Photographer and author Gary Zuercher joins host Hava Gurevich to share the story behind his signature series, The Glow of Paris: The Bridges of Paris at Night.  What began as an accidental overexposed photograph of the Alexander III Bridge became a five-year, winter-only project to photograph every bridge in Paris at night, followed by a year of historical research. Gary discusses the technique that shaped the work, the solitude of photographing along the Seine in winter, the book’s publication and awards, major exhibitions in Paris, and the chance encounter in Mexico City that first brought him to Paris and eventually to his wife. The conversation also explores his dual career in business and photography, how he defines success, and why he believes photographers should experience shooting and developing film in a darkroom.

Gary Zuercher
https://www.parisbridges.com/

The Glow of Paris Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXoyu1A_mQ4

SHOWNOTES
How an accidentally overexposed photograph of the Alexander III Bridge sparked the Paris Bridges Project

Using overexposure and under-development to create luminous nighttime images

The “two beautiful mistakes” that shaped the project

Photographing every bridge in Paris at night over five years

Spending an additional year researching the history of each bridge for the book

Early experiences with photography through a Boy Scouts merit badge and a basement darkroom

Studying at Ohio State University and the Parsons School of Design in Paris

The chance meeting in a Mexico City airport that led to Paris and meeting his future wife

Why the project was shot only in winter

Photographing alone at night along the Seine

Publishing The Glow of Paris in English and French

Winning a gold medal at the annual New York Book Convention

The work entering permanent collections including the Library of Congress

Major exhibitions in Paris, including the Hôtel de Ville and public outdoor displays

Defining success as an artist versus success in business

Advice for photographers to learn film and darkroom techniques alongside digital