objectif
Friday, November 06, 2009
The Picture of Grace. Moroccan women are beautiful!, my husband tells me. In 15 years of marriage, this is the first time he has said the unsayable, done the undo-able (admired another woman from afar... whilst I was "a-near"). But because he spoke the truth, I could not clobber him for it.
French Word-A-Day @ Twitter!
Here in France, my doctor says, we have a surplus of the H1N1 vaccine. In America, I tell her, even our president is waiting in line for it.
objectif (owb-jek-teef) noun, masculine
1. lens (of camera) 2. objective, target
.
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Audio File & Example Sentence: Download Wav or Download Objectif
Ils étaient à l'aise face à l'objectif.
They were at ease in front of the (camera's) lens.
A Day in a French Life...
by Kristin Espinasse
I don't go anywhere anymore without my camera. It hangs on my person like an oxygen mask. Just like missing a breath, I am afraid I will miss life if I am not able to capture it in digits and indulge in its dramatic detail bit by bit.
Pixel by pixel, I love to indulge in architecture and nature, but I am most passionate about the lines and the landscape of humans, strangers...
Cela dit,* I rarely photograph l'homme* because in the time it would take to ask permission -- the stranger's spirit escapes when natural expression gives way to "do I look okay?"
I called Mama Jules in Mexico to tell her about my photo periple* through Morocco:
I said, "A man shouted at me, 'No! No! No!' "
Mom explained, from experience, that Moroccans do not like to have their picture taken:
"...for as I learned while living in France back in 1997 - Moroccans do not like to be photographed! I was lounging on my favorite bar stool one night in my hangout in the Moroccan part of your village of St. Maximin... I was 51-years-old and liked to celebrate each day with "Pastis 51". I always walked around the village with my camera hanging around my neck, but one night I made the mistake of lifting the camera up in this bar (the interior was all black and white, hundreds of great photos on the walls) very chic, the owner was from Paris and he and his wife were absolutely beautiful and very sophisticated. When the flash from my camera exploded in this little bar -- everyone dropped for cover under the tables and to the floor! That's when I began to learn the difference between my life and theirs...."
Next, Mom told me a story about the Native Americans from my native Arizona:
...it has been said that American Indians feel that the lens steals their âme*....
I had wondered about that gut-feeling I got back in Morocco; indeed, each time I lifted my camera, it felt as though I were lifting a weapon: not a stone or a bow and arrow: but a "soul-snatcher" capable of wounding... like a rock to a sparrow.
Comments are the best part of French Word-A-Day! Mom and I read each and every comment... and Dad checks in to see where you all are writing in from (so please list your city next to your name :-)
cela dit = that said; l'homme (m) = man; le périple (m) = journey, voyage; une âme (f) = soul; la droguerie (f) = hardware store; un objectif (m) = camera lens
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 2 Quart Moroccan Tagine:
Though I brought back a traditional terracotta tagine (one requiring coals...), I already have my eyes fixed on this modern version (which works with any stove top!). Santa Claus, are you listening?
Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen:
Moroccan food features the delicious flavors and health benefits of other Mediterranean cuisines...
Un, Deux, Trois: First French Rhymes:
...a collection of 25 traditional nursery rhymes for children
French Exambusters Study Cards:
Over 1500 questions and answers written by certified teachers and professional translators with a focus on exam preparation.
How to say "tailspin" in French?....
"La Chasse Queue" (The Tail Chase) : Smokey's new favorite thing to do (with all that energy he's been building up since the attack) is to chase his own tail (missing, I'm afraid, from this photo -- it was hard to keep my camera's lens focused while laughing at my puppy's aerial antics... all that jumping and spinning!). To the right of his broken face, you'll see his healing cheek. He reminds me of Al Pacino in Scarface. Maybe it's the cheekbone (one is much higher than the other now. Perhaps it is just the swelling?).
Still in the mood to read? Check out Eliane's delightful message over at the Sullivan's blog (her words are in French and English -- an excellent way for us to grow our French!).
A Message from Kristi: Ongoing support from readers like you keeps me writing and publishing this free language journal each week. If you find joy or value in these stories and would like to keep this site going, donating today will help so much. Thank you for being a part of this community and helping me to maintain this site and its newsletter.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
I LOVE this photo Kristin. Always drawn to old row boats, I have collected many pieces of art with that theme and with this picture having the beautiful form of the Moroccan woman - it makes it even more alluring. I'm getting very excited now in anticipation of Cinema Verite tomorrow!
