Urban settings can provide you with a refreshing new environment and different stimuli to get your creative juices following. On the western edge of Paris is the large urban development of “Paris La Défense”. It spreads out over three towns: Courbevoie, Nanterre and Puteaux. It includes a large pedestrian area surrounded by huge office towers, a few residential buildings, dozens of works of art and a large shopping centre. It’s a great place for an afternoon’s photography.
Urban settings provide a wide variety of potential themes and can be overwhelming. When I head to an urban setting I give myself a theme and try to use that to get myself on a roll. Inevitably I get distracted and wander off topic and that’s exactly what I want!
My visit took place on a sunny afternoon. Much more pleasant when walking around outside. But wet and cloudy weather should not be a reason to cancel. It could actually be the subject of another urban setting post if I remember.
Themes
What sort of themes can you choose to help you get going in such an environment? Well there’s no real limit. Some of the easier, and larger topics, include :
- Reflections and Shadows
- Curves and Straight lines
- Art and Graffiti
- People
- Buildings and bridges
- Skyline and towers
You pick your favorite and then go where it takes you. It’s very hard not to be distracted by the things that catch your eye. I think I started with curves and lines.
As you can see it didn’t take long to get into shadows, reflections skylines, and people. What is important is to be imaginative. A couple of my favorites from the afternoon out are the reflection of people and the cube, more properly referred to as the Grand Arche de La Defense.
Preparing your trip
So what do you need to do before heading out to ensure you get the best of the visit?
Time needed: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Tips to help you organize your day.
- Camera and Equipment
You’ll need an empty SD card and a full battery. A zoom lens, maybe a polarizing filter. If you’re going to be there late, pack your tripod. Some protection against the weather if you have a doubt.
- Getting there
There are a large variety of transport infrastructures at La defense, including many car parks. However I would avoid cars if you can and prefer Overground or underground rail, bus, or tram. The parvis is also designed for bicycles, and scooters. Which also means getting around if you are less able is not a problem.
- The visit
There are no rules here. But I like to do a loop. For 2 reasons, firstly it gets me back to my transport system, and secondly I get 2 chances to photograph everything in two different periods of the day. I start at the western end, near Nanterre where the tram and overground SNCF stations are. You can do it the other way by starting near Paris in the east at the metro station Parvis de La Defense. The RER station and buses are in between these. Also note the RER train tickets are more expensive that the metro.
- Useful web sites
La defense French and English with all the latest news and events, and maps
Le 4 temps and CNIT shopping
Public transport In English and French
While you are there
If you really want make a day of it, and evening. there are other things to do including:
- The Paris La Défense Arena which hosts concerts and sporting events.
- La Grande Arche, which is itself a spectacular building, but also has an exhibition area which often has photography exhibitions
I hope that helps you have a successful day.
There are some photos of bridges in my walk along the river Seine post and more of La Défense from a more recent visit.
Other photos of mine are available for purchase on my Adobe Stock store or via the store below.
