Photographer captures passion of Paris

By Elina Fuhrman

There is something distinctively soulful and romantic about Paris. No matter how much I travel I find myself longing to be back in the City of Light. From the first time I wandered the Champs-Élysées on Valentine’s Day in 1993 until a recent visit in October, my heart cannot but leap at the sight of romance on every corner, embracing me like a long-lost love returned home. Each time I visit, I discover a new street, a new boutique or a new bistro, but I mainly like observing people. A hug, a laugh, an attitude can be illuminating.

I still can’t decide whether kissing in public is a French thing, or just something you feel like doing more of in France. Either way, passion comes easy no matter where you stroll, whether along the Seine that winds through the heart of the city, or beneath its arches and monuments — like awnings to the brightness that drenches the city, even on a rainy day.

I feel passion in everything in Paris. Passion for beauty, passion for style, passion for food. People just love this city and I can really see what they love about it.But mostly I see how living life’s everyday moments to its fullest creates a vibe of its own. Paris is full of these spirits and all of its spaces and coveted places are just a stage for the art of living.

The photographs I chose are simply pictures I like. I hope they inspire you to travel to Paris and discover its beauty on your own. And if you end up falling in love with the city, pick up a camera and look through its lens.

Related Orbitz resources:

• Paris hotels

Elina Fuhrman is an intrepid traveler based in Los Angeles. She grew up in Russia but knew before she was 10  years old that she would spend her life exploring the world.  She is now a contributing editor to Travelgirl and JEZEBEL magazines. Her work has appearedon CNN, in The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Conde Nast Traveler, InStyle and other publications.  Fuhrman’s photos often accompany her stories. To see more, visit her website www.elinafuhrman.com.

Tagged: Europe, Photo essay