The Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opera, was built between 1860 and 1875 and even to rough rural kiwis like me it's spectacular. But I think what appeals to me is not merely the sheer opulence, but that it's more than an historical monument — it's a place that still lives vibrantly through the performances that take place there and everything those performances entail.Something a little different from my usual photo subjects, eh?
[For the technically minded, or just interested: 1/4 s at f6.3]
All content © 2009 Pete McGregor
Oh my god!.. I can feel the history ooozing out of this picture, it makes me want to go and run my hands over the walls and down the bannister and sit and listen to the sounds.... Love the way the movement is blurred in this too :-)
ReplyDeleteIt took a moment for me to realize this was Paris because it reminds me, somehow, of some of your photos from India. You really know how to turn down the 'noise' in a composition!
ReplyDeleteLike Barbara, I wondered if it were some colonial raj corner. No, not like your usual, but still quite clearly yours. Amazingly warm and rich.
ReplyDeleteWatercats, thanks. I like the blur too: it adds life to an otherwise static composition.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I hadn't thought of the comparison with India, but yes, I saw similar complexity there, although generally in much worse condition.
Thanks Zhoen. Given the diversity of things I photograph, I'm surprised (and pleased) this seems like one of mine.