Paris Parfait

On the agenda: Montreuil-sur-Mer

The narrow door isn't crooked, but the window shutter is...Montreuil-sur-Mer, France.

An attic window in a 19th-century house in the city that inspired Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.

A tower at the 10th-century St. Saulve Abbey, at sunrise.

Papyrus and cherubs supporting a fountain.

A residential street lined with lovely homes.

 

Baskets of spring flowers adorn a wall.

 

Today is our anniversary and we are off to the charming city of Montreuil-sur-Mer in Northern France, as well as to England to visit family. Back soon with tales of a brocante; Jane Austen's house; an exhibition and more...

Fields of gold

Tulips and other flowers blooming in a field, Alkmaar, Noord-Holland. Click photo to view detail. And have you ever listened to the late Eva Cassidy's beautiful version of "Fields of Gold?"

Idyllic

A rusted-out rowboat hasn't lost its charm, Edam, the Netherlands.

 

At last it's May and while we had to turn the heating on again last night (and still are wearing sweaters and coats), signs of spring are emerging from hiding. Green buds are appearing on trees and flowers are running riot in the garden. The Mallard ducks that flew to our back door for food - ten nights in a row! - are parading their seven two-day-old ducklings through "our" canal (more about them later).

Later this month, I'll begin work on an intriguing photography project that celebrates Dutch innovation. But first, David and I are off to England to visit family, then to France to toast our anniversary.

Meanwhile, my friend Christine has written a wonderfully poignant essay "Magical thinking" about transitions. And feast your eyes on this simple and creative beauty in Italy. Hope you find your own moments of magic and wonder this weekend!

P.S. Stay tuned for more about those ducks, plus a story about an intrepid nine-year-old girl.

And the celebrations began...

On Tuesday, we avoided the one-million-strong fete in Amsterdam celebrating the new Dutch monarchs King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Instead, David and I visited the fishing harbour of Marken and the charming town perhaps best known for its cheese, Edam. We arrived early, so I could take photographs before before too many people blocked the views.

As always, click photos to view detail.

Much of the village of Marken was draped in banners and bunting.

But the harbour remained untouched...

Children dressed up for the festivities.

A big screen television link was set up for Marken residents to watch Willem-Alexander's investiture.

Several Marken residents wore traditional clothing.

A shop window displayed art honouring the Dutch king.

A little girl in traditional costume rode her bicycle to the town centre.

A flag flew at nearly every house.

Trees are topped with crowns in honour of the new king and queen.

This man wore patriotic orange garden gloves, to match his banner and the flag.

Even the dog wore a bright orange bow tie.

The ubiquitous tulips.

Children in Edam wearing costumes for the grand occasion.

This image reminds me of a queen marching forward with purpose and her lady-in-waiting, following behind her.

Special Queen's/King's Day treats.

In Edam, the local fire department set up a giant spraying hose in the town square, which delighted the children (along with a bouncy castle). In this photograph, the festivities are viewed from the end of a canal, where a lone orange balloon is floating.

Flags line the streets in Edam.

The shadow of an 18th-century bridge in Edam.

A new king and queen

It's a momentous day in the Netherlands and we are all out celebrating.

Some Dutch people are dressed properly for the occasion...

...while the rest of us make do with touches of orange and try to attend as many festivities as possible in one day! Back soon with more photos. (Meanwhile, see more of my photos of the day's events in The Guardian).

Images above taken at Edam and Marken, the Netherlands.

Shining through...

A magical morning: light shining through the clouds at daybreak, Molens van Kinderdijk, Zuid-Holland. Click images to enlarge. All photos © Tara Bradford.

Fog, sea and sand

Seagulls on a foggy day at Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands. Click images to view detail.

North Sea waves roll in, with accompanying fog and mist making the temperature seven degrees cooler than Amsterdam.

A child plays in a tidal pool.

My husband David walks in the distance.

Sand dunes, furrowed by the wind.

Seagrasses line an uphill path leading to more rolling sand dunes.

Here's hoping you and yours enjoy a relaxing weekend!

Photography and a copyright victory

1930s WPA mural, Coit Tower, San Francisco.


On April 15th I wrote about Nikken Europe using my copyrighted photo for advertising and publicity. The company now has accepted that it used my photo without permission, apologised and paid the token compensation fee I requested. Nikken EU also has closed its Pinterest account.

I don't think this matter would have been resolved so readily, if not for the power of the pen (magnified via the internet) and the oxygen of publicity my article received via Twitter, Facebook, Etsy and various photography forums. Thank you for helping spread the word.

This is just one example of an ongoing battle photographers, writers, artists and content creators face to protect our original work. Personally I despise the watermark that defaces my photos (along with another watermark, embedded within the images). But as long as people carelessly cling to the delusion that anything they see on the internet is free for the taking, such (semi)protective measures must remain.

Due to a current Typepad problem of excessive spam, comments are closed beginning May 1st.

The London Marathon

The London Eye, South Bank, London.

Let's go, London! I have no doubt that on Sunday, Olympic hero Mo Farah and thousands of amazing runners from around the world will make us proud. The indominable spirit and strength of these athletes - like their Boston Marathon counterparts - inspire and challenge us all.

