Paris Vignettes: Cafés at Night

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Paris Vignettes: Cafés at Night

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments

Nothing reflects the essence of Paris quite like its cafés, especially on warm nights. Whether it’s early evening when the tables are full (“Le Compas”) or late at night when the last couple is still deep in conversation (“Caves Saint Gilles”), these cafés tell a story. Step back, and you’ll notice how much thought has gone into every aesthetic detail, not to mention the inviting glow of the lighting (“La Favorite”, “Le Oken”).

Sometimes, even the building’s architecture adds to the romance (“Cafe Beaugrenelle”) and seems to beckon you to cross the street, settle into a chair, and lose track of time in conversation. And on rainy nights, there’s a different kind of magic. As you seek shelter and a warm drink (“Bistro des Vosges”), the city feels even more intimate, with a renewed charm.

So, relax, take it all in, and belle soirée!

Bistro du Commerce. Photo: William O’Such

Bistrot des Vosges. Photo: William O’Such

Caves Saint Gilles. Photo: William O’Such

La Favorite. Photo: William O’Such

La Perla. Photo: William O’Such

Le Compas. Photo: William O’Such

Le Comptoir des Archives. Photo: William O’Such

Le Oken. Photo: William O’Such

Le Progrès. Photo: William O’Such

Le Rocher de Cancale. Photo: William O’Such

The Frog and Rosbif. Photo: William O’Such

Lead photo credit : Café Beaugrenelle. Photo: William O'Such

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William was introduced to silver halide photography by his father, Chester J. O’Such, via the family’s Ansco reflex camera and home darkroom. After college, William worked as a photographic engineer at Eastman Kodak, where he began to learn the art of photography. With his first SLR, a Canon AE-1, he photographed his inaugural voyage to Paris in 1982. This early spark turned into full passion when William became a Kodak expatriate in Paris from 1995-99. Before returning to the USA, William and his future wife Ineke bought an apartment in the Marais district. Inspired by Bresson, William continues to visit Paris at least twice a year to wander the streets, camera in hand, looking for the next vignette. His photos are available for sale by visiting www.osuchphotography.com