Last evening, thanks to Natasha and Sacha QS, I've been lucky enough to have been invited to a meeting with Yann Arthus Bertrand, one of the most worldwide famous photographers. If you know him, you also know he is also a true lover of mankind and nature. That is why he committed himself to a fantastic project called 6 billion others, which purpose is to discover what human beings from over the planet feel about happiness, love, money... and the meaning of life in general. It's fascinating. Please visit the website (there will be a new version early next year, that is why this little gathering was organized) and do pay a visit to the exhibition in Le Grand Palais too, if you're around in January... (I'll keep you posted!)
I like the view point of this photo!
ReplyDeleteWoW!! That's amazing you go to meet with such a famous photographer:)
Breath taking... When I clicked on his site that photo of all the Flamingos' took my breath away!!! I adore looking how different photographers view nature through their lens.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I got to meet with his whole team too and I rarely came across such nice people I must say.
ReplyDeletehmm I wonder where everyone is ?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to learn more about photography.
awe That's nice to know Eric.Well I must say while I was in Paris last summer. Every Parisian I met they were extremely friendly+helpful.Even though I don't speak it fluently,they were still kind enough to help me.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah -- Actually for my job I work at an art's studio.I love it so much!!
Eric - You move among the most fascinating people. I clicked on the website and could spend all afternoon looking at the videos of different people. Alas, I don't think the boss would approve. Thank you for the photo and link. I learn about so many different things from PDP.
ReplyDeleteMust have been a great evening, Eric.
ReplyDeleteSort of early Xmas gift for you, I guess!
Did you invite him on PDP? ;-)
I love his photography! I've had his site bookmarked for years, not only for the overhead views of patterns on the earth, but also for those marvelous portraits of people with their livestock.
ReplyDeleteHow very cool! I'm so glad for you, Eric! It is so fun to meet those we hold in high regard and to find out that they are really nice in person as well.
ReplyDelete(It would be disappointing to meet someone and then realize that they are a royal jerk!)
It sounds like you had a lovely time and you must lead a charmed life to meet so many interesting people!
Oh, Eric -- je t'envie! Bertrand's photos are so fantastic —and how great to hear that he's also a lovely person. Did he know that you were taking this photo of him, or were you being sneaky?
ReplyDeleteBefore commenting on the photo, what do you mean you RARELY come across such nice people??!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat about all your meeting with the nice, great people of the PDP community!!!! This year alone you met several of them many times!!!
Ok, back to the photo, you're really lucky to have the chance to meet people like this great photographer. And we're even luckier because we get to share these experiences with you and see all these people and happening through your eyes.
BTW Eric, next monday Sarkozy arrives in Rio for a 3 day visit. His coming with first lady Carla Bruni and among other things, he's going to inaugurate the year of France in Brasil.
ReplyDeleteIn 2009 there will be many events about France here all year round.
Is this fantastic or what???!!!!!
A whole year all about France right here!!!!
:-))
Merci Eric. I would LOVE to see this but alas will not be there then, but I will definitely visit the site again and again. Just amazing. Glad you got the opportunity to visit with these creative folks.
ReplyDeleteV
Cher Monica, do not judge Eric too harshly. We in the PDP community are, indeed, rare, n'est-ce pas? And even though we are rare, we always must say to Eric: "well done".
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a important event, mon ami. Savor it. Even though things can go low, there are such moments in life: rare moments.
What a wonderful opportunity! It's not every day one gets to meet a great photographer such as Eric Tenin. Monsieur Arthus-Bertrand must have been thrilled.
ReplyDeleteHow marvelous! I have long been a fan of his photography, even before becoming a fan of yours!
ReplyDeleteGreat project! One could spend quite a bit of time looking through that website, though ;)
ReplyDeleteMonica: Maybe Carla Bruni could bring you some macarons? Just write her and tell her you know Eric Tenin.
Cristy -- forgot to say: Congrats, GF! (Are you adding flamingos to the crown?
ReplyDeletePetrea -- Well said! You too, Monica.
Thanks Alexa --
ReplyDeleteTee Hee Yes lots of them:)
I think they are most unusual creature.But with the most beautiful colors.