The London Eye glimpsed through trees at St. James Park.

“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any length to live longer. But don't think that's the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog and I believe running helps you to do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that's the essence of running, and a metaphor for life..." - Haruki Murakami, What I Talk about when I Talk about Running

St. Paul's Cathedral.

“For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my own level. I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary – or perhaps more like mediocre – level. But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.” - Haruki Murakami, What I Talk about when I Talk about Running

Pity the nation.

Angel, Saint Louis Cathedral, New Orleans.

 

Pity the nation

whose cynical leaders

line their pockets with blood money

and act against the public interest;

no safety for children.

---------------------------

Khalil Gibran's Pity the Nation, 1934:

Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.
Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave,
eats a bread it does not harvest,
and drinks a wine that flows not from its own wine-press.

Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero,
and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.

Pity a nation that despises a passion in its dream,
yet submits in its awakening.

Pity the nation that raises not its voice
save when it walks in a funeral,
boasts not except among its ruins,
and will rebel not save when its neck is laid
between the sword and the block.

Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox,
whose philosopher is a juggler,
and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking.

Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting,
and farewells him with hooting,
only to welcome another with trumpeting again.

Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years
and whose strong men are yet in the cradle.

Pity the nation divided into fragments,
each fragment deeming itself a nation. 

 

And San Francisco's own Lawrence Ferlinghetti's ode to Gibran - in his version of Pity the Nation - is here.

 

Peace. Paix. Paz. Vrede. سلام

This is my photo. I'm reclaiming it, after it was posted, "reblogged" and "pinned" over 10,000 times without permission or credit.

To me, this image taken in November, 2010 at Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal suggests hope for a better world. Each of these flickering flames represents someone's prayers; somebody's hopes; someone's dreams.

One of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing on Monday was eight-year-old Martin Richard, wise beyond his years. His "No more hurting people: Peace" sign is especially poignant in light of his untimely death.

As the late Robert F. Kennedy (himself felled by violence) noted, "All of us might wish at times that we lived in a more tranquil world, but we don't. And if our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity."

Nobel laureate Mohamed el Baradei said that "a durable peace is not a single achievement, but an environment, a process and a commitment." Each of us has a role to play in shaping a more peaceful planet. Rushing to judgment or repeating tired stereotypes ad nauseum advances no one's cause.

An elusive spring and more copyright issues

One of the 19 windmills at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Molens van Kinderdijk, Zuid-Holland. Click photo to view details.

One minute it's grey and cloudy; the next semi-warm and sunny - followed by wind and rain! It's April 16th and the central heating is still on...

Of course there are a few hints of spring in our garden ...

...and orchids have arrived to brighten the gloom.

 

Meanwhile, I'm still battling copyright violations, the latest on Tumblr. I've issued a DMCA takedown notice for my copyrighted photo, which has been posted and reblogged more than 10,000 times - without permission and without credit! I really don't understand this attitude of entitlement that so many people seem to adopt while using the internet. How many times do internet users have to be told that photographs, artwork and articles are not gratis to use however they like??!!

Today a package arrived from Paris, containing the latest addition to my black-and-white photography collection. It's a 1958 photograph by Christian Lemaire; an identical silver nitrate print recently sold at auction for €1,200. Yes, there's a price to be paid for copyrighted photos!

Pinterest encourages its users to take photos from anywhere and everywhere, with its latest initiative: "Did you know you can pin from anywhere on the web, even if you don’t see a Pin It button on the site?" its latest blog post asks. It's no wonder Pinterest users seem confused about copyright, with such mixed messages.

But internet etiquette and copyright law are easy to follow. It's good manners 101: ask permission before using someone else's work. Don't be lazy and grab something you like, without consulting the source and content creator. Otherwise, you may find yourself with multiple copyright infringement strikes against you - or even worse - a lawsuit! Haven't we all learned by now that nothing in life is free??!!

Boston

Thinking of all those affected by the dreadful bomb attacks Monday at the Boston Marathon. Such violence and extremism has no place in society, yet keeps rearing its ugly head in unlikely places. As always, it's the innocents who suffer. So many tragic, heart-breaking stories...

As for those politicians and hucksters trying to push their own agenda via vulnerable victims and their pain - shame on you! And this moron and his insane ramblings ought to be taken off the air, Rupert Murdoch!

In Barcelona, don't forget to look up!

A marble turret and "Juliet" balcony at Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain. All photos © Tara Bradford. Click images to view detail.

Later this week, my daughter will be traveling to Barcelona and Madrid for the first time. She hopes to visit the usual tourist haunts, including Antoni Gaudi-designed houses (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà or La Pedrera) and of course the work-in-progress UNESCO World Heritage site: La Sagrada Familia; Catedral de Barcelona, etc. I suggested Jordana "look up" at the architectural gems comprising the Barcelona skyline, as well as the artistic attention to detail lavished on many "ordinary" buildings. No doubt she will discover her own hidden gems.

These photographs are from my last trip to Barcelona. A "wedding cake" cupola centers a grand building on Passeig de Gràcia.

A 19th-century zinc decorative weather vane on a grey, cloudy day.