The Amish people have the same feeling about having their picture taken and also when my friend was in Peru she ran into the same situation. However, in Peru they said that if you gave them some money you could take the picture.
Jules told that story in the "comments" one day and it has made me laugh again. I wish I could have been a bar fly at that moment.
Karen
(Sunny but chilly morning in Baltimore)
Posted by: Karen - Maryland, USA | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 01:26 PM
I love the picture of the boat. It looks like a world map! Welcome home, Kristi :)
Debbie-Murfreesboro, Tennessee
sunny and chilly
Posted by: Debbie Turner Chavers | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Kristin,
I am so happy to see Smokey "in flight" and with a sparkle in his eyes! Goldens ar so resilient, and their Golden spirit always shines!
Bijou, my Golden puppy who we're raising to be a service animal, also chases her tail, and our instructors tell me it's a pup's way to burn energy and to entertain themselves without requiring people or toys, which is a great characteristic for a servce animal to have (and beats their chewing on chair legs)! So perhaps your Smokey is showing you that he would be a great therapy or service animal?
--Catherine
Leesburg, VA but my heart's in Scottsdale, AZ
clear and cold (39F/4C)
Posted by: Catherine Burnett | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Ihad the same experience trying to photograph a scene of two nannies in Paris,lounging on a bench, smoking with two old fashioned baby prams in front of them. As I pointed the camera, one woman jumped off the bench and made hand signs like an X and kept saying no photos!! no photos!! I then assured her I didn't take any and showed her the lovely roses on my viewer, just next to her! Whew, I thought she was going to attack me - I think she would have lost her job perhaps - and I don't think these were "famous" babies but just precious to the owners!! I learned my lesson. Backs turned is the best approach!
J
Posted by: Jeanne | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 01:54 PM
I am very much like you Kristin, with my camera on me just about everywhere I go (you know me-always in a pocket of my overalls)! I have found though, that from time to time I enjoy the freedom of walking, sucking in the color, the aromas, the birdsong, and not getting to that place of: "Oh, I've got to have a picture of that!" There is something to be said for the experience alone. I haven't written about Smokey before-I've cried at just about every post-but now I can say-I'm so pleased he's better and that little lack of "perfection" gives him "character" and makes him even more perfect in my book! Laury Bourgeois-Cadrieu-The Lot-Golden Causse-Pulsing Lavoir-and Sun-Rain-Sun-Rain...
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Being linked to a camera is my fate as well, and who knows -- one day I may follow your lead and start a blog like yours (not likely for a host of reasons!)
I've just purchased a (drumroll, please) a pocket Leica and can't believe my good fortune: it's what I've wanted for three years, a decent image without a back-breaking load of gear. My Flickr page will soon fill up with images of life in my little corner of New England.
Your image of the Moroccan woman between the two boats is lovely. Thank you for capturing it -- I feel I kind of know her, even without seeing her face.
Best,
Julie Turner
Posted by: Julie McCay Turner | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Catherine: glad to learn what all that tail-chasing is about!
Julie: Oh, that camera makes me drool -- ever since my friend Phyllis showed me hers, not two days ago! Enjoy yours and I look forward to seeing your photos.
Posted by: Kristin | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Absolutely lovely photo, Kristin; haunting. It took my breath away. The woman could be a mere mirage. She reminds me of a thin red flame that flickered only for a moment to be captured by your lens.
Posted by: Diane Scott | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 02:59 PM
One of the vocabulary words is "la droguerie" (f), hardware store. How delightful that something which, in America, seems to remain a primarily masculine domain, is a feminine noun in French. Is there a better male-female balance in France or is it that men leave the work to the women so women must spend more time at la droguerie? (writing from near Orlando, Florida where it is 80 degrees, partly cloudy but beautiful sun expected later today, and with a tropical storm headed our way.)
Posted by: Nan Morrissette | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 03:10 PM
It's great to see Smokey having fun and looking healthy again. As Catherine said, Goldens are very resilient and seem to be able to overcome almost anything, but sometimes an "event" like Smokey endured will affect their responses to things that remind them of the "event". Our long-gone Golden Theodore once was gone for the whole day and didn't return until about 10pm. He had badly scraped paws and was extremely thirsty, but otherwise seemed normal. A couple of weeks later we were at a homecoming parade and one of the cars got too close to the car in front and squealed their brakes, Theodore dove under our legs (we were sitting on a wall) and began to shake. Our conclusion was that he had been almost hit or maybe rolled by a car that had tried to avaoid hitting him.
