Paris City of Light: Christopher Thomas

by Ira Stehmann

Christopher Thomas captures the streets and sights of Paris devoid of people in the photographer’s signature, hauntingly beautiful style. Imagine an entirely empty Louvre, or the Eiffel Tower minus the lines of tourists waiting to ascend. By taking advantage of the late night and early morning hours of a notoriously busy city, Christopher Thomas is able to capture familiar sights devoid of people. Using a large-format camera, long exposures, and the last of his remaining Polaroid film, Thomas shows us Paris as an explorer might experience a forgotten city. Without the human element, the buildings, streets, landmarks, and gardens take on an architectural significance that is at once majestic and intimate. As with his other books in the series, these photographs are stunningly reproduced on heavy paper and bound in a linen cover. Framed by the ragged edges that characterize Polaroids, each print is given space to breathe on the page. The result is a sequence of dream-like images that encourage close, contemplative examination. Fans of Thomas’ earlier books on New York and Venice, and anyone who loves Paris, will treasure this exquisite tribute to one of the world’s most captivating cities.

Genres: Photography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2014

Reviews

[Debra Schoenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult to imagine Paris free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This is what Christopher Thomas strived to achieve with his book "Paris, City of Light". Thomas captured Paris using a large-format camera, long exposures, and the last of his remaining Polaroid film. He worked early morning or late at night. The images are serene and highlight the architectural details of buildings that we all think of when we think of Paris.

This book is luxuriously assembled with the photographs reproduced on heavy paper and a linen cover. It is similar to a photo album. A beautiful book to be added to a photography book collection.