Paris Parfait

Thankful

Lighting candles, Bungamati, Nepal.

 

Gratitude for an abundance of blessings: Happy Thanksgiving!

The sadu at Pashupatinah

A sadu, or holy man sits on temple steps in Pashupatinah, Nepal. The sadu are devout followers of Shiva, the Hindu god viewed as both destroyer and creator. Some sadu are constantly covered in sackcloth and ashes.

This man had a wonderful smile and gentle nature and seemed genuine. Locals say some sadu are society drop-outs, rather than religious men. The imitators pose for tourist photos, in exchange for money.

These two holy men have dreadlocks down to their feet and beyond. Click photos to view detail.

The 17th-century Pashupatinah Temple - the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu -  has UNESCO World Heritage protection. The sacred site sits on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Sackcloth and ashes.

This man's long dreadlocks are wound into a giant bun on the side of his head.

This man covered in ash appeared to be a loner, isolated from the other sadu.

Check back soon for more of my images and stories from Nepal.

All images copyright Tara Bradford.

Adventure-bound

Stacks of vintage leather luggage at a recent brocante at Chatou, France.

Am off to Delhi and Kathmandu (with considerably less luggage than pictured). It's my first trip to Asia, so I'm expecting quite the adventure! All being well, back soon with stories and photos.

Minus the sun

Sign on shop door, Delft, Holland, loosely translated to "But where is the sun?" That's certainly the question in Paris today, which is dark, rainy and cold.

17th-century buildings and trees reflected in a canal, Delft.

Swans seeking sustenance.

The same canal, a bridge and bikes.

Bikes lined up along another canal in Delft.

No matter the weather in your part of the world, hope your Sunday is lovely!

P.S. If you're a fan of photography and film, you might like The new golden age of documentary. And if you're American - or just interested in the nation's trajectory - this is a sobering read.

Salon de la Photo 2010

A French photographer demonstrates photo techniques Friday at Sony's space at Salon de la Photo, Paris. Among photographers participating at Sony events were Reza, Tom Stoddart, Kevin Abosch, sports photographer Eric Baledent, nature and wildlife photographer Cedric Chassagne and Remi Chapeaublanc.

I heard Kevin Abosch talk about his portrait work. He said he hopes that when people look at his images, they recognise something within themselves...not in a melancholic way, but in our shared sense of fragility.

Using a reflector at Sony.

Nikon.

Canon.

Canon. As evidenced by the pictures, the majority of French photographers are men.

Leica.

Art piece by Gilles Ouaki for Leica:  "Cherchez le petite etoile rouge, elle est verte," Paris 2010. ("Searching for the little red star; she is green)."

A vintage Leica.

An exhibition of Willy Rizzo's photographs includes his portrait of French actress Catherine Deneuve.

Clocks, balloons and greenery over the crowds at Salon de la Photo, Pavilion 4 at Porte de Versailles. The event continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 8th. Tickets are available at the door.

All images shot with the little mirrorless Sony Nex-5 with an 18-55 mm F 3.5-5.6 zoom lens.