There is actually nothing secret about this. It’s amazing how you can stray just a few feet off the beaten path and find yourself able to see a totally different perspective than those that follow the crowds. Besides being a great metaphor for a way to live life, it’s also a great way to find new photo opportunities. While walking through the gardens of Versailles, I slid away behind the topiary and found this solitary path just a few feet from the masses.

Another great place to visit in Paris is the Château de Vincennes. We sorta stumbled upon the Château while walking the neighborhood where we were staying. In addition to serving as the royal residence where a couple of Kings were married & several French kings were born, it later served as a state prison for prisoners including the marquis de Sade and others. There is still graffiti left by the prisoners high on several walls. (Since the small windows were placed high on the walls, that was where the best light was.) I also photographed the Royal Chapel at Vincennes. (You can see that image here)

Few rooms in the world are as awe inspiring as the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles just outside Paris. My family visited Europe when I was 16 and I still recall this room during our Paris visit. The day I shot this it was dreary & raining and I believe many of the tourist that perhaps might have been walking the wonderful grounds on a more beautiful day, were hanging out inside instead. I would love to go back and arrange for an hour or two of shooting before the crowds arrive.

A light rain was starting to fall in Paris as we were hurrying to the Lourve for a private tour. (That’s another amazing story, and it was no doubt the highlight of our visit to Paris.) As we were crossing the river, a wonderful orange glow was settling behind the Eiffel Tower and Paris’ oldest bridge ‘The Pont Neuf’ or “new bridge” (built 1578-1607). My companions were quite patient while I set up my camera for a few shots before continuing on. You can see where there was a bit of rain on the lens, however, I’m still glad we paused for a few moments to try and capture the beautiful scene above the Seine.