It should be interesting to see if Smokey has any "after-affects" from his attack.
In St. Paul, MN, it's BEAUTIFUL, Indian Summer day, full sunshine, heading to 60.
Posted by: Bill in St. Paul | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 03:21 PM
My Darling Kristi,
Photo's and prose - you are really shinning bright after your vacation...I can't wait to paint this beautiful woman embraced by the colors of Morocco. I loved Diane'a description of the thin red flame (Hi Diane, how is my baby "Pear"?
Since you brought up what you want for Christmas (a pocket Leica like Julie's - I checked out her photo's and they are amazing.)---- I would like to put my Christmas order in. I am taken with your new sponsor's product "Yabla". I love this Kristi and this is what I would love to have for Christmas...I think this is the answer to my French language problem.
Personally I think you should stay with the camera you now have - I like to think of you wandering around with that beautiful camera as an accessory - a look you have developed over the years. Your camera is so special and it is a tool of your trade, along with your little moleskin notebook. If Santa is listening I would also like both of those. I guess I just want everything you have - you should link up these items in your next post in case everybody is ready to start Christmas shopping off of your page...your post has certainly put me in the mood.
XOXO
JULES - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Sunshine
Posted by: Jules Greer | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Kristi,So awesome to see Smokey looking happy again, great job guys!I miss the little guy...my 3 say hello! Weather here in Santa Rosa, Ca, rain and 57 degrees...supposed to clear later. Time to hibernate!!
Posted by: Jacqui McCargar | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 04:14 PM
I am reminded of a wonderful trip to the Orient in the late 70's. Our guide warned us, on the bus ride through the New Territories of Hong Kong to a view point where we could "peek" into then Red China, of a people we were not to photograph. They could be identified, he explained, by a certain hat they all wore, and they believed the camera would steal their soul. Much to my surprise, within moments of leaving the bus, a young girl, toting a smaller boy on her hip, both wearing the special hat, approached us. The girl held out her hand and in her best sing-song English queried, "Cheese? Five dollar." I promptly filled the little hand with the requested amount, said "say cheese", and forever captured their souls -- Chinese capitalists.
Jeanne in Damascus, Oregon where it is raining and 44 degrees.
Posted by: Jeanne Robinson | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Hi Jules! C'est moi, Diane -- Pear still brightens my every day and warms my heart in the evenings. She is my treasure from an artist/mom/wife/precious-spirit who is equally treasured by her family snd so many others, as well.
Posted by: Diane Scott | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Jacqui: Smokey misses you too!
Jeanne: excellent story -- thanks for sharing! I have always been a fan of flash fiction (in this case "flash non-fiction") and this anecdote was so enjoyed!
Diane: RE Mom's comment: please give Pear a hug. I was just thinking of her the other day!
Mom: I hope Santa is listening to you! RE the photos -- I took several with you in mind (for you to paint!), including today's. There's another of three men, in the market, that you will adore. Get your paints ready! Get your canvas propped! (Put your Pastis51 away!) love, Kristi
Posted by: Kristin | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 04:45 PM
P.S.: for those of you wondering who the heck "Pear" is, see her in all her glory, here:
http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/photos/juless_pear/index.html
Posted by: Kristin | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 04:49 PM
You are so lucky to have all the H1N1 vaccine you need in France.
Apparently the delay for us is that the US government wanted ours delivered already in the individual needles which required that a preservative be added to some. It's very confusing. Apparently the fear of Autism in children has caused some to be delivered without preservative; but some are delayed for the preservative. The government has made a bit of a mess of this it appears, including the states who had to tell the Feds how much each wanted.
Some 47% who have responded to polls say they don't plan to get them, so maybe 300+ million doses won't be needed!
Love your photo and look forward to C V tomorrow.
Posted by: Betty Bailey | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Hi, I just found this blog not that long ago, and i love it. I don't know why, but I look forward to seeing what is happening every day, and even now feel like we are old friends, sitting in the kitchen sharing life. I am looking for my grandmother's family or history in Chambery, as we know very little about her, which is how I came upon your site. It is a mystery, though bit by bit we are finding pieces of her short life here in the states. Thank you for your information, your stories, pictures and French word a day! Merci!
