As a longtime street photographer, I am drawn to capturing people in their daily life, 'en plein air,' surrounded by a vibrant cityscape. Strongly influenced by my background in film studies, I explore the primacy of physical gesture, contrasts of scale or direction within the frame, and strong color—always thinking about the potential for narrative. For this ongoing series, “Paris Street Stories,” begun in 2010, I walk around all sections of Paris—including ethnically diverse ones—seeking out life "on the run." Since 2015, I have rented an apartment and spend two months a year in Paris, wandering neighborhoods with my camera, developing friendships, frequenting French conversation groups and a photography group, and closing each day of photographing with a glass of wine at a nearby “terrasse.” In that way, Paris Street Stories has become one of my essential projects. Any number of aspects of people and their surroundings might catch my eye: a fleeting emotion, a striking juxtaposition of a figure with a piece of urban art, a compositional configuration such as a “found triptych.” The possibilities are endless. I seize the opportunity, framing my subjects quickly and spontaneously—often without their awareness. Exhibition prints (14x20") are available for purchase (editions of 7); contact Ellen. In addition to this series of photographs,
Les Mystères de Paris / Paris Mysteries is a self-published photography book.
To preview or purchase a copy of the book, go to Les Mystères de Paris / Paris Mysteries, Second Edition.
