For as long as I've been traveling it has been a dream of mine to bicycle through vineyards in France. I could picture myself riding among vineyards and wildflowers with the sun on my face and wind in my hair... well, this year it happened. As if straight out of a dream, my best friend was with me and the day felt like it could last forever. How grateful we both are to have shared this and I want to share it with you, Read More
Embracing Flaws: Film Photography in France
I had traveled 7 countries and 8 US states having shot about a dozen rolls of 120 film with my Holga camera, a lightweight plastic film camera from the 1980s. The whole idea of film photography with a Holga is what some people call a "low-fidelity aesthetic" where flaws such as light leaks, blurry edges and other distortions are the norm. Well, if flaws are what you seek, then I have a doozy for you. When I got home Read More
Parisian Moments
Recently I had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Paris taking photographs that capture some of the timeless, iconic settings that make Parisian life so dreamy. For only a short period of time, a small collection of my Paris photographs will be available for purchase in the Etsy shop "Parisian Moments" (an online marketplace) owned by one of the top selling photographers on Etsy. Every piece of work is printed Read More
Ten Excellent Paris Tea Rooms
Tea. Pastries. Paris. Here is my collection of the best Paris tea rooms: Mariage Freres Parisian tea room first opened in 1854, having been France's oldest tea importer dating back to 1660. It's hard to miss with their dozen tea emporiums in Paris, four of which have tea rooms and 500 varieties of tea. The original tea room in the Marais has a calm atmosphere and colonial decor, where experts will help you choose Read More
Off the Beaten Path in Paris: The Grand Mosque
With Paris being today's most popular tourist destination in the world, you wouldn't think there are any 'hidden' gems to speak of. I however, may have found one courtesy of my culture-loving Parisian friends whom I visited recently. Do you know of Le Jardin des Plantes, the 69-acre botanical garden in the 5th arrondissement? Across the street from that garden is a little oasis where we spent an afternoon sipping mint tea and Read More
Magical Glass Domes of Paris, France
Paris will surprise you, even while letting you play out your fantasy of strolling through The City of Light or people-watching at Parisian cafés. For example, have you ever come across a place so beautiful that you wondered how on earth the locals pass by like it's just normal? These historic department stores in Paris are amazing hidden gems, and that's exactly how they made me feel. Few visitors know that beyond their Read More
The Unexpected Cognac, France
I left Bordeaux that morning and had a full day ahead of me with my teeny tiny SmartCar rental (the only automatic car they had, which by the way, was the most expensive thing on the entire trip). With no agenda in sight I hit the freeway and eventually saw a sign for the town of Cognac. I'm thinking, wait, Cognac? As in the drinking spirit Cognac? I parked at the flower-lined river and walked into the Tourism Office. How Read More
Another Peek – Travels with my Holga Camera
I've continued to scan negatives from my two years of traveling with my Holga Camera. This shot is from my favorite town in France, Collioure, which you most certainly will be seeing more of. Read More