Paris – As I See It

Paris, known as the City of Light, has long been a dream destination for street photographers. Its elegant boulevards, intimate cafés, and timeless architecture offer a canvas rich with emotion and history. 

During the latest workshop in Paris, I chose to work exclusively with a 50mm lens mounted on my Leica M9—a decision that proved to be both creatively liberating and deeply rewarding.

Of course, you can choose whatever focal lengths, lenses and camera brands you prefer if you want to join. More info here.

The Leica M9, with its full-frame sensor and classic rangefinder design, offers a tactile and deliberate shooting experience. Paired with a 50mm lens, it becomes an extension of the eye—discreet, intuitive, and precise. This combination encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach to street photography, where composition and timing take precedence over rapid-fire shooting.

The Latin Quarter: A Living Tapestry

One of the most evocative areas to explore is the Latin Quarter, nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine.

This is the area where next year’s Paris workshop takes place. Book now to be sure you get your spot. 

The Latin Quarter is known for its intellectual and artistic heritage; this neighbourhood pulses with life and history. Winding streets lead to hidden courtyards, ivy-covered facades, and centuries-old shops. The atmosphere is both scholarly and bohemian, with students from the Sorbonne mingling with artists, poets, and flâneurs.

Photographing in the Latin Quarter is a sensory experience. The scent of fresh bread from corner boulangeries, the sound of jazz drifting from open windows, and the golden light filtering through narrow alleys all contribute to a rich visual narrative. Here, the 50mm lens excels—capturing intimate street scenes without intrusion, preserving the authenticity of each moment.

Verse Toujours: A Café with Character

At 3 Avenue des Gobelins, you’ll find Verse Toujours, a charming café and restaurant that feels like a slice of old Paris. It’s a place where locals gather for morning espresso or late-night wine, and where the rhythm of the city slows down. The interior is warm and inviting, with vintage décor and soft lighting that begs to be photographed.

This is the starting point, where we meet and catch up, before we walk out in the streets. The coffee and croissant are almost obligatory, and can’t be missed.

This café became a focal point during the workshop—not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for the stories it holds. Patrons reading newspapers, waiters exchanging jokes, and the interplay of light and shadow across tabletops all offered moments of quiet drama. 

With the Leica M9 and 50mm lens, these scenes were captured with clarity and emotion, preserving the essence of Parisian life.

The Search for Light and Scenery

In Paris, light is everything. It filters through trees along the Seine, glows warmly on limestone façades, and casts long shadows in the early evening. With a 50mm lens, you’re constantly searching—not just for subjects, but for how light interacts with them. The goal is not to document but to evoke: to capture the feeling of a moment, the texture of a place.

Some of the most compelling scenes arise not from planning but from serendipity.

A quiet sidewalk, a sudden burst of laughter, a reflection in a puddle—these are the gifts Paris offers when you walk with your eyes wide open and your camera ready.