Photo-sensitivity

I love photographing streets scenes and people when I travel but am also very sensitive to cultural norms/taboos. Any tips on shooting in Paris? Merci!

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The only peculiarity that I%26#39;ve ever observed (beyond the normal courtesies and considerations that public photography requires) is that more than a few Paris shop owners are not especially thrilled by people taking candid photos of the inside of their establishments. So, it%26#39;s probably best to ask permission to take photos before you do to avoid embarrassing encounters.

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I%26#39;ve even been waved away somewhat angrily by a doorman when taking a photo of the OUTSIDE of one of the smart shops on the av. Montaigne. Security concerns, possibly...

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You can photograph at open markets if you ask and make compliments re. food display for example.

Most Parisians do not like to have their photo taken. Parents do not want photos taken of their kids either. Better use a tele lens and be discreet. Be prepared for rejection and/or hostile reactions!

Photos in stores are a no-no (I do not get it since the same stores have catalogs with photos in them). Probably copyrights or something. Photos of the store can be tricky too. Try photographing the windows at Cartier!

Some museums or public places do not allow photography either. There will be signs if that is the case. Respect them.

I always try to have some time of report with a person before I bring the photo sunject up. Smiles, compliments and... time work best.

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%26lt;%26lt;Most Parisians do not like to have their photo taken. Parents do not want photos taken of their kids either. Better use a tele lens and be discreet. Be prepared for rejection and/or hostile reactions!%26gt;%26gt; Better, yet, respect the wishes of the individuals.

Also, please keep in mind that this is the most visited city on the planet. The locals should not be stopped in the middle of buying their groceries at the market to improve your shot, nor should they be expected to get out of your way as you snap a monument.

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When in doubt, politely ask if you can use your camera and observe the same rules you would in Berkeley.

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I have seen at least three loud and bitter exchanges over photograpy at outdoor art markets. Twice at the market at metro Edgar Quinet (North Americans both times) and once at Monmartre (a German). In all three cases the photographers were asserting that they had a right to take pictures in public and the artists (and most of the witnesses, it seemed to me) had exactly the opposite opinion.

I would advise that when in an art market be especially aware of the sensibilities and preferences of the artists; ask clearly and be prepared for a %26quot;non.%26quot; If you are interested in an artists%26#39; style and want a reference, they often offer for sale small print or postcard or greeting card- sized pieces for a few euro.

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I have seen at least three loud and bitter exchanges over photograpy at outdoor art markets.

This is very frequent. I was talking about vegetable and such markets.

When it comes to %26quot;art%26quot;, rule seems to be: no photo unless you purchase something!

I have wonderful photos of a few artists in Montmartre... while they were drawing my friends%26#39; kids!.

Le moment decisif de Cartier Bresson is harder to capture today!

Better treat photography as a %26quot;shared moment%26quot; vs a %26quot;stolen moment%26quot; when it comes to people.

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I have been a professional photographer

for 37 years and just finished shoooting

each September for the last 5 years in

France for my upcoming book.

Photographing people, art and other sensitive

situations today is much more of an art than

ever before.

Asking permission and using a long telephoto

lens are essential. Be courteous, don%26#39;t

just invade someone elses space.

%26quot;aphotographerin paris%26quot; has some very sound

advice.

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As another avid photographer (I usually manage 70 shots a day) I have a word of advice:

Be very careful about photographing children - in the UK it is unlawful to take a photograph of a child unless you have the parent or guardian%26#39;s permission. Whilst they have not implemented a law like this in France, you should be aware that candid photography is actually illegal in France (the %26quot;kissing couple%26quot; ruling).

I think you had better stick to scenes with people as an addition rather that people per se.

Oh - and dont photograph any member of any of the French police forces without asking - its a sure path to awkward questions

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Bouchar (sp?) has a huge sign at the entrance to their stores that show a camera with a line thru it.

I did not see it. I was taking a photo of the beautiful fringed drape tie and bobbles when the security stopped me!

I was glad he did not take my roll of film!

Just ask and/or look for a sign as one enters the stores.