Paris Vignettes: Reflections

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

I like to think I’ve found an additional layer of Parisian charm by pausing to observe reflections of everyday life in all manner of surfaces: canals, mirrors, and puddles. Courtesy of Paris Greeters, I enjoyed a sun-lit Saturday stroll with a guide, local resident Jean-François, along the Canal de l’Ourcq. Instantly captivated by the magical canal reflections, I listened to anecdotes about the history of the area JF called”the Brooklyn of Paris.” Meanwhile, runners gracefully traversed the open space (“courir le long du canal,” “quatre arbes”), creating Monet-like reflections. Further along, JF casually mentioned a nightclub beneath the péripherique (“le périph”), where they can play music as loudly as they want without any complaints.

On another occasion, while strolling along Canal Saint-Martin with Melinda and Arnie from San Francisco, we found ourselves in a perfect setting for reflections (“reflets canal saint martin”). The bridges, buildings, and lively birds (“ecluse canal saint martin”) added an animated touch to the landscape. Progressing towards the Bastille (“traversant le canal”), we encountered a beautiful harbor adorned with artistic boats (“trois bateaux”) dotting the Port de Paris Arsenal.

Indoor reflections took center stage at a recent exhibit by Sophie Calle, one of my favorites. Deconstructed mirrors offered glimpses of street photography-like scenes (“surpris”), sparking curiosity about the unfolding conversations. However, the shimmering allure of the Seine in the evening, especially after a winter rain (“apres la pluie”), remains a sight unparalleled, ensuring a breathtaking spectacle that transcends the boundaries of outdoor and indoor reflections in the heart of Paris.