I took this photo last evening through the windows of Le Comptoir des Petits Champs, a very nice restaurant in the 1st arrondissement, where I was having dinner. The man was all dressed up like he'd just left the opera or something but I found out later that he was the porter of Le Grand Véfour, one of the finest restaurants in Paris. I don't why, but I love this scene.
Lines and shadows. I love the light, Eric.
ReplyDeleteDo you suppose the porter was checking out the competition?
I had the great fortune to lunch at Le Grand Vefour on my last visit to Paris. WOW. And I got to sit in Victor Hugo's place.
A well-groomed, well-dressed man always makes a nice scene!
ReplyDeleteI thought he was studying WWII posters about Japan.
ReplyDeleteWho is the little guy-- the "one man" on the poster-- our well-dressed porter is looking at? I think many identify with this photo because often we too find ourselves in these pondering poses (seeing double). Ahem! Then again, maybe I should just speak for myself.:-) BTW...happy belated B-day to PHX!
ReplyDeleteIt is an artistic and touching image. For some reason I find myself sending best wishes to the porter in the scene.
ReplyDeleteThis image has such interesting lines. I love that you'd created a story for the man and then had to revise your story when the facts came your way.
ReplyDeleteThis image has such interesting lines. I love that you'd created a story for the man and then had to revise your story when the facts came your way.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about Parisians is that they are also so well-groomed and immaculately dressed -- even the men!
ReplyDeleteTo the other commentators here: What's the dress sense of the people in your city/country?
I agree with Lydia that it's a touching scene.
ReplyDeleteI also can't help but notice the dramatic graphic elements all blending together to make it riveting: the lines and shadows scooter mentions, the tile shapes on the terrace, the wood panels, the stark lines in the poster, all echoed in the shapes his fingers make as he holds them behind his well-dressed back.
It's a joy to look at this one, Eric.
I can see why, this gentleman has such a dignified air about him and you have fit him perfectly into his environment with your composition and use of black and white.
ReplyDeleteNicely done Eric.
I love black and white!! This is just a gorgeous shot, Eric. And the porter of Le Grand Vefour! That's one of those "maybe, someday, if I hit the jackpot" dreams. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, with everyone, Eric (including you)—this shot is perfectly put together!
ReplyDeleteScooter, I also sat at Victor Hugo's table the first time I ate at Le Grand Véfour. And when I was lucky enough to dine there again, we had Napolean & Josephine's table! Even from the back, the porter looks so not surprisingly elegant. (And, btw, I used to work just off the rue des Petits Champs, in the Passage Choiseul—so merci bien for the voyage back in time.)
And we are admiring him! A well groomed man is always to be admired.
ReplyDeletePhotolicious: regarding the dress sense in my neck of the woods: I fear there is little sense or sensibility. A lot of a** on display and very little class. ;-)
The well-groomed do tend to garner attention and admiration. I like this photo of a man observed while he's observing the posters. Brilliant.
ReplyDelete-Kim
While I read you every day, Erica, and have done for years, I seldom comment -- de-lurking, though, to say I can see why you like this photo. It's wonderfully evocative, asking more questions than it answers, which I always find draws me in. I love the black and white here, the shadows, the hallway, all the geometries of the building with that one very restrained, contemplative human figure -- wonderful! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYikes! So sorry -- how did I miss that typo?! Eric, I meant, Eric! Not erica!
ReplyDeleteSuch an elegant gentleman!
ReplyDeletePhotolicious: Don't get me started. In the past year I have seen running shorts and a tee shirt at a funeral and sweatpants at a wedding.
Virginia: I just found your Paris photo blog. FANTASTIC!
Such a great time for black and white....in color you'd loose half the impact.
ReplyDeleteIn NY, I won't even tell you what passes as "appropriate" or even normal attire...it's a joke. The "I just rolled out of bed and threw on the fist thing I stepped on" look is only OK when stay in your own kitchen!
Sean
I'm glad you liked this photo for I do too!
ReplyDeleteI love this photo as well Eric. WEll done. You nailed this one. Timeless.
ReplyDeleteV
Black and white creates a vintage ambience like no other. Tag that with a stylish man in black and you've got a winning entry. My favourite photo so far Eric.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes, Therese
lovely photo, Eric. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda
hey i am starting a new photo blog in the us
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ReplyDelete