On a sunny day with blue skies, this cupola topped with an eagle and a winged figure caught my attention.

A bird pauses on an ornate post.

Hand-cut stone and a door appliqued with bronze flowers.

A colourful mosaic above an entranceway.

Handcarved flowers enhance a building's exterior.

Similar carved flowers adorn this facade with Art Nouveau balcony grillwork.

Elaborate plaster carving, wrought-iron grillwork and antique azuelos give this building a striking appeal.

Corner focus

My friend Gabrielle lives in a gorgeous renovated chateau near Versailles, France. This is just one elegant corner of her home, which is filled with character and an artful blend of modern items with antiques. I'll be photographing her chateau soon for a magazine feature.



Gabrielle is a former antiques dealer, with superb styling skills. The coral on a Napoleon III stand was a gift from me. The nacre fish inside the antique globe is from the same period. The framed 19th-century plant examples are from a French pharmacy.

The new reality, thanks to Pinterest

Photos in Bhaktapur, Nepal © Tara Bradford. Click to view detail (and - alas - the distracting signature).

After yesterday's post about Pinterest, I've discovered numerous instances of my Nepal photos (and others) pinned without permission. In none of these examples was I credited as the photographer, nor did any "pins" or "re-pins" link to my photography website or blog. Instead I found many "uploaded by user" instances, with no link to the original source.

Sadly, it appears the new reality - thanks to Pinterest and too many thoughtless users - must include a hidden watermark and big signature scrawled across the middle of every photo. It's disappointing that such action appears necessary, to help guard against copyright infringement.

From my observations over the past 15 months or so, copyright infringement is rampant on Pinterest. And many, many Pinterest users could care less. They pay attention only when Pinterest issues a "strike" against them for violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Don't let that happen to you! Please ask permission before pinning someone else's photos. If that seems like too much effort, try to imagine how much work went into creating that photo or artwork you've admired enough to pin. Better yet, create original work of your own and "pin" that to Pinterest boards!

Meanwhile, this tongue-in-cheek piece about Pinterest is food for thought. Bon weekend les tous!

P.S. This short video should make you smile. It makes me happy to be living in a country with such creative and imaginative thinkers.

About Pinterest: An open letter to my readers

It's not you; it's Pinterest. I've written a few posts about Pinterest, photography and copyright infringement. I've written about why I don't want even one of my photos on Pinterest. Yet few people seem to be paying attention. Within the past 18 hours, I've had to issue Digital Millennium Copyright Act (copyright infringement) notices for each and every photo which appear in the 19 screen shots (below) and more. This tedious process required hours of my time and effort.

While linking to each instance of my copyrighted photos - used without permission - I discovered that in numerous cases, credit for my work was claimed by naturaldetails.tumblr.com and midnightcurls.tumblr.com.  Other Tumblr accounts also claimed credit for my work. In other instances, no source was provided. In still another example, a photograph of lit candles in Nepal erroneously was referred to as India and repinned over 150 times! (I had to provide each of those 150+ links that I could find to Pinterest, to have them removed). (And on Tumblr itself, this image has been reblogged over 10,000 times, with no credit to me).

One of my copyrighted photos pinned without permission was taken from a book already published. Two other copyrighted photos which are appearing in books later this year also were "pinned. And photos taken from a book that I publicized on my blog were listed under my name.

I am not interested in negatively impacting Pinterest's business. I am trying to prevent my original work from losing its value by being pinned (and uncredited) numerous times on multiple Pinterest boards, amidst groupings of dubious quality and origin. Pinterest is a big company with massive funding and I am one small business owner, simply trying to protect my livelihood. I receive no benefit whatsoever from my photography appearing on Pinterest. Quite the contrary: it costs me time and money trying to combat hundreds of copyright violations!

I've deleted my Flickr, Tumblr and 500 px accounts to stop my photos from being pinned on Pinterest. After seven years of blogging, must I stop that too?

I urge all you Pinterest fans to act responsibly and seek permission from the photo source before you pin. Would you want someone else appropriating your work without permission??!!

Click to view screenshots in detail.

Further reading:

Picture this

Has it come to this??!!

The continuing saga of keeping my photos off Pinterest

Swans swimming

Swans swimming in "our" canal, April 5, 2013. Click images to view detail.


All photos © Tara Bradford.

Observing Easter

An exterior section of Antonio Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Basilica, Barcelona, Spain. Click to view detail.


A "portal of the angel" street in Barcelona.


“None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have faith.” - Paulo Coelho, Brida.


“There are only three great puzzles in the world: the puzzle of love, the puzzle of death and - between each of these and part of both of them - the puzzle of God. God is the greatest puzzle of all.” - Niall Williams


“The longer I live, the more uninformed I feel. Only the young have an explanation for everything.” - Isabel Allende

Greetings from the Netherlands! On this Good Friday, the sun has made brief appearances, but now it's snowing! Seems more of this endless Northern European winter awaits, no matter the calendar.

Hope you and yours have the happiest of Easter celebrations, with hints of glorious spring!

Has it come to this??!!

