Now I’m a girl who loves a hobby, however, I am great when it comes to starting new pastimes – full of enthusiasm and ideas – but sadly I lack the time to actually spend doing them.
One such hobby is photography. I’m embarrassed to say that since splurging on a swanky new camera a couple of years ago, I’m a little lazy when it comes to going out and about camera in hand, and I rarely have it on a setting other than ‘auto’ (Oh the shame). So, I’ve been looking to learn a few more tips and tricks to improve my skills, as well as my focus in general.
Although I go Paris each season to snap the fashionistas at Fashion Week – where the subject matter does all the hard work for you, simply by being beautifully dressed – it’s a slightly different matter when faced with an average autumn weekend, and somewhat unpredictable weather – which is exactly what I got when I signed up for a 2-day street photography course in Paris with a creative holiday company called Frui.
Just thinking about Paris conjures all kinds of romantic images – Chic, well dressed women, lovers canoodling on the banks of the Seine, ladies lunching at street side cafes… I could go on. So, where better to head for a street photography course than the City of Love itself.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the course, and admit that I was dreading being bogged down with techno talk, and feeling out of my depth in shutter speed speak. (Memories of A-level photography creeping back) But I shouldn’t have worried. After hopping on the Eurostar and meeting my group of likeminded happy snappies (just 10 of us), I realised my fears were unfounded.
The tutors at Frui are all professionals in their field – be it Portrait, Street or Travel photography. The focus is on having fun and just getting out and about, looking around, and taking as many photos as possible, rather than over thinking things and getting lost in the theory. Briefs were set, and some notes on famous street photographers – such as Henri Cartier Bresson, Brassai and Doisneau, were dished out for inspiration, but nothing too daunting. The tutor, Filip was on hand to offer expert advice, bags of encouragement and boundless enthusiasm… no matter how bad some of my efforts were. Added to that, he was in the know when it came to cafes to re-fuel at during the day, and cool eateries for great French food (and fine wine) in the evenings. One such place that has made it into my little black book is Moustache a charming little Parisian restaurant just off the Boulevard Raspail, which serves delicious and inexpensive food – and is well worth a visit if you are ever in town.
So, back to the photography – here are some of the results from my people watching… judge for yourself!
And I couldn’t go to Paris and not take some snaps of the Eiffel Tower too…
Check out the Frui website – they have many more creative courses available, as well as one-off workshops. I couldn’t recommend it more – and shall be signing up for more.
Subscribe to the marieclaire.co.uk daily newsletter for the latest news headlines and red carpet photos, must-have fashion and beauty buys, plus competitions, special offers, horoscopes and much more.
Great Piece!!!
I love Paris, especially the fashion.