Lens Culture in Paris

Place des Vosges, May 2005

Two weeks ago we moved to Paris. It's a dream. Still stunned and amazed. Pleased to report that photography is flourishing here (as it has since the beginning of photography). Now that we're established in our light-filled 17th century editorial offices, we hope to crank up the volume a bit.

By chance, Ralph Gibson was in town last week and came by our place for dinner and conversation. An unexpected delight. He entertained us with original jazz compositions on guitar, and talked about his current photography project in Brazil, new books, and starting out with Dorothea Lange and Robert Frank. Jeff Cowen was here, too, and we talked until 3 a.m. Robert Frank's advice to Gibson (which he says he still takes to heart): "Start with a point of departure."