Nearly every day I find numerous instances of my copyrighted photos "pinned" on Pinterest without permission. One photo had been "repinned" 43 times! Even worse, numerous images that have nothing to do with me are erroneously listed under my blog's domain name. And a British company hijacked my photograph found on Pinterest - therefore in their perception, free - for an advertising/promotional campaign.

I installed the "do not pin" code on my website and deleted my 500px and Tumblr accounts because I couldn't stop photo theft. And in a series of conversations, I've asked Pinterest to block all incoming images linked to my domain names and do a better job informing its users of copyright issues. At the top of my blog's sidebar I specifically request that my photos not be copied or "pinned." I've written several blog posts about why I do not want even a single photo on Pinterest, a site for which I receive no benefit whatsoever. Yet still this problem persists. Am I going to have to plaster every photo with "Do not pin" and/or a copyright notice??!!

Not that you'd notice with all the annoying "Do not pin" reminders, but this is a photo of a 19th-century door with a copper Arts & Crafts letterplate in Sevilla, Spain.

Echoes

The Audubon Room, rue Dauphine, French quarter, New Orleans © Tara Bradford. Click to view detail.

The architecture, the car, the history: echoes of another era...

"Really, each era has its own false nostalgia. We all put a picket fence up around something. For my generation it was the '50s and for other generations it will be something else. Change is scary for everyone, as is complexity, contradiction and an uncertain future." - Gary Ross, film director

Somewhere it's spring...

...but not here and not now. Bone-chilling winds still rattle the windows, blow open the letter flap in our front door and snap branches off trees. But at least we don't have snow at the moment...

I'm tired of winter; tired of hospitals and doctors' offices and exhausted from stress. I'm increasingly exasperated at the amount of time and effort required to address multiple instances of copyright infringement and photo theft. As though it's not enough that every week dozens of my photographs continue to be "pinned" on Pinterest against my wishes, a British company has used my photo in an advertising/promotional campaign! Such thoughtless behaviour and lack of respect for other people's work is trying my patience and good will. Consequently, I'm finding it difficult to remain enthusiastic about blogging or social media.

No doubt my usual optimism will prevail, as the ice melts and spring blossoms appear. Meanwhile, I've filled our salon with cymbidium orchids and odd plants. I'm reading Linda Gordon's book Dorothea Lange: A Life beyond Limits and planning household renovations. I'm also working on a photo project and mapping out travel later this year. So the moody blues soon will be banished!

Wherever you are, hope you find some signs of seasonal renewal to brighten your day.

Photo of a shepherd tending his flock in Madaba, Jordan, © Tara Bradford.

Trésor parfait

Gold pendant, found in a 1920s sewing chest from a Paris atelier. Photo © Tara Bradford from the photographic series Trésor parfait.

 

If you're in Paris later this month, you'll have the chance to find your own perfect treasure. My favourite brocante at Chatou begins March 15th and continues daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through March 24th.

The 86th Foire Nationale aux Antiquites a la Brocante et Produits du Terroir (affectionately known as "the Brocante and Ham Fair") is a popular showcase for more than 800 vendors offering many of France's much-admired antique and vintage furniture, housewares, art and decorative items and curiosities. You'll also find delicious hams and other treats to take home.

Be sure and visit my friend Blandine Bavoux's Jolie Trouvaille stand at 8 rue de la Gaite. She has fantastic enamel coffeepots, tiffins and other vintage delights to add charm and character to your home. My own kitchen has quite a few of Blandine's cherished collectibles.

Tickets for Chatou are available at the gate. From Charles de Gaulle Etoile metro, take the RER A1 train (direction Saint-Germain-en-Laye) to Rueil-Malmaison or Chatou-Croissy. For the latter, follow the signs at the exit and walk across the bridge to Ile de Chatou. Or, if you exit the station at Rueil-Malmaison, a petit train will take you by land to the main entrance at Pont de Chatou.

Hoppy hunting! If you're traveling and can't attend this event, you'll have another opportunity this fall. The 87th Brocante and Ham Fair is scheduled September 27th through October 6th.

The continuing saga of keeping photos off Pinterest

Once again, there are dozens and dozens of my photographs on Pinterest, all pinned without permission. What part of "DO NOT PIN" do people not understand??!! On this blog and on Twitter, I've written several pieces/tweets about why I do not want my work on Pinterest. It is annoying - not to mention time-consuming - to provide individual links for every single photo pinned without permission, so that Pinterest will remove them.

I realise that most people probably "pin" my photos with the best of intentions; they don't realise they're violating photo copyright (although as I've said before, Pinterest needs to do a better job of educating its users about copyright). But one photo I found today on Pinterest proved an exception to the "pin without malice" theory. The woman who pinned this particular photo knew full well she did not have my permission - but she did it anyway.

This woman is neither a photographer nor a lawyer, yet seems to consider herself an expert on copyright issues. I don't "follow" her on Twitter, but a few weeks ago, she started sending me messages about photography copyright. (Why she singled me out, I have no idea). She was remarkably ill-informed and over the course of a few days, I tried to have a polite and civil exchange with her. Finally I had to block her, as she wasn't interested in reason or actual facts about copyright.

