Girl Reading a Book #20
Paris, France
2013
If I remember right, this GRaB series got it’s start, or at least some of it’s earliest images, from our last trip to Paris six or seven years ago. There is still no shortage of girls reading in public in Paris (although not always traditional print media anymore). There are of course also plenty of women, men, and boys to be found reading as well–many of which I photographed this time around. So, I think I’m going to incorporate the GRaB series into a broader series on reading by both sexes and on books in general.
I need to think of a good name for the new series, so for now will stick with the old title for this image. A new title is appropriate if for no other reason than I’ve come to think that the current title might be considered somewhat sexist as not all the subjects are young enough for the title “girl” to be totally appropriate (although no one’s called me the issue date).
This young woman was reading in the garden at the Rodin Museum. I was bemused by what she was wearing, or more to the point not wearing. We were all trussed up in warm coats, scarves, gloves, and hats to ward off the chill; she on the other hand looked dressed for the spring day we wished it was. Not only that, but she looked comfortable sitting there in that weather. I think that kind of behavior is just another way the young keep reminding us older folks that we are, well, in fact older.]]>
Girl Reading a Book #20
Paris, France
2013
Looking for a series new title?
What about “R.I.P. (Reading In Public)” ?
😎
Jim, I love that title. Probably won’t use it but love it nonetheless.
Some really nice images from Paris Larry. You always get so much from your trips. This shot is a joy to see. Not too long ago Brooks recommended André Kertész’s book “On Reading”. As soon as I saw your shot I went to get out that little book. It’s really quite lovely. Problem is Mrs S. squirreled it away somewhere. I tend to leave books on the coffee table so folks can enjoy them. I guess there’s a time limit on that. My latest is Peter Elliott’s “Home Front”. She’ll never hide that. It’s the biggest book I’ve ever seen. (Another Brooks recommendation “. Brooks said it was a rare find but I got one in the Amazon used section for $20. What I got was a brand new book in the shrink wrap. Amazing series on flag displays.
Thanks Bruce. Some time after I started the GRaB series I stumbled on Kertész’s book myself and bought a copy. Then a few years later forgetting I had it, I bought another one. Now I have both to remind me that all the good photographic ideas have already been taken. On one of my foreign trips I also stumbled on a wonderful book (in English) in a bookstore called “Women Who Read Are Dangerous” which covers historical artwork of all mediums on the subject of women reading, including some very interesting text.
I haven’t see Elliot’s book but have read the LensWork review. Another example of me following the leader as I had an exhibit of my own flag photos last year and did a self-published book as well! There’s nothing wrong with revisiting a well-trod subject though I guess, as long as we put our own unique spin on it somehow.
Mrs. S returned from her volunteer job at the food pantry and quickly found my little book where I last stashed it. Duh! Getting older. Peter’s book is still available on Amazon. New copy $27. The reproduction quality is some of the best I’ve seen. Huge book, 12X18. Well worthwhile addition to your library. I knew Peter a little in the early 70’s when I worked as a printer for Gamma Labs in Chicago. Yes, it seems everything has been photographed before. Here’s where I disagree with Cole’s idea about photographic celibacy. I think it’s important to see other’s work so you can avoid copying someone else. Besides, I just enjoying seeing other people’s (like yours) great work. The hard part is finding our own “unique spin”.
Bruce, don’t feel bad, among her many other benefits the Fashion Queen makes a great locator of my regularly misplaced items.
I disagree strongly with Cole Thompson’s photographic celibacy concept for many reasons, not the least of which is that in some regards he’s setting himself up to be like the priests who keep breaking their vows. (How else would he know about my work for example?) We are influenced by everything around us, both in general and artistically. That’s what makes us what we are. Why cut yourself off from one of those natural influences just because you’re afraid you’ll follow those ideas too closely? I’m surprised Cole doesn’t see the same “danger” in his affinity for Howard Roarke in the novel The Fountainhead he so often talks about. Or maybe he doesn’t model Roarke as much I might think. Roark after all was able to stay true to his own design vision without cutting himself off from the work of other architects. Maybe I should mention that to Cole. Nah, I’ve probably over-discussed the celibacy thing with him anyway and besides I’m not interested in changing his mind. He will, and should, do what he wants to do! (Wonder if he reads my blog?)
Well, I just like the redundant stripes.
I like the strips too, thought it really distinguished the photo. Surprised no one else mentioned it.
I didn’t see the stripes until Connie mentioned them! Thanks, Connie! And I also am amused by the suggested title of R.I.P! 🙂 At least this form may deserve the epitaph in a few years, what with iPads & Kindles et al coming to the fore.
I’ll have to look for the two books mentioned in my local library. Thanks for the suggestions.
I’m even reading Kindle books on my smart phone now–something I thought I’d never do but it’s so convenient to pull it out a read a bit whenever I’m stuck in a line or otherwise have some time to kill.