everyone could bike, text, AND fight traffic!

I love this simple shot of the cream Alfa Romeo on the street corner! I wish this was a daily site here in the States–reminds me of the decades I wish I grew up in!

Beautiful Brasserie a few street blocks away from the Arc de Triomphe. Ate some escargot, soup, & drank some delicious french wine. Needless to say, I easily gained 15 pounds in France but it was so worth it!

I love the detail of the Eiffel Tower!

Looking up…and up, and up.

A weary walker stops for a sit on the Pont des Arts.

Jerry & I couldn’t find a lock to purchase, but the love letters were heartfelt & endless.

I loved this grassy park along the Seine, where bikers cycled by, dogs played fetch, & teenagers escaped their parents. Also, the Eiffel Tower at night is such a magical view, & honestly, no picture does it justice!

The last black & white film installment of “France, a one-week love affair” should be up in the next few days! Until then, au revior!

france, a one-week love affair (pt. 1)

Let me just tell you now, Jerry & I had quite the whirlwind of a summer. We graduated college, got married, traveled to Antigua for honeymoon part 1, & for part 2 of our honeymoon, ended up in France with his family! We are so blessed to have been able to travel so much and be able to enjoy family time (& macarons!) abroad.

I went into this adventure with a bag full of cameras…well, 2 bags full of cameras. I decided that with all my leftover film from my darkroom photography class, my new & fabulous Instax camera (thank you Allie Russell & Lauren McCay), my trusty iPhone, and my good ol’ Nikons (digital & film!), I was going to try to encompass Henri Cartier-Bresson as I traveled through his home country. While I am certainly NOT Henri (although I wish I was the photoninja that he clearly is), it was truly a sweet opportunity for me to release all my creativity in many different formats. So…7 rolls of t-max 400, 6 instax cartridges, thousands of iphone & digital images, and 7 months later, I finally have for you, France, a one-week love affair.

P.S. I love Jerry for trekking around with me & carrying my equipment 🙂

Part 1 starts out at Gare de Lyon in Paris as we are en route to Le Paradou (near the wine town, Le Baux) in Provence. While in Provence, we travelled to Aix-en-Provence, which is where this post ends.