Thursday, April 03, 2008

Sunset over Paris


Call me lucky because I am! That's what I witnessed yesterday on the way back from my office. Those who've been to Paris will have recognized the typical Art Nouveau lamp so characteristic of the Pont Alexandre III. This bridge was built between 1896 and 1900 and it was Tsar Alexander III of Russia who actually laid the foundation stone in October 1896. It was inaugurated, like many other structures nearby, in 1900 for the World’s Fair.

76 comments:

  1. Another amazing photo Eric! Love the clouds and the highly ornate section of the bridge. Awesome sunset photo!

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  2. How absolutely beautiful. You did wonders with the lighting again Eric.. the ways the fun is coming around the clouds and light the lamps is wonderful. This is worth all the time I spent refreshing instead of doing homework!

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  3. Holy Mackerel! This view is amazing. You're really lucky, probably the only one in Paris to see this kind of spectacle...But why?.. Your eye is perfect.

    Justine: hmm hmm, me too...And I have an exam tomorrow. I would rather study! ;)

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  4. Guille it absolutely cracks me up that you know the phrase holy mackerel! That's a perfect thing to say for so many of Eric's amazing photos. Good luck on your exam tomorrow!

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  5. Katie, I LOVE this expression (Holy Moley is not bad either)...I used it when I was with an Irish friend and he stared at me as if I was an old Scottish swearing! LOL.
    And thanks...crossed fingers.

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  6. Eric, once again you've come and gone and left me with an urgent (and strange) desire for a cigarette.

    I don't even smoke!

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  7. Suzy, usually non-smoker people want to smoke after having ...no, nothing!! LOL.

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  8. Very lovely. Not exactly lucky; you recognized the opportunity for a wonderful photo and acted upon it.

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  9. I mean, "after having eaten", OF COURSE. What did you think about? Pfff.

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  10. Guille, I only smoke when I'm lit on fire. Eric's photos light me up!!

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  11. One could still fail to be a good photographer when one's subject is Paris, but having Paris to photograph certainly helps. And being lucky helps, too.

    But what really helps is having talent, paying attention to your surroundings, and caring about the image. Look how the shape of the bush echoes the shape of the clouds, then the clouds echo the shape of the sunlight. Then the lamp, the man-made thing, balances the photo on the other side. It's a truly beautiful shot, Eric.

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  12. Wow how do you do it Eric. Send some of that luck over to me will you?

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  13. Tres belle photo!

    You know, you should really think about getting some prints made, even if only 8.5 by 11 or slightly bigger. I could totally see that one hang right next to my Spirit of Paris one because they're very similar in color.

    Beautiful shot of one of my favorite bridges!

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  14. You may have been lucky to see it, but the talent is in capturing the image at the right moment, which you absolutley did to perfection.

    As always, another stunner, very, very atmospheric.

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  15. Honestly, who could possibly resist the charm and romance of this spectacular fin de siècle bridge?

    Eric: What struck me most in your photograph - and what, I think, makes it so luminous - is how the ornately decorated glass of the lamps (which have not yet been lit), is set aflame by the sun's dying rays. Foreground and background, nature and art, the fleeting and the fixed, all come together in this elegant, transparent trinity.

    PS "Luck" is the convergence of a good opportunity and someone who knows how to make the most of it.

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  16. I will call you lucky: you are so LUCKY!!!

    I recognized the lamp right away. Very beautiful sky and light. I'm just not totally envy of you because yesterday I witnessed a blue and pink sky at dawn here in Copacabana beach...


    Guille bonne chance!!!! As for Suzy, I think she meant exactly what you had in mind. No, it was not food.

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  17. Another great photo! I am always inspired when I visit your blog!

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  18. Another Beautiful view of Paris. Thank you!

    Someday I will walk on that bridge! Hooray!

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  19. Yes and oh, although one couldn't tell in this photo, have you guys notice how 'orangey' the sunsets are in Paris as opposed to other countries?

