The Colors of the Sorbonne

I took this while at Sorbonne Université, outside of Paris. The institution's legacy dates back to the Middle Ages; the slogan is "Sorbonne University, creators of futures since 1257." This image felt futuristic yet set on such historic grounds, and I loved the colors and the subject gazing off across the way. Few places hold the ability to weave history, artistry, and the fleeting beauty of life quite like Montmartre. In my A Californian in Paris series, I sought to immerse myself in the same cobblestone streets where the echoes of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and van Gogh still linger. As a photographer, the spirit of Henri Cartier-Bresson and his search for the decisive moment guided me through the timeless energy of Paris, Leica in hand. The photographs in this collection are born of moments that couldn't be planned—moments that unfold like whispers from the past and collide with the present. From a street artist laughing with his muse to the rose-colored twilight painting of the city's rooftops, each image mediates balance, rhythm, and storytelling. The streets of Montmartre became more than a backdrop; they were my collaborator, every corner drawing me into scenes of wonder and introspection. This series invites you to step into a Paris that feels both familiar and dreamlike, where music drifts between the alleys, golden light dances on cobblestones, and the hum of the city is an ever-present heartbeat. Through ACIP, I hope to share the beauty of Paris and the quiet magic of discovering life in balance—the La Vie en Équilibre that reminds us to pause, breathe, and truly see the world around us.