Today I discovered this woman defiantly "pinned" one of my Paris photos (see screenshot below), knowing she had no right. Beneath my photograph, her caption read, "The photographer who took this photograph does not OWN this street or any of the buildings on it." Uh, no, but I DO own the copyright to the photo. And you, Ms. So-and-So (I'm too polite to publicly shame you) are violating copyright law!

I have reported her to Pinterest. And I'm confident that Pinterest will remove that copyrighted photo, as well as all the others pinned without permission.

But please, please, please, all you fans of Pinterest, think before you "pin." If you don't know the original source of the photo, don't use it! Ask permission before using someone else's work. Wouldn't you expect the same courtesy if someone wished to post your work on a free-for-all public site??

Scroll down the page for another post today.

Documentary photography: keeping it real.

This man in Bhaktapur, Nepal was creating pottery in an unlit alcove when I spoke to him and he glanced at me. It was at that moment I snapped the picture. I didn't stage the photo; he was simply doing his work when I came along and photographed him. It wasn't a set-up shot, designed to look like a man creating pottery. (Of course I asked permission to use the photo, after I'd taken it).

Documentary photography involves chronicling reality. Yet one of the biggest names in the business sparked controversy last week when it was discovered he staged a prize-winning photo and plagiarised the caption. At best, this is careless journalism. At worst, it's unethical and shows a reckless disregard for the subject of the photo, as well as for the integrity of the story being reported.

These days, with manipulation and spin too often obscuring hard facts, it's getting more and more difficult to determine the truth. If a talented documentary photographer with a string of awards chooses to stage a photo to illustrate an idea - without identifying it as staged -  one has to wonder when blurring the lines between fact and fiction became acceptable - and even applauded - in photojournalism.

Read more about the controversy:

Prize-winning photos and lingering questions

Mostly true

A prize-winning ethics lesson

Photo © Tara Bradford. Click to view detail.

Illusions of time

Remnants of fallen empires, the Citadel, Amman, Jordan. Photo © Tara Bradford. Click to view detail.



"...I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire...I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won...The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools." - William Faulkner, The Sound and the Fury

Nature's signs

On this freezing cold weekend, winter's last gasp...


Spring's first sigh...

Green for all seasons.

Scroll down the page for a post about climate change.

Climate change is happening, despite politicians' denials

Have you seen the BBC production of "The Polar Bear Family and Me?" All politicians and climate change skeptics should watch this fascinating three-part documentary.  Marked disruptions in animals' natural habitat - and thus their ability to breed and survive - illustrate what scientists have long proclaimed: our climate is changing - and not for the better.

Most of us already take steps daily to help protect the environment, including recycling, conserving energy and electricity and trying to reduce our carbon footprint by taking public transportation, lowering automobile emissions, etc. Read about further measures each of us can take to reduce the impact of climate change.

The graphic below shows how climate change is damaging the earth and affecting all of us, no matter where we live. I think it should have mentioned China, apparently in a race with the US to claim the title of the world's biggest polluter. And the graphic over-simplifies some complex issues, while ignoring others. But in general, the graphic does a good job highlighting major problems resulting from climate change.

For further reading, The Guardian produces an excellent ongoing series of articles about climate change developments. NASA also publishes articles about climate change's effects on "vital signs" of our increasingly-fragile environment.

Graphic courtesy of Learnstuff.com.

Uneasy lies the head...

"...Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." - William Shakespeare, Henry IV.

 

Antique French Madonna crown from my private collection, now available at the Paris Parfait etsy shop.

A photograph as memory

Child in a Nepali village, photo © Tara Bradford. Click to enlarge.

“I want you always to remember me. Will you remember that I existed and that I stood next to you here like this?” - Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

It's not all hearts and flowers...

 

I've been thinking about St. Valentine's Day; how commercialized it's become and how it may seem fraught for individuals who aren't part of a couple or in a committed relationship.  Yet I defy you to show me one person who isn't in a relationship involving care and concern for each other. And that's the sentiment that infuses Valentine's Day - love! It doesn't have to be romantic love to count, contrary to what the marketing mavens would have us believe. Roses and chocolates don't have to play a part.

Birds of paradise, Kathmandu, Nepal.

For Valentine's Day, I've taken spring bulbs and flowers to my neighbours who shoveled the snow while my husband was in hospital and to friends who have been incredibly kind and helpful since we moved here.

David and I will spend Valentine's Day at the hospital, where he is having more surgery. We are looking forward to celebrating his improved health soon. After all, that's what really matters: looking after each other. In all our personal relationships, showing love, care and respect for each other on a regular basis means more than hearts and flowers on just one over-promoted holiday per year.

At the florist this morning, a heart-shaped stone had been covered in tiny red rosebuds echoing the heart shape - thus softening the "heart of stone." I asked the florist if Valentine's Day is a big celebration here. "A little bit, but it's not like in the States," she replied. "The Dutch are more cool; more reserved in their emotions."

Whatever your nationality or tendency to wear your heart on your sleeve - even If you aren't feeling the love - these photos may bring a smile to your face.

Laughing Buddha at a monastery in the Himalayas, Nepal.

An effervescent smile, Swayamhunath Temple, Kathmandu.

Young married woman, Bungamati, Nepal.