Posted by: Lisa Walsh | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 05:45 PM
..oh, and one more comment. I, myself, am unable to photograph humans, as I always feel I am intruding into their world, so I relate with the Moroccans and the American Indians! But I love taking pictures of flowers in my garden, anything with color, and my pets (2 large unruly dogs, A big prince of a cat, and a wily kitten.) With that said, kiss the puppies for me.
Posted by: Lisa Walsh | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 05:49 PM
That is indeed a striking photo , even as it appeared behind another page I saw a glimpse of it , it intrigued me, so I went directly to your site ! [ in fact it looked like jesus walking on water ]
If a camera steals a persons sole perhaps digital photography will reconstitute a sole by deleting ???
Perhaps photoshop can mend or alter a persons physical or emotional defects ??
Any-who, I love reading your stories and someday I will figure out a way
I also can move to France [ Loire ] . If it's not inappropriate to mention it , you may
take a peek at my photo site of recent Photos of France . Ken Napa Ca.
http://kb.napaglassart.com/index.php
Posted by: Ken Boyd | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Thank you for your feedback about this photo! I took it while strolling with my sister-in-law, Cécile, along the foggy boardwalk in Oualidia.
Ken: I am enjoying your photos! What kind of camera do you use? (This is my new favorite question!)
Betty: I should add that my doctor mentionned it was too bad to have the surplus of vaccine here... when most of the French don't want the vaccine. She is concerned that they may not want it now, but may rush (all at once!) to get it later.
Posted by: Kristin | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 06:02 PM
On my few and far-between trips on San Francisco's BART (en route to the airport) and the Paris metro, I always (always always always) see such interesting people whom I would so love to photograph, but I can't just stick a camera in their face and am too shy to ask. Sigh!
Posted by: Lee Isbell | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Does "droguerie" really mean "hardware store?" Can anyone explain the etymology of that? One thinks of "drogue" and wonders.
Great photo of Smokey! He looks happy and totally mended. I can't see any irregularities in his face.
We don't have a dog, but I am still taking pictures of our three cats after eight years. And of my son, who, at 18, doesn't especially like having his picture taken.
Often when I am without a camera, I see something pretty or interesting or funny. I make the camera motions and say "Click!" Of course I don't have a photo later, but doing so helps to fix what I have looked at more firmly in my mind.
If I ever want to take a picture of a person, I always ask first. I've also asked people to take pictures of me, such as the one with the Eiffel Tower in the background. I recall being at the UN years ago, and a group of Japanese tourists were there, too. One of them came up to me with his camera and said "Shutta, shutta" (shutter). I took a picture of the group, gave the camera back, and they smiled their thanks.
I am still using my Canon Sure Shot, a good optical one from early 1984. I have a digital which I want to learn to use. The camera is easy, the computer-related work more complex.
I am still in University Park, MD (for the indefinite future). Today it's 45-50 degrees, breezy, and sunny.
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 07:13 PM
I too bring my camera with me wherever I go. For a long time I resisted "going digital", holding on tightly to my bulky Nikon 35 millimeter (which now I haven't used for more than a year, preferring my light little 10 megapixel "COOLPIX" that I can carry on my belt.
I also had an embarrassing experience attempting to photograph Navajo Indians. It was about 20 years ago, my wife and I were visiting Monument Valley, and had paid for a van tour with a Navajo guide. Armed with my new toy, an 8mm camcorder, I started to record as the guide began his speech, only to be yelled at from the front of the van, "Turn that thing off!", which I did, feeling lower than low! He explained to me and the rest of the group about the Navajos' aversion to being photographed, a lesson I learned the hard way, but have respected since.
Post script: On the tour we visited an Navajo rug weaver and her hogan, and I was allowed to photograph her (after very politely asking permission, and paying a very modest fee.)
