Recommended: Paris Views by Gail Albert Halaban

Earlier this week I listened to Valérie Jardin’s Street Focus podcast with her interview of Gail Albert Halaban, author of Paris Views. Valérie’s weekly podcast is one of my favorites in the photography genre – and this episode was extra special as the two of them explored Gail’s work shooting neighborhood scenes – into neighbor’s windows – with Gail shooting with the permission of both sides. After listening to the podcast, I checked out Gail’s website and some of her other work.

After listening and then looking at Gail’s work, I checked out Gail’s website and some of her other work and then ordered a copy of Paris Views – which arrived today. It’s a stunner!

I’ve bought a lot of photography books over the last few years – but this one was different. All too often, I flip through the pages quickly – just scanning for interesting composition, light, gesture – and put the book away for future reference.

With Paris Views, I slowed down – each of her images makes you just want to see and explore the details. The book is beautifully printed by her publisher Aperture and you find yourself just wanting to spend time – taking the time to see what she’s captured.

Gail’s created a wonderful body of work with Paris Views – and a beautiful book with wonderful views with the light, textures, and people of Paris.

Gail’s new project is called “Meet Your Neighbor” – she writes: “I photograph from one window to another with the consent of both parties. I am doing this all over the world.” Maybe you’d like to participate?

If you want to explore Paris street photography, I highly recommend spending a week on the streets of Paris with Valérie. I spent a very special week with her and a great group of colleagues last fall – doesn’t get much better! Here’s my album of images from that trip. Check out her Paris workshop schedule.