On occasion it would be beneficial to have another set of hands.

When you have a large camera in your hands there is little room to hold an iPhone at the same time… which is a shame because I love my iPhone camera but often forget to use it.

But when I do remember it and turn off the sound people usually don’t know I’m taking their picture and in this case spying on what they ordered for dessert.  Tarte Tatin, Panna Cotta, no one was dieting at that table.

Except my French boyfriend, you can’t fool him, he doesn’t let a photo opp get away.

A big camera is a lot of fun but even a small camera can catch a big moment.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Each year during the girls weekend, we plan a visit to one or two new places that we have never been to together.

The original goal was for me to discover new regions of France but now it’s really about finding a place where we will enjoy our time together.

Each year is completely different and this year I had another incredible discovery… On the coastline between Cassis and Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhône département of France is the area of Les Calanques.

A calanque is a formation of limestone inlets in the form of a valley, with hair raising-cliffs, that are partly submerged in the sea.

Between Cassis and Marseille there are thirteen different calanques varying in difficulty to reach and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea down below.

We visited one of the easier calanques to hike, picnic, and swim.

You won’t see all the photos (the girls would throw me to the guillotine) and given the rocky terrain the pictures with no watermark were taken with my Point and Shoot.

Last year we visited the village of Cassis but I never would have imagined that just beyond its port would be one of the most beautiful regions in France.

Physically speaking, hiking Les Calanques is not for everyone (there are also boat tours) but if you don’t mind working up a sweat on rocky terrain (where foot trails are not always well marked) the stunning landscape and clear blue water will definitely reward your efforts.

If you decide to hike be sure to bring a picnic, a lot of water and avoid the week-end crowds (My French team knows how to prepare, thanks girls!).

If you haven’t gotten away this Summer, I hope this gives you a quick visual getaway or maybe an idea for your next vacation.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Last week I left the city for two days.  I traveled upstate NY for the (un)workshop, a one day photography workshop, organized and taught by Rachel Durik of Savor Photography.

In one short day Rachel covered photography A to Z.  She is not only an excellent photographer but a wonderful teacher who is willing to share her knowledge and experience with her students.

Another day would have made the (un)workshop perfect or maybe it was my need for more fresh air and a relaxing environment.

A big thanks to Rachel for a fantastic (un)workshop but an even bigger thanks to my parents who trusted me with their car (scary considering I can’t remember the last time I drove a vehicle with four wheels) and offered me points to stay at a local hotel.

I’m not sure I would have done the trip without their help and I’m so glad I did!

Thank you!!!

Les

Every week the photography blog I Heart Faces does a weekly photo challenge.   The challenge gives me inspiration and helps me think about photos I have never shared before (Riccardo’s French Fan Club will be very happy).

This week’s theme is “Bundled Up” to celebrate the cold weather that many of us have been experiencing (we need to find the good in the freezing temps, right?).

These photos were taken in London, crossing Millennium Bridge on the way to the Tate Modern.   It was FREEZING but my friend Riccardo was about to bust out in a huge smile.

The smile may be because he is sporting a fancy new winter coat or simply because Italians love to have their picture taken but either way I love these photos of Riccardo – He knows how to find the good in everything even freezing cold temperatures.

Baci e Abbracci Ric!

Enjoy!

Leslie

Architecture is a challenge for me.  I like details and large structures can be overwhelming to me.

But I keep trying and I’m committed to one day buying a wide angle lens to experiment even more.

One of my favorite photographers is Jean-Michel Berts (the French Ansel Adams of architecture).  He says “Architecture is the cultural reflection of a civilization” – so true, especially for Paris.

You can’t visit Paris and not want to be a part of it.  The city is beautiful, imposing, and sometimes daunting (Which I’m sure the kings liked).

Paris is one city by day and another by night.  When the sun goes down and the lights go on the city sparkles, but with more than two thousand years of history it can also feel haunted.

When you have a car in Paris there is nothing better than a “Paris by Night”.  Driving around the city at night with no other reason then to enjoy the city lit up.

Even if the photos aren’t perfection I hope they convey some of the emotion of seeing Paris by night.

Enjoy!

Leslie

PS: Visit the Sous Les Etoiles Gallery through January 29th for an exhibition of “The Cities of Jean-Michel Berts”.