ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
As a photojournalist, I’ve been fortunate to capture some of the world's most vibrant moments through my lens. This year, the universe blessed me with a unique opportunity to combine work and celebration. Alongside my nineteen-year-old Hija Francine, I traveled to Paris to cover the Olympics and celebrate my birthday. The experience was nothing short of magical.
We chose to stay in Montmartre, a charming hilltop village within the city that offers breathtaking views of Paris. Waking up each morning to the gentle hues of the sunrise casting a warm glow over the cityscape was a daily gift. The narrow, cobblestone streets would slowly come to life, with local bakers setting out fresh croissants and shopkeepers opening their doors. From our window, we could see the city below us awakening, a mosaic of rooftops under a slowly brightening sky. This peaceful, early-morning Paris was a side of the city I had never experienced before—a contrast to its usual bustling pace.
During our stay, we noticed something unusual: Paris felt quieter than normal. August usually sees Parisians heading out of the city for their summer vacations, and this year was no different. However, the city wasn’t empty; instead, it was filled with an influx of foreigners from every corner of the world, all here to support their athletes in the Olympics. It was a fascinating cultural exchange, with languages and flags of many nations creating a colorful tapestry in the streets.
The Parisians who remained were more welcoming than ever. Perhaps it was the international spirit of the Olympics, or maybe it was the reduced hustle and bustle, but we experienced some of the most polite table service I've ever encountered. Cafés and restaurants, usually filled with hurried locals, now hosted a diverse mix of visitors, and the staff seemed to go out of their way to make everyone feel at home.
One of the highlights of our trip was watching two thrilling water polo matches. The first was Spain versus Italy—a nail-biting game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The intensity in the pool was palpable, with every pass and goal met with cheers from the crowd. The second match was the U.S.A. versus Serbia, which was equally gripping, showcasing the raw athleticism and strategy that makes water polo such an exciting sport to watch.
We also had the chance to witness the men's marathon, an event that epitomizes endurance and perseverance. As the athletes raced through the heart of Paris, we stood in awe. The city, normally buzzing with traffic, had transformed into a running track. The highlight was watching Tamirat Tola from Ethiopia pull away in the final stretch, leaving his competitors behind as if he were running on air. His victory, as he crossed the finish line, was a testament to human spirit and resilience. I managed to capture his moment of triumph—a powerful image that told the story of determination, grit, and the sheer joy of achieving greatness.
And then, there was the closing ceremony. I’ve covered many events in my career, but this was something from another world. Held at the iconic Stade de France, it was a spectacular display of lights, music, and culture that left everyone in awe. Fireworks painted the sky in brilliant colors, dancers moved in perfect harmony, and the air was thick with emotion as the Olympic flame was extinguished. For Francine and me, it was an experience that words could scarcely describe—a celebration of not just sport, but of unity and peace.
This journey to Paris was more than just a work trip or a birthday celebration; it was a bonding experience with my daughter, a chance to immerse ourselves in the beauty of a city and the spirit of the Olympics. We left Paris with full hearts, incredible memories, and hundreds of photos that will tell the story of this unforgettable adventure for years to come.
ABOUT THE GALLERY
The Perfect Exposure Gallery is the recognized venue in Southern California to display the work of award winning and accomplished photojournalists as well as works of photographers that regard artistry and craftsmanship as a standard of excellence. The mission of the Perfect Exposure Gallery is to present exhibits free of charge to the general public with the following goals to exemplify the rich variety and impact of photography, freedom of expression, a forum for the aesthetic, the contemptible and the sublime.
Exhibition dates: Monday 9, September 2024 to Wednesday 9, October 2024
