In the comments on last week’s photo Friday image (Venice, Italy – The Bridge of Sighs) I commented about this picture. I have always thought that the red banner that was hanging down from the ceiling in this picture made such a natural frame that this picture looked like a postcard.

I think there are two lessons for travel photographers with this image:

1. Some places are just more photogenic. I don’t think I could get a picture this interesting at the local Sears if I tried.
2. Look for natural frame elements. A picture of this banner itself in the center of the picture would not be nearly as interesting as using this as a border.

This amazing building is the Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France. If you are in Paris and have even a passing interest in shopping then this is a must see. The Galeries Lafayette is the flagship department store of the chain of the same name. It is 10 stories tall, built in 1983 and looks nothing like your local strip mall. The glass dome that you can only see the bottom of was added in 1912. Not only is the building a monument to shopping but the shopping is actually pretty good as well. There is also a lovely cafe on the roof with a fine view of Paris.

The Galeries Lafayette is located at 40, boulevard Haussmann, in the IXe arrondissement.

So here is a challenge. Can anyone top this location for beautiful retail space?

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