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Behind the Shot | Paris

5.17.2015
Paris Marathon

One Sunday morning in April, I ran into the Paris International Marathon and saw this line of firemen across Rue de Rivoli, cheering on the runners as they passed. I caught the tail end of the race, and it was touching to see how the firemen looked on and clapped for everyone, even the slowest lone runner... I'm a sucker for public displays of support and solidarity.

And on the opposite side of the street, at the entrance of the Louvre, the attention of observers was focused toward the grand sculptures inside the museum,... or was it toward the mini screens in their hands. It's a scene so very common these days, and it reminded me of a quote from Susan Sontag, "Today everything exists to end in a photograph." True?

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16 comments

  1. As you know, Catherine I am in love with the concept of photography as story. However, I don't think all experience requires or lends itself to photography. Sometimes, the heart and mind need a private look and a deeper understanding than a photo provides. I love these philosophical questions for which there is no right answer! The photos you share create different interpretations and unique stories for each of us. They always encourage me to look more closely and enter the experience.

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  2. two great street shots. Amazing isn't these days how everyone seems to be buried in their mobile phone or whatever even when they are out in a restaurant with friends! I love the quote - scarily true. Have a great week. I love visiting your pics from Paris. Thank you.

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  3. Marvellous street shots!

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  4. That first photo is brilliant and your quote is, well too true. Note to self - photo less enjoy more :)
    Wren x

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  5. That is a great shot of the fireman, you really captured a very special human moment there

    Mollyxxx

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  6. At first glance without reading your text you would think it was some kind of photoshoot or something. Very cool!

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  7. You definitely are always my ticket to Paris! Loved this post, the caption and the photography! I am also a sucker for solidarity and ¨humanity¨!

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  8. This is really very interesting- the images and the question...

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  9. Oh, yes! That quote rings very true! And each time I read your blog and see your wonderful photography, I get a little more excited about my upcoming visit. Wheeee!

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  10. That is a great picture of the firefighters cheering for everyone. I'm here from the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.

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  11. Hi Catherine!

    The picture of the firemen is unique: the energy, the light, the people all around, the sports achievement... It is just packed with emotions.

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  12. I love these images.

    Diana
    http://adifferentlenslens365.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/otago-harbour.html

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  13. It was nice to see the firefighters shot as Grenville (Pat) is a retired NJ firefighter and he always speaks of the "brotherhood." I think people are too into their mobile devices as evidenced by seeing so many engrossed in looking at their screens whenever we go out. Even entertaining their young children with them. The art of conversation may be dying.

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  14. What an interesting contrast. Hopefully, they are all interested in the race.

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  15. That is so beautiful! I, too, get all teary at solidarity and encouragement!

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  16. Thank you all so much for your observations and thoughts... xo

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