    In Singapore, whenever the sun goes down, it's the hottest time of the day (ironically)! We are situated on the equator and so everyday between 5pm to 7pm, the thermometer shoots up another 3 degrees celsius...insane! I hate life here.

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  20. Eric is more than lucky. I think a lesser artist wouldn't have noticed the opportunity. Eric has the photographer's eye, he knows what to capture, and he has the skill to capture it.

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  21. Petrea: I agree, which is why I wrote "someone who knows how to make the most of it". It goes without saying that being able to make the most of a good opportunity requires the ability to recognise it in the first place.

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  22. Like I said Eric...You've been on a "roll"!!! Superbe!!! This is also a continuation of the "Romance is Paris" theme IMHO...Very beautiful!! Sigh....when does the next Air France flight depart??

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  23. Holy Mackerel! (works for me)...now that's a lamp! Nice, man! :-)

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  24. Stunning photo! And if you enlarge it, you can see the wonderful silhouette of the putti (or perhaps it's a cupid?)against the night clouds.
    I hope to walk over this bridge, too, someday!
    MZM

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  25. Magic spring sunset. It seems like if the sun wanted to irradiate all over, a bit shyly this day, but hopefully stronger and stronger for the next days. So nice symbol.

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  26. Yes, you are lucky. But often we make our own luck and part of that is too appreciate the small things and not to take our world for granted.
    Someone once said - In order to see beauty we must take it with us. How true.

    A lovely shot, Eric.

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  27. Oh Eric, as one of your oldest fans (not in age, but in PDP viewing time) I do so hope that all of this praise is not going to your head! We might have to all scream "Holey Cow" if "la vache" doesn´t bring you back down to earth.

    Of course, it´s all well deserved!

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  28. For Monica, yes, I´m in Barcelona now (in a crappy hotel. Before arriving I looked on the web to see what they had at the hotel. You know a hotel is bad when they list "wake-up calls" on the list of amenities! Any news from you Monica on when you´ll be able to offer us employee discounts in Rio?

    Ooh, that sounded bad!

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  29. Michael I'll let you know soon. Maybe than I'll finally make you come to Rio huh?!

    I'm laughing with your list of amenities!!! If the hotel is that bad I have only one advice for you: stay out as much as you can and enjoy the city!!!!!!!

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  30. *maybe then

    How long are you staying in Barcelona?

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  31. What times those must have been 1900 Worlds Fair era!

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  32. qwaudzkhi in the house!
    hehehehe...
    ERIC: weeee...nice photo! i like the lamp! and oh..are there people clinging onto that lamp?

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  33. Fabulous - and when enlarged - fabulous x 100!

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  34. Amazing photo, I love the way it captures the power of the sky.

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  35. Merci, le Pont Alexandre III est mon favori! Lors de mon dernier passage sur Paris j'ai trouvé un verre commémorant l'inauguration du pont et je n'ai pu résister.

    http://tinyurl.com/2mo6va

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  36. and again.. i cant stop looking at this pic!!! weeeeeee..

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  37. Proof again, like on 28 March, that Eric controls the sun. I shall now call him "Ra" (Egyptian god of the sun).

    Hail, Ra!

    31 days...

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  38. Just a stunning photo- how lucky you were to witness AND capture it to film!

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  39. Eric, That's part of my painting. I knew you were a dangerous man. Next time you come to my studio, I'm hiding all my work. You have a quick eye. I still love you though.

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  40. Lynn I sent you an email ok?!

    Jeff, only 31 days? You´re practically there!!!

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  41. Hooray!! My favorite pont in all of Paris! Beautiful silhouette of the little sea cherub holding his spear. For those of us lucky enough to have Eric's PDP 2008 calendar - this very same cherub can be seen in his full glory on this month's selected photo - well done Eric!! My photo on the right was also taken on this gorgeous bridge!

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  42. This is in answer to your comment/s of yesterday...

