Franco File Friday: Kirsten Alana

When I look at my blog over the last year and a half, I’m astounded by how much my photos have evolved and gained importance to what I write. My interest in photography grows daily and with continued practice, I think I’m improving. I have begun to see my surroundings differently, take greater pleasure in observing people (which Winston says is reflected in many of my latest photos) and capture moments I might have otherwise let slip my memory. Because of this, I’ve corresponded with several photographers who call Paris their muse and had the opportunity to meet one of them for a drink on (no surprise here) rue Montorgueil back in March.

It was Andi Perullo of My Beautiful Adventures that told me Kirsten Alana would be in Paris for a couple of weeks and that we had meet. She was absolutely right – within minutes, I felt Kirsten and I were old friends, picking up where life and obligation forced us to leave off. A travel photographer with an unbridled love for Paris, Kirsten spent two weeks wandering aimlessly through the city, engaging with locals and snapping photos for her portfolio and blog. After seeing her work and learning about her passion for travel and all things French, I knew she’d be great for this series. Wave hello to Kirsten and read on…{all photos by Kirsten}

Describe what you love most about France in three words.

Everything is beautiful.

What do you think France offers that other international cities lack?

Paris seems to have a deep commitment to having a lot of ornate public spaces and buildings, abundantly more than other cities. This isn’t a city that tears down and rebuilds spaces which have grown obsolete. Instead, they adapt them, improve them and cherish their history. Walking through Paris I discovered I could hardly throw a stone without hitting a public park or neighborhood garden. The shocking thing, too, is how well preserved Paris is. This is a city that I thought had been ravaged by world wars and revolutions and yet on every level seems to have defied war and revolutionary change. If I am not mistaken, the oldest house in Paris dates from 1407 and still exists? How many other cities in Europe can boast that?

Most inspiring neighborhood to photograph?

Les Halles – because of the incredible juxtaposition between modern and old (take L’église Saint-Eustache and Forum des Halles sandwiched almost on top of one another). It’s a neighborhood in which everywhere you turn offers incredible things to photograph. Additionally, its under construction right now and even the evidence of change is beautiful in its own way. I love that the French use colors like yellow and green for their construction, instead of the garish orange that we tend to use in the states.

What did you discover in Paris for the first time that you had to bring back to the States with you?

I never enjoyed macarons in the States. When I visited Ladurée in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (thanks to the recommendation of my friend Jen), I fell in love with this distinctly Parisian confection. If I could have afforded it, I might have brought the whole shop back. Instead, I brought a box!

Favorite French film and/or novel?

I really adore the film simply called “Paris” with Romain Duris and Juliette Binoche. It’s sad; it’s passionate. Yet, now that I’ve visited Paris I feel it really captures the city in a way some of the other films I have seen are not able to. I also love “Before Sunset“, which is the sequel to “Before Sunrise” but unlike the earlier movie set in Vienna, it’s set in Paris! It’s a love letter to the City of Light in some ways and a tribute to her in others.