Inside the Conciergerie The French know how to build a beautiful prison! On the downside, it held up to 1,200 prisoners at a time, which sounds more like a French subway.They don’t like you using tripods in here. I asked if the punishment was to just leave me in the prison while I take the photos. And then, when I stopped using the tripod, they would let me out of prison. This seemed like a pretty good compromise to me, but they did not find it amusing.- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
I Love Paris
Sometimes the most fun things to buy are things you can't get on Amazon.  But that also means you have to carry the thing.  I have gotten a little spoiled by not-buying things in person.  Often times, I'll just scan the image with my phone and then have Amazon ship it right to my house so I don't have to carry the thing.  I know this is lazy, but it is also kind of cool.  But, then you are in little markets here and there and you see nice little custom-made things...  and that trick doesn't work any more...- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the entire entry at the Stuck in Customs blog.
The Light
La Sainte-Chapelle is really an amazing place.  I can't believe it took me so many trips to Paris to finally see it.  It wasn't exactly a blind-spot, but I knew it was some place that I had to visit at some point, and I finally got there.

Tripods were forbidden, so I decided to use a tripod to get a shot.  

I did manage to squeeze off several rounds until security came up to make me stop.  Of course, the only reason I ignore their rule is because I think it is does not have a solid foundation in logic or rational thought.  I wasn't bothering anyone.  I wasn't going to trip anyone because of the configuration of my tripod and body.  Everything was cool.

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Flying in France
I remember when I was learning French at Jesuit.  I took four years of it, and one of the first things I saw was a little cartoon in a book.  It was two little French girls on a ride just like this.  One was saying to the other, "Aiiyeeeee!  Sylvie!  Tenez!!!!"  Anyway, I always think of that when I see little French children on a ride.  I feel like calling it out, but it always seems a little creepy for a stranger to say such a thing.

- Trey Ratcliff

Read the rest here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Tiny House in France
So, Versailles is a monstrously huge place.  I'm not sure how you could see everything in a day.  I chose to concentrate this trip out in the royal gardens, and a confusing walk got me into this place.  It's not exactly secret, but I didn't know about it until I walked up upon it!

It is called "The Hameau de la Reine", and is generally known as the Queen's Hamlet.  It was built for Marie Antoinette between 1785 and 1792.  It is lovely, and this is only one of the many little places I captured there... more soon!

- Trey Ratcliff

Read the rest of this entry here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
The Secret Workshop of Jules Verne This is perhaps my favorite find on my most recent trip to Europe.  How can a place so wonderful exist in our world?  It's amazing.I got a recommendation from a close friend that told me I would love this place.  And he was right!  As usual, to see the full-size image, click Original in the menu that appears when you hover over the image in SmugMug.This is the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle and is one of the least-known places in Paris.  Everyone goes for the hot tourist spots, and this museum sounds rather boring, yes?  But as you can see... au contraire!- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Reflections on the Eiffel Tower Isn't it romantic?  What could be more perfect than a beautiful sunset here in Paris?There was a big storm all day long, but I could see the clouds were beginning to break up a little to the west, and I knew there was a possibility the sun would dip into an opening beneath the heavy clouds.  So, with that intense possibility, I headed over to the Eiffel Tower area hoping the light would turn out right...I also made a behind-the-scenes video.  Since you guys have been so nice over on Google+, I'll share that video exclusively there first, so be sure to stay tuned... I'm still editing the thing together!- Trey RatcliffRead more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Walking Through Paris Sometimes things on the map look really close together... and then you start walking and get about 25% of the way there and you become quite shocked at how far it actually is.  This feeling can be a little defeating, until you realize of course that you are in a beautiful city like Paris and there is fabulous stuff all around you.  And then, you remember you are a photographer with a ridiculously easy job, and everything comes right back in perspective.And, speaking of that, believe me... I am super-grateful for this strange life I have.  I never take anything for granted, and I get excited like a little kid on all these trips... love getting on planes... love the adventure... all of this sort of stuff.  I know a lot of jaded people out there that do this stuff, and I just don't understand them.- Trey RatcliffRead more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Walking to Dinner in Paris
Today's photo is another one processed during the new HDR Video Tutorial.

When I go to take photos of famous places, I follow sort of a star-pattern.  Maybe it's more of a devilish inverted pentagram, but you get the idea...  It's really hard to imagine how it would look from various compositions, so walking around it...getting closer and getting further... these can help give me idea.

After outings like this, I like to find little restaurants where no one speaks English.  Even though I speak a little French, I still have no idea what I'm ordering...  Understanding the intricacies of French menus is a whole new level of confusion.  But, it gives you a chance to look blankly at the waiter and say, "Surprise me!"

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Walking to Dinner in Paris


Today's photo is another one processed during the new HDR Video Tutorial.

When I go to take photos of famous places, I follow sort of a star-pattern. Maybe it's more of a devilish inverted pentagram, but you get the idea... It's really hard to imagine how it would look from various compositions, so walking around it...getting closer and getting further... these can help give me idea.

After outings like this, I like to find little restaurants where no one speaks English. Even though I speak a little French, I still have no idea what I'm ordering... Understanding the intricacies of French menus is a whole new level of confusion. But, it gives you a chance to look blankly at the waiter and say, "Surprise me!"

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
HDR Video Tutorial. When I go to take photos of famous places, I follow sort of a star-pattern. Maybe it's more of a devilish inverted pentagram, but you get the idea... It's really hard to imagine how it would look from various compositions, so walking around it...getting closer and getting further... these can help give me idea. After outings like this, I like to find little restaurants where no one speaks English. Even though I speak a little French, I still have no idea what I'm ordering... Understanding the intricacies of French menus is a whole new level of confusion. But, it gives you a chance to look blankly at the waiter and say, "Surprise me!" - Trey Ratcliff Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog." href="javascript:openLB(1329628858,'',XLarge,'',513,768);">Walking to Dinner in Paris
Today's photo is another one processed during the new HDR Video Tutorial.

When I go to take photos of famous places, I follow sort of a star-pattern.  Maybe it's more of a devilish inverted pentagram, but you get the idea...  It's really hard to imagine how it would look from various compositions, so walking around it...getting closer and getting further... these can help give me idea.

After outings like this, I like to find little restaurants where no one speaks English.  Even though I speak a little French, I still have no idea what I'm ordering...  Understanding the intricacies of French menus is a whole new level of confusion.  But, it gives you a chance to look blankly at the waiter and say, "Surprise me!"

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Walking to Dinner in Paris


Today's photo is another one processed during the new HDR Video Tutorial.

When I go to take photos of famous places, I follow sort of a star-pattern. Maybe it's more of a devilish inverted pentagram, but you get the idea... It's really hard to imagine how it would look from various compositions, so walking around it...getting closer and getting further... these can help give me idea.

After outings like this, I like to find little restaurants where no one speaks English. Even though I speak a little French, I still have no idea what I'm ordering... Understanding the intricacies of French menus is a whole new level of confusion. But, it gives you a chance to look blankly at the waiter and say, "Surprise me!"

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
See photo in original gallery.