    Lynn -- observant? You're kidding right? I thought everybody knew that there is a Mrs. Eric. That's what I've been telling everyone. OH NO! BTW -- Lynn, you have a great sense of humor. I often repeat your jokes -- I always give you the credit though. I told my boyfriend, Alain de Lacrose, one of yours last night while at an Italian restaurant -- I didn't think he was going to laugh that much. He thinks you are very amusing.

    Anonyme -- PDP archives, I search them all the time. There's tons of information. Great source!

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  43. Dear, Dear Eric! There is something timeless about this elegant photo. :)

    I am reading "John Adams" by David McCullough (as I am deprived of HBO and will have to wait for the series to be released on DVD). Last night, I started reading the section when John Adams first arrives in Paris, with his son John Quincy. Benjamin Franklin is already there, widely admired and celebrated. The description of the city, the people, and the lifestyle is fascinating! Adams thought quite highly of the women (shared in a letter to Abigail, asking her not to be jealous).

    I ramble, but your photo has a quality that reminds me of the opening scene to a historical film....

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  44. Come on now people, enough with the speculations. Lynn you know, just like I know and many others, that Eric is divorced and has a girlfriend. He told us himself that. Maybe Lois doesn't know.
    Of course our dear Eric has a better half and like Guille said, it just doesn't concern us knowing who she is.

    However.... Eric did say yesterday that we're allowed to some harmless flirting! Good because I don't think we'd be able to quit anyway!

    ;-)

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  45. Loïs, I believe you : PDP archives are tons of clues and informations. If I had time to search into them, I would do it! But I have not, I am afraid :)
    I don't want my machine being thrown away (there could be a risk existing) ;)
    Harmless flirting, Monica, you're right!

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  46. Michael..A wake up call as an "Amenity"?? Too funny!!

    How do they wake you up?? Do they "CALL" you from downstairs by shouting.."Hey Michael, GET UP"!!! LOL!!

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  47. This is my favorite bridge! But I'm afraid a fact must be wrong. The timeline for that bridge is 1897-1900 but Alexander III died in 1894. It was his son Nicholas II and daughter in law Alexandra Feodorovna who laid the foundation in 1896. They had their infant daughter Olga with them on that visit.

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  48. J'adore votre blog et cette sensibilité qui vous permet de si belles photos!
    Vous me faites aimer mon Pays...
    Merci!

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  49. Thanks Monica. I was showing his PDP site to a colleague the other day, and she remarked how handsome Eric is, etc.

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  50. Anonyme, I use the PDP site for research. For instance when preparing for a trip to Paris. That is how I found the site. He has tons of cool places listed that are unique. He really loves Paris. It shows in his photos. That is all that I meant. I wouldn't suggest that you risk getting your computer thrown out.

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  51. Lois thanks so much! Wow i don't know what i said at the time, for you to repeat it, but i'm very glad you did. lol ! I keep telling my son i'm hilarious, but he simply smiles sadly at me. he he.

    I honestly don't recall having firm confirmation of Eric's status, no. Not that it's my business no i know, Guille (gosh she's sooo strict with us, that Guille. Is anyone else scared?) I kind of guessed a man like that would not be alone, but hey, until told... you know? Anyway Mrs. Eric, i wouldn't have flirted quite so shamelessly had i known. I would have left at least one kiss off. I can still flirt with Michael though i reckon. Unless there's a S.T.O.P P.R.E.S.S on that? Do tellllllllll.

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  52. Ok Loïs, you are right, this site is wonderful for many reasons, research, news, insolite sights, typical, lifestyle and so on.
    I was just teasing, in reference to your yesterday's quote from the 7 avril 2007 post. Nothing serious!...

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  53. Jeff, it looks like we'll be going to Paris at about the same time... I leave May 4th and can't wait!

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  54. hello from Virginia...tis it true, we can't kiss Eric anymore? or hug him? or gush over his brilliance? his talent? his many charms?

    Oh Guille and Lynn, do interpret what "is" appropriate here? ;) btw, where is our most adored?

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  55. Jennifer, where in VA are you from if you don't mind me asking?