Posted by: Bob Haine | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Aloha from Kauai .. 8:16 AM - light Trades - 75 degrees F ... my gosh, I feel like the student who must submit his weather homework :) but a small price to pay for enjoying your site, Kristin. In light of the ongoing "camera captures soul" chronicles - I have decided to photograph myself, place my image safely into an hermatically sealed box, and release myself to life anew in 500 years. Considering this most assuredly will work, I am taking photos of a bottle of '66 Petrus and the beautiful Morrocan woman (or Shakira) with me. And there it is, Kristin, your "most excellent" prose and photos are so well executed that they are now influencing the future! Keep up the great work .. browsing your creativity is one of the highlights of my day! Aloha to All, Bill Facker
Posted by: Bill Facker | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Hi, My first time posting a comment. I've been checking out your blog as part of my lunchtime routine and thoroughly enjoying your keen eye and talented pen for about 4 mos. I just had to tell you how hauntingly beautiful your photo is today. You should enlarge it, frame it and hang it in your home. There's something mystical about it. Thank you for an enjoyable midday break. Michelle (Tiverton, RI where its sunny and a bit chilly)
Posted by: Michelle Charette | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Wonderful photo and story. As always, thank you for sharing your life with us.
And thrilled to know that Smokey is on the mend and finding his own entertainment!
Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Kristine, dallas | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Chère Marianne: I can't wait to try your "click!" tip, the next time I forget my camera... and remember to focus on an image and burn it into memory!
Bill: I am still giggling from your comment. Let's see, what else can we have you take along? (I just know my mom will jump in here, any moment, with a "Take Me!"). Thanks for "Shakira" -- there are so many things I need names for... like the delicious flat bread we ate (it reminded me of English muffins -- of all things!
Bob: I could feel your "honte"! Sorry you had to be the one to learn that lesson (and not someone else on board!)
Michelle: thank you for your encouragement! Maybe I *will* print the photo. You motivated me!
Posted by: Kristin | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 09:26 PM
OH BILL - YOU ARE SO-O-O COOL!!!
I must agree with you on the weather homework even though it is always a main curiosity of mine... the problem you and I
have with now reporting the weather is that since we both live on the same paralell (sp?) our weather is always the same 75-85 degrees in the fall, winter, spring and summer. I always enjoy hearing the diversity around the world, and I am looking forward to hearning about everyone freezing and shoveling snow while I lie on the beach this winter...drinking ROUGE-BLUE and trying to decide what I want to photograph and captualize (sp?) for my 500th year re-entrance into life again. I'm happy you will be around then - thanks for helping me refocus my long-term goals.
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: Jules Greer | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Of course ROUGE-BLUE, Jules ... but I can't comment on that nectar since, to my knowledge, not one capsule of Jean-Mark's vibratory signature in liquid form has graced the shores of Beautiful Kauai ... yet ... so '66 Petrus will have to suffice until I've enjoyed quiet moments experiencing Jean-Mark's potion. May I be so bold as to congratulate your both (K&J) on your choice of earths "parking places". Fond memories of Yelapa, Jules .. and once one loves France there is never any return to normalcy. Aloha to all the World Citizens who sign in to this valuable site you are nurturing ... true passion and commitment are bringing your rewards rapidly I suspect. You Go Girls! BF
Posted by: Bill Facker | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 10:38 PM
A traditional Moslem may also feel that her soul may be stolen by the camera's lens. so when I lived in Tanzania for three years, I was always careful to warn my visitors not to take pix of my neighbors. Alas, one of my friends violated my request. the following day, I encountered the woman whose pictured had been taken and apologized. "Yes," she said," It was really terrible that that friend of yours took my photo." "I am doubly sorry," I groveled. "Yes!" repeated my neighbor. "I am sooo sorry!!" "Well!!" cried my neighbor. "I did not have my new kanga* on!" *Kanga: traditional cloth sari-like garment.
*
Posted by: Susan Klee | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 10:55 PM
"you both" AND a comma after the word "rapidly" YIKES !!! I CRINGE WHEN I DO THAT!
Posted by: Bill Facker | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Hauntingly beautiful photograph Kristen. Greetings from Santa Rosa California with a little sun peeking through and it's 60 degrees.
Hope Jacqui does't hibernate this evening because we need her to help us drink Jean-Marcs Minstral wine. Dominique from Dominiques Sweets says she'll come and we will be celebrating her double gold metal for her macarons. They are spectacular!
We've also heard that Jean-Marc won a gold in Paris so with all of this glow we are certain to have a brilliant evening.
Oh how I wish we had some of that H1N1 vaccine. I've been told that we won't have any in our area until December or January!
Posted by: Jennifer Jaffe | Friday, November 06, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Sweet Smokey has completely stolen my heart. It's wonderful to see him frolicking again, even with his newly acquired gravitas.
Posted by: Linda Chandler | Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 02:44 AM
PS I love your photos.
