– Le Colporteur

Le Colporteur

I had only two days in Paris and had hoped to get a unique take on the Eiffel Tower. The second day was very hot but just as I came close to the tower it began to rain heavily.

What I noticed was that the many street peddlers had ditched the small models of the Eiffel Tower they had been selling and were not running around selling umbrellas. As I was getting soaked along with all of my camera gear I requested an umbrella from a passing seller. 10 Euro he asked for. The crowd I was trying to hide under the small shelter with booed the guy as these things were barley worth 50 cents.

But as I and my camera gear were going to get drenched otherwise I spent no time arguing and took the umbrella.

Ten minutes later the rain had subsided. As I noticed the reflection the gentleman who had sold me the umbrella walked past, this time loaded with small models of the Eiffel Tower to sell. I quickly grabbed this shot of him walking past.

I may have paid too much for the umbrella but I had managed to get a rare perspective of one of the worlds most photographed icons.

32 Comments

Karlo says:

November 2, 2011 at 11:45 pm

Ahhhh! Crazy Beautiful

Alexis says:

November 3, 2011 at 12:17 am

I always find your work so intriguing Chris. I absolutely love the reflection and the way the subject is looking off into the distance. Beautiful work!

Julia Beckmann says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:01 am

Amazinggg!!

Phil Deaves says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:43 am

Great shot….great reflection…this is very inventive…well done Chris

Edward Henzi says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:44 am

Great black and white shot. Just when I thought I saw every shot that was ever taken of the Eiffel Tower you come out with this one. Love the reflection of the man in puddle too. Very artistic composition. I like it. Ed

Billy says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:45 am

Cool. One of the most original shots of the old lady I’ve seen. And i’ve seen LOTS!!

Nacho Garcés says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:46 am

Difficult to get a new perspective of Eiffel Tower… you have succeeded in my opinion, I like it a lot!

Kasia D says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:47 am

That’s a beaut – well-timed and well chosen perspective!

Robyn says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:48 am

Love this perspective… unusual and artful.

Sheila Laurens says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:49 am

This is fabulous – b&w, great reflection, fantastic perspective XX
Sheila

jacquei says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:50 am

Your work is amazing, you make your photos so interesting with how you compose the shots, this one is my favorite……….its what I call an “upside downer” could be viewed either way up…………..great capture……………….jacquei

Trish Woodford says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:52 am

Brilliant, a really fantastic capture!!!! Love the perspective and reflection, perfect in b&w :))))

Rose says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:52 am

Perfect!

Patricia Gibson says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:53 am

What a great POV, different, individual and so damn good!

Shelly Hiebert says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:55 am

Absolutely wonderful image Chris 🙂

scarlet james says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:56 am

Almost Bresson.. and just as good !!!

Paul Vanzella says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:57 am

what a powerful image.. love this!

Danka says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:57 am

This is an amazing shot. I love it Chris.

Jessica says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:58 am

you’re such an inspirational photographer! i’m so glad to experience your creations!

David McMahon says:

November 3, 2011 at 1:59 am

Brilliant – because it gives a new perspective on a familiar landmark. The solitary figure works so much better than a group, too.

Virginia Kelser Jones says:

November 3, 2011 at 2:00 am

OH my, this is just terrific and I”ve seen and taken a zillion photographs here. Very very well done.

Damienne Bingham says:

November 3, 2011 at 2:01 am

What a beautiful photo! Amazing moment, great use of the incredible architecture and tones. Beautiful work,

Tania Palermo says:

November 3, 2011 at 2:02 am

so good!

T.S.Neale says:

November 3, 2011 at 2:03 am

perfect

uzma says:

November 3, 2011 at 3:14 am

wow

Meredith Lord says:

November 3, 2011 at 6:09 am

Fantastic photo! I can almost feel the solitude.

emily says:

November 3, 2011 at 8:24 am

stunning!

jennifer bunce says:

November 4, 2011 at 2:21 am

that is amazing, my friend. how did you manage to catch just ONE guy walking through there? usually there’s a swarm of people underneath! just a captivating image.