Paris Blue at Place Vendome, Iconic Obelisk, Elegant Blue Doors with Symmetrical Boxwood Greenery, Paris, France Photo Blend

Paris Blue at Place Vendome, Iconic Obelisk, Elegant Blue Doors with Symmetrical Boxwood Greenery, Paris, France Photo Blend

It was a chilly September morning, still pitch black. I had gotten up before 5 am to ensure I would catch the last bit of darkness at the Place Vendome.

I was thrilled to have been commissioned to take a photo of a Parisian monument not too far from the place Madelaine for an office . The photo was if possible, to contain a blue colour to match the impeccable office decor and it was to showcase my unique style. I was going to do my best !

To be honest, I wasn't sure how I could incorporate the stunning shade of blue I had in my mind with a momument. Which one should I choose ? Knowing I am creative and resourceful, I thought I would try my luck the following Sunday at the Place Vendome, with its beautiful greenish copper detail which I had photographed before.

It was a rocky start that morning, as I overslept and nervously watched the clock as I raced to the centre of Paris from the suburbs. I needed to be set-up before blue hour started!

The serenity of the morning met me when I arrived, I smiled, but I was still racing the clock, I needed to quickly decide where I would set-up my tripod. Looking around, I realised the best place seemed to be in the middle of the street ! Although there were cars already at this ungodly Sunday morning hour, there was a painted median I felt I would be safe in. Or would I?

Quickly I was attached my camera to my platypod, allowing me to capture an interesting angle. I was shooting various exposures, trying different settings, looking for "that perfect shot" as blue hour approached. Maybe the colour of the sky would give me THAT colour. A driver slowed down and said "brao Madame" as he passed me, half a metre from my set-up and at that point I knew that at the very least I was having fun. Blue hour came and went, the sun was starting to come up and I decided to wander closer to the obelisk and capture some of the greenish detail. Perhaps I could incorporate that somehow ? I tried shot after shot, but it was already morning light and I wasn't happy with what I was seeing in photos. I turned in the direction of The Ritz - and then I saw them. Those gorgeous blue, elegant tall Parisian doors, framed with perfectly trimmed boxwood. With a grin on my face and that inner knowing that I had found THE BLUE, I started taking more photos. The pieces of the puzzle had come together.

Within a few hours, while walking in the Tuileries gardens it hit me - I would blend the 2 photos and use black and white for the monument. It would show my creativity, my style AND fulfill the criteria of the commission! I was thrilled. I had met my challenge!