Happy couple, Bungamati.

However you're spending your day, take time to notice and appreciate the thoughtfulness and consideration of those close to you....and share the love!

Happy Valentine's Day!

All photographs © Tara Bradford.

Persistence

"Study the science of art and the art of science." - Leonardo da Vinci

Imagine the determination, effort and time it took master stone-cutters to create these complex interlocking Islamic symbols at Reales Alcázares de Sevilla. (Click image to view detail).

Did you know that even the artist, inventor and original thinker Leonardo da Vinci was plagued with self-doubt? He overcame such difficult moments through writing affirmations in a notebook. Among them: "Obstacles do not bend me." "Every obstacle is destroyed through rigor." And my personal favourite: "I shall continue."

If you get the chance to visit Château du Clos Lucé - the home in Amboise, France where da Vinci spent the last three years of his life - don't miss it! The chateau contains working models of many of da Vinci's inventions. And there's an underground tunnel leading directly to King Francis's Château d' Amboise, 500 metres away.

Photograph © Tara Bradford.

Birthday greetings

I took this portrait of my niece in May, 2011 when in the U.S. celebrating my dad's 80th birthday.


Wishing the beautiful birthday girl a happy day and fun celebration!

Picture this!

 

Why I don't want my photos "pinned" on Pinterest  

Screenshots taken Wednesday. All these photos are mine, "pinned" without permission.

Many of you are fans of Pinterest and maintain numerous boards containing "pinned" photos you find on the web. But I don't want even one of my photos on Pinterest. Until Wednesday night, there were about 100 of my photos and probably more on Pinterest, all pinned without permission (and a few without credit). Pinterest removed the images after several email exchanges, in which I provided specific links to each individual photo.

Over-exposure is bad for business

I receive no benefit whatsoever from having my photos displayed on Pinterest boards. Contrary to popular belief, Pinterest doesn't drive traffic to my blog or to my website. And I firmly believe that too much exposure is bad for business. If you see the same image 50 times in random places, it begins to lose its impact and financial value.

The internet rapidly is becoming over-saturated with images, making the unusual and exotic seem unremarkable and commonplace. I want to choose the places and publications where my photos appear; I don't want them "pinned" randomly on glorified community bulletin boards, alongside dozens of other images of varying quality.

Section 107 of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) includes this passage examining a factor in determining "fair use" of an individual's work: "...The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work." Accordingly, copyright law provides that the copyright holder decides who uses their images and any fee to be charged.

Yet Pinterest is - by its very nature - undermining respect for copyright protection. And online infringement of copyrighted images appears endemic. This "theft by stealth" undermines the market for legally-licensed images and undercuts fees for professional photography. While Pinterest continues to grow, develop its business model and secure more funding, it needs to do a better job of communicating copyright issues to its (reportedly) 28 million users. And Pinterest users should take heed of its Terms of Service!

Efforts to protect copyright

For over a year I've tried to stop my photos from being "pinned." I reluctantly put Pinterest's "do not pin" code on my blog (akin to locking my door to prevent burglary). I've wasted hours of my time and energy compiling links to every individual photo I can find and providing said links to Pinterest staff, asking the images be removed.

Last weekend I was forced to delete my 500px photography account, as there seemed no foolproof way to stop those images being grabbed for Pinterest. It is unreasonable that I have to spend so much time and effort - and delete a separate showcase for my work - because of multiple instances of copyright infringement on Pinterest.

Since writing my first piece in December, 2011 about copyright issues with Pinterest, the over-use of images on Pinterest, Indulgy and the like prompted my decision to prevent my photos from being used anywhere without permission. Whether you like it or not, pilfering a photo is the same principle as swiping a record or grabbing someone's manuscript. It's my original work - not yours - and you don't get to decide what to do with it.

I wouldn't presume to visit your office (virtual or real) and remove something from your desk for my personal use. I wouldn't take the play you've written or the dress you've designed and use them however I like. That would be stealing! So why do so many people stubbornly cling to the misguided notion that if a photograph is posted on the internet, it's free??!!

Google aggregation of images

Of course it's not just Pinterest at fault for pushing photographers to be ever-vigilant about unfair use of images. Despite lawsuits by photographers' groups, Google's search engine grabs images from blogs in scaled down "thumbnail" size, then links to them full size, with the tiny disclaimer tagline "Image may be subject to copyright."

In the Perfect 10, Inc. vs Amazon.com, Inc. and Perfect 10, Inc., vs. Google cases, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that scaled/thumbnail images used in a Google Image search engine constituted fair use. The court said that Google transformed the images from "a use of entertainment and artistic expression to one of retrieving information," citing the similar case Kelly v. Arriba Soft Corporation. 

Unlike Pinterest, Google lacks ability to scrutinize its content. Pinterest's control over its own content makes it responsible for monitoring copyright infringement - particularly as photos  copied are a "mirror image" of the original copyrighted photographs. Under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, this is not considered fair use!