"Meaning of life"?...Ya gotta love life or...well, you're probably eeks dead. I think it's fairly easy to find happiness in Paris-ville now that you have "Velib.":-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this Bertrand sounds like a peachy guy; we certainly need more lovers of mankind and nature. Cheers!
Wow what an opportunity, Eric! I bet you were daunted to take HIS photo though!
ReplyDeleteThe site is one I shall have to return to again and again - it's so interesting, though when you say photographer, I thought you meant stills and these are films. Perhaps there are stills there and I've not had time to discover them? I'd love to see them if so.
It's a great photo. Did he offer any advice as you were taking it? Did your hand shake? lol.
By the way the testimonies are fascinating I like the young man who talked about life after death and said that there are two possibilities, perhaps one is that there is a big nothing at the end of life and that was just too frightening. That's a big issue, he brought up. Do people believe in the afterlife only because they are scared not to?
ReplyDeleteThe other was a delightful young comedienne talking in Spanish describing her life. Interesting that she qualified herself in negatives. i.e. I am not married, I have no children, I don't have a normal job etc. I don't know what her humour is like, I shall have to listen again, but I found her pleasant to listen to despite the negatives used and she has beautiful eyes.
Oh ok I have found the stills on your link to his name. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe only criticism I have is that the websites are too slow. I am notoriously impatient and can't bear the waiting game. Why do people design websites like this, with intros, dot dot dots and page after page before getting to the info you want? Drives me insane.
I agree with Monica, what this "I rarely came across such nice people I must say." is all about?!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess that the meeting was quite impressive...I'm a little bit jealous.Hm.
That's a nice picture because you didn't really took a portrait but we can recognize him anyway. Il ne faut pas céder à la facilité,c'est bien. ;)
Did he know that you were shooting? Does he know about PDP?!
Petrea, LOL!
Eric, I suspect there is a hidden question in your photo. Are you a 'half full' person or a 'half empty' person?
ReplyDeletehe he Guille you made me laugh. I too picked up on Eric's disparaging remarks against people he meets! I am sure he doesn't mean you. With you, what's not to like? :)
ReplyDeleteHey Eric! Pssst! Whisper... I hear that art life models are on strike in Paris and have taken to the streets in their nakedness to protest to the state about their unfair pay!
ReplyDeleteYou have not photographed this for us! Mais pourquoi pas, sacre bleu!? Don't tell me you are shy? Ce n'est pas vrai...;) End of whisper...:)
Hola Eric, bon, c quoi mon cadeau ? qu'est ce que j'ai gagné ?? It was meeee who guessed right on FB !! Hahaha !
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is woderful. tu sais, j'allais te contacter à propos de cet événement/expo.
I am working with GoodPlanet as a part of Convesation Essentielles to put on 4 conferences during the month long expo and we need volunteers !! I think that we would be so lucky to have you !! En tout les cas, i will let you know more info in hopes you will be interested. but now, you have met YAB and I am sure he told you everything you need to know to be super motivated to join in the fun !! ahahaha !! Persoanally, the concept is amazing . and so touching and poignant...
Je t'embrasse et à bientôt, Elizabeth
Wow, it must have been fun to meet him. And I must say that the links provided are amazing, and examining them thoroughly would take days.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to meet this great photographer.
ReplyDelete> Cristy "I like the view point of this photo! " Actually, it was a real challenge because the whole gathering took place in the dining room of the WWF and the background was not exactly a dream scenery for a photographer!! On top of that I did not want to just publish another photo of YAB
ReplyDelete> rimabirdgir. "I clicked on the website and could spend all afternoon looking at the videos of different people." It's very addictive, isn't? And you should see the next site, it's even more addictive ;)
> Thib. "Did you invite him on PDP? ;-)" How to say... When you meet YAB, you don't really show off with the little photoblog of yours LOL! I must say, though, that towards the end, when everyone was eating and drinking (that might explain!) a nice lady, who's apparently been working with him for a long time, crossed the room especially to see me and said "Are you Eric?" -Er... yes... "I love your blog, you know" she said. Needless to say how proud this made me feel ;)
> USelaine "I love his photography!" Yes, he's really talented and he is also a true businessman too, which means he can afford to fulfill his dreams.
> Christie "(It would be disappointing to meet someone and then realize that they are a royal jerk!) " I agree, and it does happen more than we wished!
