The Crown of Paris

Behind the Photograph

Visiting Paris for the first time, everything felt so fresh that it could easily result in just a commemorative souvenir photo. However, as a photographer, the real pleasure lies in finding features that uniquely represent the city, or exploring expressions that no one else has tried before.

During my stay in Paris, I did most of my traveling by bicycle. I rode slowly through the streets, absorbing the atmosphere with my own skin. Feeling the pride that the residents hold in their hearts for their city, I began to seek a way to capture that pride in a single work.

Inspiration from Arms and Crown

Paris has an official coat of arms (shield) dating back to the Middle Ages. At the very top of this emblem, a golden mural crown (Mural Crown), shaped like city walls, is displayed.

Looking back at history, I learned that Napoleon I designated Paris as a "First-Class City" and officially bestowed this mural crown upon its coat of arms. The idea of taking a photo themed around this deep connection of "Paris and the Crown" came to me on the day before my departure.

Eiffel Tower Wearing a Crown of Light

Simply photographing the relief of the mural crown on a city wall could not fully convey Paris's splendor or its people's pride.

As I gazed at the Eiffel Tower, the city's symbol, the sweep of its rotating searchlights across the night sky began to look like a crown of light floating in the heavens. "This is it," I thought instinctively.

To express its beauty as a crown, I went through trial and error, eventually deciding to secure the camera and perform interval shooting, overlaying the light trails (light composite). Thus, the image of the Eiffel Tower wearing a crown of light was completed.

Gratitude to Paris

Why this specific expression? It was not out of technical novelty, but a necessary answer reached after exploring the city on foot and absorbing the pride of its people.

Remembering the wonderful events and encounters during my stay, I poured my gratitude to the city of Paris into this single frame. It is truly an expression driven by a message I wished to convey, going beyond the mere exhibition of technique.