"Copyright law protects the fruits of creative efforts, called "original works of authorship" in legal terminology. A copyright owner enjoys the exclusive right to reproduce the work, distribute it, display or perform it and to create derivative works from it, as well as the ability to transfer any or all of these rights. Copyright protection generally lasts for 70 years beyond the death of the original author. Copyright's purpose is to stimulate the production of creative works by giving authors a financial incentive to create new works. Examples of copyrightable works include blog posts, photographs, videos, podcasts, news articles, musical compositions and computer software." - The Citizen Media Law Project

Every time I search - here on a Paris board - I find more of my photos.  

My Marie-Antoinette-related photos were "pinned" on at least three Pinterest boards.

Some images "pinned" from my 500px account; sadly, I was forced to delete it, due to rampant Pinterest "pins."

This "pinner" gave someone else credit, even though my watermark is clearly visible on the photo. Ask permission before you "pin" someone else's photo. It's a small courtesy that can save all concerned from future legal problems.

Perspective

Today I had to disappoint a publisher's assistant, who asked me to read a novel the company is about to publish. To put it politely, the book seems meant for those with a romanticised view of Paris, who seldom - if ever - travel. Probably the book will be released to reasonable success, but only to a limited audience, in my view. In good conscience, I couldn't recommend the book, but telling her that made me feel bad. It's my Southern upbringing and focus on good manners: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

Speaking of manners, for purchases made from my online shop, I always include a little gift. I've noticed that less than five percent of recipients even bother to acknowledge this little extra, much less thank me. Seems good manners are falling by the wayside in a world of increasingly short attention spans.

When clearing out books in my office, I came across a hefty volume on Middle East peace, given to me when I first started out as a reporter at the United Nations. The book is signed by most of the principal players in the conflict. Sadly, all but one are now dead, without seeing their dream realised. And it seems the peace process is dead as well. So in disgust, I threw the book in the recycle bin.

I felt upset, as today has proved to be one quiet disappointment after another. I started looking through my photo files, hoping to find something to lift my mood. And I came across these examples of exquisite craftsmanship at Reales Alcázares de Sevilla. Centuries ago, artists took the trouble to create extraordinarily beautiful works of art, often in obscure places that few people bothered to look (i.e. the ceiling in a corridor, above).

Hand-painted intricate tiles (top photo) were applied to a wood base that's today riddled with woodworm. But the room is still standing, despite the centuries that have passed and the ever-changing occupants of the palace. As a World Heritage site, it just needs a little maintenance and no doubt will last for more centuries yet.

So maybe the Middle East peace process isn't dead, but temporarily stalled. Maybe I'm wrong about that publisher's book and it will entertain many readers and bring both author and publisher success.

(And maybe, just maybe I will stop obsessing over things that I can't control. One can only hope)!

Little Treasures Made by Hand

Have you heard about my friend Pia Jane Bijkerk's latest book project Little Treasures Made by Hand? Learn how you can participate here.  I own three of Pia's books; all are beautifully-photographed and packed full of information and delightful stories. If you're not familiar with Pia's lovely books or her fabulous blog, you're in for a treat!

As always, click photos to view detail.

Hello February!

Thankfully, the ice and snow melted this week, replaced by grey skies and rain. But February brings us one month closer to spring - at which time more house renovations will commence.

The steam engine zinc weathervane once graced the roof of a Paris chateau. The vintage metal train on the windowsill also is French. This is the view from the second-floor "Light Room," so named because of the Cecilie Manz-designed Caravaggio lights that dominate the small space. At some point we'll probably knock down the wall between the "Light Room" and my office, creating one large room.

When the Caravaggio lights arrived from Denmark, it was obvious I had underestimated their size. So I bought a Dutch vintage industrial table and the room now serves as a small media library/workspace. The 1930s French mercantile cabinet holds DVDs.

My collection of art and pottery from Santa Fe also is in this room. Sadly, part of it "went missing" in the move from Paris. The chairs and stool are vintage Tolix. Six of the chairs (only two are pictured) are from the Pauchard family's private collection and marked VA for "Villa Autun," their home in Burgundy, France.

The "Louis Louis" desk chair in my office was a gift from my talented friend Di Overton (check out her stylish creations at Ghost Furniture). The black-and-white Paris images are by photographer Peter Turnley.



This is a portion of my office (the linoleum floor both here and in the "Light Room" has to go! We're still considering alternatives). The 30-drawer chest painted in Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe, was handmade by Luke Ellis of Kent & London in Whitstable, England. The chest holds my cameras and photography gear. The vintage French chest next to it stores office supplies.

The zinc ART letters atop the tall chest were found at a Paris brocante. The "City Sunday" magazine racks are from Finnish Design Shop in Helsinki. And a Napoleon III chair holds books and a favourite photograph taken at Reales Alcázares de Sevilla.

Now to replace those floors! Any ideas for something hard-wearing and low-maintenance? Do tell!

The seven-year itch

Image of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe - who starred in the 1955 Billy Wilder film "The Seven Year Itch" - from fanpop.com.

No, it's not what you think. Today I'm celebrating seven years of blogging: 2,365 posts! That's a lot of words and images. Along the way I've made some wonderful friends. Blogging also reignited my work as a photographer, after years of focusing solely on writing.

Blogging has changed tremendously in the seven years since I began Paris Parfait. Within the past couple of years, I've noticed more and more "copycat" or sponsored articles and less original content - which defeats the whole purpose of blogging, in my view.