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  56. He's busy with Mrs. Eric, Jennifer. We're not allowed in. Guille is the one who makes the rules as to what's appropriate here. I think we're permitted to say that he takes jolly good photos. Full stop. Yeah right, we're all going to leave it at that. lol!

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  57. I thought PHX made the rules. Or perhaps she makes the GF rules and Guille is the social captain? All that's fine with me (since of course you were all waiting for my input...)

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  58. In that case, Lynn, I guess I should say my goodbyes now! OH NO!

    *Don't worry. Eric can't get rid of that easily*

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  59. See Lynn, now that's funny, "We're not allowed in." And "jolly good photos." The one I told last night was "Ohhh Quaudzkhi... it happens to us all, that. You, me, Diana Princess of Wales..."

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  60. Justine, I'm in Blacksburg. :)

    Lynn, you are such fun! I'm not sure it is possible to turn back now? What to do? Please advise! ;)

    Thank you Petrea! You are the voice of reason and modesty, but do admit, Eric, I mean PDP, "is" sublime. :)

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  61. too tired cant wait so i am laassst
    still have to have a look at the water theme
    inge

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  62. Jennifer, I went to Virginia Tech for a year, and I love Blacksburg, except for the crazy weather... I'm in Danville now but will be moving to Reston next month. It's nice to see someone else from Virginia enjoying the wonderful sights of Paris.

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  63. Lynn "He's busy with Mrs. Eric, Jennifer. We're not allowed in. Guille is the one who makes the rules as to what's appropriate here. I think we're permitted to say that he takes jolly good photos. Full stop."

    LOOOOOOOOOOOL!

    Lois, don't make me blush please! (for the records I visited Lois in SF while I was there last June)

    I'm off to the Alps tomorrow (Friday) and still in the middle of packing. It's a nightmare!

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  64. Eric, packing is always a nightmare isn't it? I'm dreading what I'm going to have to do in a few weeks... I'll be packing for my trip to Paris as well as for a move. In fact I'll be moving some of my things on the same day as my flight, as I am flying from an airport that is much closer to my new apartment...

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  65. Oooh, Eric is so coy, isn't he?

    Jennifer, do I really sound like the voice of reason? Don't I gush enough? I'm sorry if I sound reasonable, I honestly don't mean to, the only reason I'm not #1 fan is because Rose claimed that spot and she's much too tough for me to fight her. I'm mad for PDP (I called my own blog PDP in homage!), and I think Eric is the best!

    Okay, as Lynn would say, full stop.

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  66. So Lois you have MET Eric? Woo-hoo. You are one of the chosen few. You have Monica for company. Who else.

    Jennifer i'm not sure. We'll have to ask Guille. I'd say definitely photo adoration is fine. Kisses, well perhaps. Fond messages - sharp intake of breath - should be ok. Stop short, though, of proposing marriage. A definite no-no.

    Phx can look up the Constitution and set us all right.

    Night Eric ;) lol! Whaaaaaaattt? I only said goodnight....

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  67. Yes, I met Eric. There was a PDP party here in SF; but I couldn't attend it as I was leaving for Montreal. So, Eric, being the angel that he is, dropped by my live/work studio space to say hi. I felt so special. And went on and on about it all day -- I think it vexed my boyfriend.

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  68. See, it's for gestures like this - Eric paying a special visit to Lois and showing the true gentleman that he is - that it is impossible for us to resist him!!!!

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  69. I'm learning so much about Paris from your photos and text. I'm actually beginning to feel Paris!

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  70. Lynn, LOOOOOL

    Girls, I'm the voice of reason and the guide of social and moral behaviors?
    If it was the case in my own life, I would agree to be the moral voice here, but it's not the case!!LOL.

    Phx is able to make all the rules, trust me! :)

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  71. ooooh do tell us more Guille. Anything you want to share? lol.

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  72. Lynn, I can't, I will be censored...

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  73. I love lamp posts! (a lamp post addict) This photo makes me wish that I could visit Paris one of these days and take a photo of all the city's lamp posts!

    I could die fulfilled after that :)

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