Posted by: Linda Chandler | Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 02:46 AM
It is bliss to wake up to such delightful reading. Thank you for your stories and humor!
Bill : no worries about grammar and punctuation. Please don't ever let that keep you from commenting (notice how it doesn't keep my mom from the same? :-)
Susan : really enjoyed your anecdote and learning more Moroccan vocab ("Kanga"). I was a bad writer (read bad girl) in that I did not jot down terms and words in my notebook. So I am unable to enrich my journal with the correct terms (for the bread we ate, the "draped" women we saw, etc.)
Linda: speaking of vocab -- loved your "gravitas". It is a word I haven't yet used, and such a fun one (like "frolicking"). Thanks for both.
Jennifer: have fun with the ladies and félicitations to Dominique!!!
Posted by: Kristin | Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Kristin - Hello to you from Grangeville, Idaho on a cloudy day w/ a skiff of snow on the surrounding hills and feet of snow on the surrounding mountains. I chanced upon your blog a couple of months ago and LOVE it. I have recommended it to my dear friends. I love how you say you have your camera on your body at all times. I have 2 daughters and the 3 of us each own Nikon cameras. We take photos all the time, near and far - it's such a wonderful communication between us, how we see the world and how we share it with each other. Thank you for sharing your vision of the world as well. Most Sincerely
Posted by: Jennifer Stephenson | Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 03:40 PM
I've heard a great quote recently and I have adopted it as my own whenever someone looks at my work and suggests that if they had an expensive camera they could make great images as well.
'The best camera is the one you have with you.'
In the end, it's not the camera or the lens. It's knowing how to use what you have. And having it with you when you need it.
Posted by: Richard Harold Ainsworth | Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Richard : that's right on about the best camera being the one you have with you. Thanks for your thoughts.
Jennifer: speaking of sharing -- mille mercis for recommending my blog to your friends.
Great to receive your comments. Merci beaucoup.
Posted by: Kristin | Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Kristin, I love this photo! I've been trying to imagine the life that this woman leads.
I once mentioned to a photographer friend of mine that I wished I had the talent to capture the beautiful photos that he did. He replied, "I don't take better pictures than you, I just take more of them." While I beg to differ (he takes photos that I would NEVER be able to replicate), he had a point. Now, when I take photos, I'll take many pictures of my subject, and I do end up getting many more images that I'm happy using.
From Lakemoor, IL (an hour north of Chicago), having a beautiful Indian summer day
Posted by: Leah | Sunday, November 08, 2009 at 02:55 AM
Hello Leah! I agree with your (very modest) photographer friend: take more pictures to get beautiful photos!
I love Google's Picasa for editing and viewing photos (it is free and easy). Once home from your photo spree -- you can view all of the photos and be surprised by the "lucky" catches.
I took two or three photos of that beautful Moroccan woman before she slipped closer to the second boat, before her hands gracefully fell into place (not that I knew they were falling into place -- I was too busy pushing the shutter release!). It was hard to see on my camera's screen if the picture came out well. Once home, I viewed the images on Picasa... and realized my chance and luck.
Posted by: Kristin | Sunday, November 08, 2009 at 07:08 AM
Love to see Smokey healing and looking so energetic. I've shed many tears for him and now can smile.
Posted by: Susan, Westminster, CA | Sunday, November 08, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Kristin, if you did nothing else on that trip but take this single photograph, the trip would have been worth it. It is absolutely sublime. It does exactly what art should do- transport.
I know it's bulky and heavy, and that vous etes tres petite, but the blogosphere's a much lovelier place for your keeping your appareil photo around your neck at all times!
xo
C
Posted by: Claire Fontaine | Monday, November 09, 2009 at 02:28 AM
wish I took photos half as well as you!
have heard that native americans really didn't want their photos taken so they couldn't be identified as easily by the army.
xox, Lorrie (in redondo beach)
Posted by: Lorrie | Monday, November 09, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Thank you so much for this blog!
I am advancing in my French studies but the vocab makes my head spin sometimes.
It's hard to switch from English > French when words like droguerie makes me think of a pharmacy in English, or.. well, a store for illegal drugs! :)
Very funny but also a good learning experience.
I am currently devouring your posts. Please keep posting and keep up the awesome work.
P.S. I am from Canada, Toronto specifically but I moved to Montreal to be with my French from France boyfriend. :)
Posted by: Fabulously Broke | Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 07:57 PM