I am a rebel: I don't want to follow trends; host gimmicky giveaways or publish someone else's articles promoting a product or event. To me, that's advertising. And the only ads you'll see on my blog are restricted to the sidebar. Those few ads bring in just about enough revenue to cover annual blog-hosting fees.

Readers may come and go, but this space will remain my original work (with the rare exception, i.e. the photo above). I'll continue to tell stories, whether through words, images or both. I'll keep writing about people, places and things that interest me. I'll continue to post my own photographs and voice my opinions on issues that matter.

I'll continue to welcome your comments, exchanges of ideas and constructive criticism. But I won't try to be something I'm not, no matter how an increasingly profit-driven blogosphere may evolve. I believe that in the long run, individuality, creativity and critical thinking always triumph over flash-in-a-pan fads.

Thank you for your loyal readership and support these past seven years. You've made such a positive impact on my life, for which I will be forever grateful. I hope you'll continue to be entertained, informed and/or challenged when visiting here.

 

Hopeful.

 

Prayers and offerings, Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal. Click photo to view detail.

Optimism

 

"More and more I have come to admire resilience.

 

Not the simple resistance of a pillow, whose foam

 

returns over and over to the same shape, but the sinuous

 

tenacity of a tree: finding the light newly blocked on one side,

 

it turns in another. A blind intelligence, true.

 

But out of such persistence arose turtles, rivers,

 

mitochondria, figs -- all this resinous, unretractable earth."

                                                                           - Jane Hirshfield

Terms of service: Why we should pay attention

Aventurine stones, an antique French iron door knocker and glass negatives circa 1906 on my office windowsill. Aventurines are said to be lucky talismans for travelers and who am I to argue?!


Terms of service: that annoying, but oh so important fine print that we agree to with all social media usage. Yet how many of us don't bother even reading the TOS? One of my partners-in-vigilance when it comes to copyright and other intellectual property rights is Alexandra of Alexandra Wrote. She contacted me last year when I wrote about copyright issues on Pinterest (whose staff addressed my concerns).*  So I was delighted to see Alexandra's take on Vine, the new six-second blink-and-you'll-miss-it video service.

Alexandra points out that by agreeing to Vine's TOS, you're basically relinquishing all rights to your own videos. Read her excellent post here. And check out Alexandra's informative If Emily Posted series on intellectual property.

A king for the Netherlands

Here in the Netherlands, the media's buzzing with news that Queen Beatrix is abdicating the throne in favour of her son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander. The prince officially will become king on Queen's Day, April 30th. Years ago when living in New York, I met the prince - who was then just 14 - at a summer house party in Connecticut. He was accompanying family friends, who owned property on New York's Madison Avenue. At the time, I never dreamed I'd be living in the Netherlands when Willem becomes king!

*That being said, I just found multiple instances of my photographs being pinned on Pinterest without permission. I have again contacted Pinterest asking for that my images - often uncredited - be removed. 

Icons

Images of iconic musicians painted on a doorway in Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

 

If you're interested in American history or photography, you probably are aware of Edward S. Curtis's astonishing images of Native American tribes. His compelling photographic odyssey captured a rapidly-vanishing way of life for Indian tribes in the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Many Indians referred to Curtis (1868 - 1952) as "the Shadow Catcher."

His vast body of work was lauded by President Teddy Roosevelt and financially supported by JP Morgan. Curtis's photographs are enshrined in the Library of Congress archives, as well as the Smithsonian and other museums, universities and private collections around the world. More than 60 years after his death, Edward Curtis's remarkable photographs continue to educate and enthrall.

Recently, I had the pleasure to become accquainted with James, author of the delightful blog The Cavender Diary. We share an enthusiasm for Edward Curtis's photographs. When James found out an Edward Curtis self-portrait was up for grabs, the quest was on... Read more at The Cavender Diary about how you, too can own an Edward Curtis photograph. And check out James and Jamie's stylish home!

You also may enjoy reading Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher by Timothy Egan.

P.S. Have you seen the fascinating documentary Five Broken Cameras? It's nominated for an Oscar and if you want to know more about the Palesinian-Israeli confict from the perspective of both sides (it's an Israeli/Palestinian co-production) Five Broken Cameras is enlightening.

Collected.

"...the home should be a collected assemblage of treasures meaningful to the homeowner. ...better to have an empty room than an instant room. Forgo the immediate and embrace the lasting." - Darryl Carter, author of The Collected Home.



That being said, for the past two years I've been on a mission to cull my collections - amassed mostly during my travels abroad and while living in Paris - and keeping only sentimental and favourite things. Our house is three floors, but like most Dutch canal houses, it's not very wide and stairwells take up considerable space.



More pictures of areas of our eclectic salon/living/dining room. Our home really isn't decorated in a formal sense; I've simply arranged and displayed collections.



"An environment should reflect the homeowner and not the hand of a designer." - Darryl Carter.



Minimalism just doesn't work for me. I've found too many treasures!



Thank you for the good wishes for my husband, who quite unexpectedly needed surgery this week. Thankfully, he is recuperating and feeling better.