12 Hours in Paris.

Gear Breakdown

Hasselblad 500 cm

Contax t2

Light meter

Ilford hp5. 7 rolls of 35mm and 120mm

Ilford 3200. 7 rolls of 35mm and 120mm

Velvia Color+. 1 accidental roll 120mm

We arrived to the flat before noon, quickly hitting a pub for some grub and a pint then we hit the bricks. Our first few days we spent exploring the Shard, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and pubs in-between. There was talk of going to Paris for one night. Why not, to live is to see, right? Paris being only a train ride away sounded easy so we went for it. We left our suitcases at a local bodega traveling with only a backpack and overnight duffle. Situated on the EuroStar cruising at a comfortable 186mph we explored possibilities and our versions of how we thought the night might end. Arriving in Paris just in time for our dinner reservation at Monsieur Bleu, located across the river from the Eiffel Tower. Dinner was quite the spectacle with the Tower glittering behind us every hour, the night was young and our spirits were high.

We spent the night and a long morning in Paris. The city of love and cute cafes had it clutches on us. 12 hours was hardly enough time to soak in the rich environment. The morning came quickly and required sunglasses for all parties involved. Stopping at a few cafes on our way back to the train station we collapsed into our seats for a power nap on the train, two hours later we were back on English soil. Our final day fell on a Sunday, which meant brunch on the River Thames, the sun was out and orange juice was bubbly. Brunch was an afternoon affair that left us all in the best of spirits. We split ways, the girls went to Abbey Road while I went off to see an exhibit at the Tate Britain, featuring Don McCullin, I highly recommend it. Our last evening was spent playing card games and trying to face the fact our adventure was coming to an end.

Like any vacation the first half feels like you will never leave, and the last day or two feels like you blinked and now it’s all over. Horribly bitter sweet if you ask me. My goal was to shoot two rolls of 120mm every day. I totaled 8 rolls, much less than expected. I didn’t set out with any vision in mind simply to be mindful of my surroundings and have fun.

Qui vivra verra

-Patrick