The Charm of Paris Through the Lens of a Street Photographer
My photographic journey through Paris capturing iconic landmarks and intimate moments of everyday life
“Breathe Paris in. It nourishes the soul.”
― Victor Hugo
Paris is the birthplace of street photography and also the place where my journey into photography began. It was the moment I first seriously picked up a camera — actually, two cameras — both hanging around my neck as I walked the streets of this magical city. Obsessed with capturing every possible moment, I felt like a storyteller, always searching for the perfect frame.
Looking back, I realize that carrying so much gear was more of a burden than an advantage. Instead of giving me freedom, the extra equipment made me anxious and distracted, and simplicity slipped out of reach. Still, despite my beginner mistakes, I managed to capture a series of unforgettable moments — fragments of Paris that, to me, became symbols of its soul. Today, I am proud to share them with you.
All the photographs you’ll see were taken with a Fujifilm XH2 and a 16–80mm f4.0 lens, shot in raw format. I processed them in Lightroom and exported them as a PDF for this series. While I often prefer color, especially with the Classic Chrome simulation, I chose black and white for this project. I believe it better reflects the spirit of Paris, taking us back to the roots of street photography and making each frame timeless, just like the city itself.
Paris, with its 2,102,650 residents (13 million in the metropolitan area) is the fourth-largest city in the European Union. Walking across such a vast city is almost unimaginable.
Thankfully, Paris has the Metro, which carries around 5 million passengers daily. I took this photo at the Sèvres-Babylon station using a long exposure while holding the camera by hand. I was surprised when the train driver told me that taking photos wasn’t allowed.
Paris is home to numerous landmarks. Its most iconic symbol is the Eiffel Tower, standing at 330 meters tall, visible from all parts of the city. The only place where you can’t see it is when you’re on it, as I was when taking this photo. From its upper terrace, there’s a stunning view of the city and the Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the beginning of the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This iconic avenue stretches 1.9 km in length and is 70 meters wide, extending all the way to the Place de la Concorde. It is renowned for its elegance, lined with luxury shops, cafes, and theaters, making it a symbol of Parisian culture and style.
Although Paris is often bustling with people, cars, and activity, it also has quieter spots like my favorite, Montmartre. This street accordionist is its mascot, as he often appears in photos of Parisian streets. With a cat on his shoulder and a mysterious smile, he attracts and entertains visitors to Montmartre.
Montmartre is a historic district of Paris, known for its artistic tradition and bohemian spirit. The tradition of portrait painting in Montmartre is tied to its role as a center of artistic creation since the 19th century. This image captures the creation of a new portrait.
Hands clasped in the lap reveal the discomfort of posing amidst the bustle of passersby and curious gazes. Yet, the completed portrait, resting against the feet, tells a different story with its serene smile — a story of a moment when art is reborn, amidst life, in the heart of Montmartre.
Paris, the eternal symbol of fashion and elegance, is captured in every detail of this scene. Street stands are covered with fashion icons — Vogue covers celebrating timeless styles and faces like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. These images, displayed alongside motifs of the Eiffel Tower, symbolize the perfect blend of culture and style that makes Paris the global capital of fashion.
In this image, beneath the words “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,” the symbolic motto of the French Revolution, the contrast of life’s realities is depicted. One man sleeps peacefully on a stone wall, while another walks past, lost in thought. Whether lying down or walking, freedom, equality, and fraternity should belong to everyone — at least in the ideals France proclaims.
Demonstrations are an integral part of French history and culture, symbolizing the fight for justice and equality. Rooted in a revolutionary past, protests remain a way for people to voice their demands for better conditions and a fairer society. Just around the corner, the streets were filled with protesters, police, tear gas, and explosions, but I chose to turn away and seek a quieter moment instead.
I found a quieter moment in front of the magnificent Louvre Museum, home to the history of world art. Yet, I chose to stay outside, observing the street scenes and the way Parisians live their lives. Beside me stood this man, watching the world from a different perspective. For those expecting to see a photo of the Mona Lisa — sorry, it ain’t gonna happen! :)
Not far from the Louvre lies the Jardin des Tuileries, where I decided to rest my feet. There, I spotted a figure with a long white beard and a calm, deliberate walk, evoking the image of a guru on a stroll. His presence seemed to bring a touch of philosophical introspection to a space steeped in artistic history.
Entering another garden, the Jardin du Palais Royal, I noticed two women chatting under an umbrella. Luckily, my Fuji XH2 is weather-resistant, so I took a shot, and the naturally striking contrast between the women and the garden was further enhanced during post-processing.
I consider this photograph of the couple perhaps the most successful in the entire collection. As they walk calmly through the streets, immersed in their own world, their reflection appears in the shop window, almost like a parallel universe bearing witness to their existence. It’s a moment I only noticed while reviewing the photos. This frame is a reminder of the magic of street photography: the beauty of the unseen that reveals itself later, like a quiet message waiting to be discovered.
This second-to-last photograph captures the essence of modern Paris, taken on the steps beneath the skyscrapers of La Défense. Amid the concrete giants and the bustling pace, this man chose to find a moment of rest. Sitting alone, surrounded by pigeons, he is framed by the towering walls and architectural simplicity, which make him appear smaller, yet no less present.
And so, we return to where we began — the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris and eternal love. In this city, every bridge carries stories of promises, and every corner is infused with emotion. The locks on the railings tell tales of bonds made permanent, while the tower, shrouded in mist, stands as a silent witness to thousands of love stories.
I hope that through these images and descriptions, I’ve managed to convey a touch of the Parisian atmosphere.
Thank you for reading my story.
These are really thoughtful photos and a thoughtful write-up, Davor. I have a huge amount of nostalgia for Paris. I was a Francophile for most of my youth. This brings me back to that era.
Your art takes me to another world, Davor. It is nostalgic for me. Thank you for writing this wonderful story with beautiful photos. I admire your work.