Tag Archives: night

Photographs: Europe, Photographs: France, Photographs: Night, Photographs: Travel, Photographs: Urban/Street

Ride the Tiger

Image Leave a comment
Ride the Tiger, a carousel in Paris at Night
“Ride the Tiger” — A woman taking a ride on a Paris carousel at night.

Last December we were out for a cold afternoon and evening walk in Paris, and on our way back towards our hotel we passed a carousel set up in a square near shops and other upscale amenities, apparently as part of holiday season events. I could not resist making a few photographs of the merry-go-round and its patrons.

Most of my night photographs are as sharply focused as the images I create in the daytime. But sometimes I like to take advantage of the low light levels and play with longer handheld exposures that incorporate motion blur. In cases like this one the blur better suggests the motion in the scene.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

Join the discussion — you are welcome to leave a comment or question. (Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

(All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.)

Photographs: Europe, Photographs: France, Photographs: Travel, Photographs: Urban/Street

Rainy Evening, Montpellier

Image Leave a comment
Rainy Evening, Montpellier, France
“Rainy Evening, Montpellier” — Shoppers walk along Rue de la Loge on a rainy winter evening in Montpellier, France.

It isn’t news to anyone who has spent some time in Europe, but cities there often have large shopping areas that are automobile-free, or nearly so. This is treat for Americans, who are used to being stuck on sidewalks as cars whiz by. In fact, I think it is one of the big things that attracts us to European cities. Here in Montpelier you can walk almost anywhere in this old central district without contending with auto traffic.

When American cities propose closing business districts to vehicle traffic — or even limiting it — businesses typically raise loud complaints that it will stifle business. But in every European city I have visited with vehicle-free areas like this, the streets are filled with shoppers. Here in Montpellier that was even true on a rainy weeknight!

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

Join the discussion — you are welcome to leave a comment or question. (Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

(All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.)

Photographs: Europe, Photographs: France, Photographs: Travel, Photographs: Urban/Street

Evening Rain, Montpellier

Image 2 Comments
Evening Rain, Montpellier
“Evening Rain, Montpellier” — A rainy, deserted street at night in Montpellier, France.

It was rainy during our evening exploration of the old section of Montpellier, France. We started from our hotel a short distance from the Place de la Comédia (main square) and headed up a busy main street full of pedestrians out shopping, eating and drinking, or just socializing. The light rain didn’t seem to slow anyone down. Eventually we explored some narrower side streets.

The crowds diminished greatly once we got away from the busy main thoroughfare. These streets were mostly empty, and it was very quiet. It being the Christmas season, there were a few decorations — you may spot a small Christmas tree in the photo if you look closely. The light rain enhanced the reflections on the street and buildings.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

2 responses to “Evening Rain, Montpellier”

  1. Markus Avatar
    Markus

    The photograph looks promising, alas, I cannot enlarge it – probably you forgot to link the thumbnail to a larger version

    Reply
    1. G Dan Mitchell Avatar
      G Dan Mitchell

      Markus,

      Thanks for alerting me to that issue. It happens from time to time and I just had to change a setting. It should be OK now.

      Dan

      Reply

Join the discussion — you are welcome to leave a comment or question. (Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

(All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.)

Photographs: Europe, Photographs: France, Photographs: Night, Photographs: Travel, Photographs: Urban/Street

Place de la Comédie, Montpellier.

Image Leave a comment
Place de la Comédie, Montpellier.
“Place de la Comédie, Montpellier.” — Place de la Comédie, the central square of Montpellier, France, on a rainy winter evening.

Summer travel to many popular destinations has become so common that the crowds can be close to unbearable. There are ways to compensate — go to smaller, less-well-known cities, travel during shoulder season, or just go straight to the off-season. We did the latter on our last big trip, visiting Germany, France, and Spain around the winter equinox. Of course, you need to be prepared for the weather — shorter daylight hours, cold, and a good chance of precipitation.

Speaking of the weather, we arrived in Montpellier, France in “gently inclement” weather. It was cold — though not like in Germany — and it rained. But this wasn’t the sort of rain that might pin you down in your hotel — it was gentle, and an umbrella and rain jacket were enough protection to go out and wander. Our first stop (but far from our last) was the Place de la Comédie, a popular square in the old part of the city.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

Join the discussion — you are welcome to leave a comment or question. (Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

(All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.)