A visit to Paris is not complete without spending a few hours wandering around the historic district of Montmarte. Originally a haven for artists and bohemians alike, the area is now more geared for tourists. Located in the north of Paris, the 130 metre high hill is still worth visiting though, just to walk around the many cobbled stone streets and imagine what Paris may have been like in the Belle Epoque era from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s.
On the day I was there my ears picked up the sound of this busking chanteuse organ grinder as she was belting out a few classic chansons. She sounded not unlike my favorite French singer, Piaf. Her voice was clear and powerful and the swirling sound of the colorful organ filled the whole square with a musical atmosphere that resonated through the streets and down the hill. Sure it was aimed at the tourists, but what’s Paris without a few traditional chansons and a happy sounding organ?
You make me wish I were there again…thanks!
By the way, how did you do the camera vignette effect?
You make me wish I were there again…thanks!
By the way, how did you do the camera vignette effect?
Hello PH, yes, I wish I was there again too. Sitting at a cafe, sipping my coffee and trying to look Bohemian! I did the vignette in Google Picasa (free download and easy to use with many different effects to choose from)
I’d dearly love to see her “messy” cart. But, yes IM, your vision takes precedence, certainly.
Great photo, Islandman!
Excellent photo; very interesting narrative!!
IslandMan, would you consider adding the un-vignetted version? It may not be as artistic but it would be interesting to see, to compare and to see details currently obscured.
IslandMan, would you consider adding the un-vignetted version? It may not be as artistic but it would be interesting to see, to compare and to see details currently obscured.
Hello PortMoresby, I chose the vignette effect to focus on the chanteuse and to mask the other distractions around her. I think it adds a sense of surrealism and mystique that I believe is in keeping with the essence of Montmarte. I don’t like “messy” pictures and I thought the original version was too busy as it was (sorry, it’s just the artist in me!)