> Alexa "Did he know that you were taking this photo of him, or were you being sneaky?" he knew, he knew, although I don't think he expected this gathering would also turn into a photo shoot.
> Monica "you RARELY come across such nice people??!!!" Ooops. I meant people who do extraordinary things and who could take advantage of it to become real jerks.
Sarkozy goes to Brazil? I did not know that! Huh, lucky him. Some nice Brazilian hot weather before Christmas, I call it perfect timing ;) Will you meet him ?!
> Petrea "What a wonderful opportunity! It's not every day one gets to meet a great photographer such as Eric Tenin. Monsieur Arthus-Bertrand must have been thrilled." LOOOOOOOOOL! You cracked me up! Love your seasonal photo BTW...
> Coltrane ""Meaning of life"?...Ya gotta love life or...well, you're probably eeks dead." Is that your conception of the meaning of life?!
> Lynn "I bet you were daunted to take HIS photo though!" I WAS!
"It's a great photo. Did he offer any advice as you were taking it? Did your hand shake? lol." Not even - well actually the camera was on the table so...
> Lynn (II) "By the way the testimonies are fascinating" They are aren't they. It's a great idea, really.
"The only criticism I have is that the websites are too slow." The new one is supposed to be quicker.
> Guille "I agree with Monica, what this "I rarely came across such nice people I must say." is all about?!!" LOOOOOOOL that is jealousy talking ;) "Does he know about PDP?!" No !
> Drummond "Eric, I suspect there is a hidden question in your photo. Are you a 'half full' person or a 'half empty' person?" Well, interesting. I'd like to think there is [a hidden question], but it's just a coincidence; there was a half full glass on the table, period! And BTW, to answer your question, I am definitely a half full glass person, to the point that I'm often get criticized by my fellow Frenchmen for "always being so positive!"
> Lynn "I hear that art life models are on strike in Paris and have taken to the streets in their nakedness to protest to the state about their unfair pay!" Tell me about it... I read that and I'm so crossed I missed this photo occasion.
> Elizabeth. "Hola Eric, bon, c quoi mon cadeau ? qu'est ce que j'ai gagné ?? It was meeee who guessed right on FB !! Hahaha " I would really love to be a volunteer for Les Conversations Essentielles, but there is no way I can stick anything additional in my agenda. I barely find time to sleep...
What a fascinating project. I'm so glad you shared this with us. I'm moving to Paris in January and will be sure to make it to this exhibit.
ReplyDeleteSarah -- you're moving to Paris next month? Oh how I envy you!
ReplyDeleteMoving to Paris, Sarah? Ok, everybody, party at Sarah's place next time I'm in Paris!! (Oh, Sarah, by the way, what is your address...?)
ReplyDeleteGreat to read all those responses Eric. Shame you missed the photo but these things happen don't they. Anyway who would want to see dozens of shapely naked women walking through the streets of Paris? Whoa, boys, slow down!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I think you just asked for a whole lot of trouble telling us that!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you got to meet and spend time with someone you admire, Eric! I've met a couple of my heros, and made a big fool of of myself each time, stumbling over my words and telling them that I looooove them. You'll see what I mean when I meet you. ;)
LOL Suzy!
ReplyDeleteGosh that's a point, Suzy. I can't wait to meet Eric but goodness, shall I be lost for words? I might become all unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteEric
ReplyDeleteHe is a special man, doing some really special stuff.
We have several books of his work and they are amazing.
What a privilege for you.
Thanks for allowing us to share this moment with you.
Dearest Eric! I knew what you meant, I just wanted to tease you a bit!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes Sarkozy is on his way, and no he probably won't feel the warmth of the sun here. it just doesn't stop raining.
Me meeting him??!! Not a chance!!! If he was going to stay at the hotel there would be a small chance I could spot, but he is not staying there so...
Tomate I love your idea! How did I not think about it before?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to txt message Carla right now.
;-)
Jeff LOL I never judge Eric.
ReplyDeleteI adore everything he does!
Michael, I give up, you're much punnier than I am. (or should that be more puny, sorry, more punny?)
ReplyDeleteA very nice informational blog.Keep on making such important blog post.Your work is really being appreciated by some one.
ReplyDelete