Clean Sensor + Clean Lens = Clean Photo.

I already learned about the clean sensor part from an earlier trip. Nothing more aggravating than coming home to discover that all the photos were marred by spots in the same exact location. These spots are really evident when photographing a large expanse of blue sky. So, before I head out, I always take some test photos to make sure my sensor is clean.

Evidently, I didn’t pay attention to the clean lens lesson. A lens hood is not enough to protect the lens from light rain. I did not wipe the lens right away and ended up having to do some retouching to clean up the image. Lesson learned.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 29mm, 1.7 EV, f/16, 15.0s

The 1.7 EV was because this was one of a series of bracketed photos that I had intended to use for an HDR composite. Did not like how the sky was rendered though.

4 Feb 2014: The first time I encountered a dirty sensor problem was while I was in Arizona. Because of that episode, I always take a few test photos before I head out on a trip. Any issues with dirt on the sensor is readily apparent in a photo with a wide expanse of sky. Moreover, it is particularly noticeable at smaller apertures. I thought I had a dirty lens issue, but a few photos at f/22 revealed all.

The Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris was crowded. Twice, I stopped by too late to climb up the towers. The long line snaking from the entrance of the cathedral also dissuaded me from waiting to go inside. At night, the crowds have thinned considerably.

During the Christmas season, there was a beautiful Christmas tree festooned with colorful lights right outside the the cathedral doors.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 29mm, f/22, 15.0s

I also walked around the cathedral for the Seine view with flying buttresses.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 29mm, f/16, 30.0s

The Eiffel Tower at night offers a multitude of photographic opportunities. The beam of light that rotates around the top of the tower presents a unique challenge in that a long exposure is out, if you want to capture that beam of light.

For a low noise image at ISO 100, I selected the widest aperture and the shortest shutter speed that would expose the image properly.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 44mm, 0 EV, f/2.8, 1.0 s

After a long stroll through the Marais, we ended up at the Church of St. Eustace (L’eglise Saint-Eustache) around sunset. The sun’s deep, orange rays washed over the face of the church.

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, ISO 560, 19mm, 1 EV, f/8, 1/60s

This was a serious of five bracketed photos, hence the 1 EV. I didn’t like how the clouds were rendered in the HDR photo, so I’m posting this single shot instead.

Inside, the church was dark.

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, ISO 100, 17mm, 0 EV, f/10, 8.0s

I wanted to set-up some bracketed shots, but the focus for those were off. Maybe next time.

During the holiday season, Champs Élysées is illuminated with lights and bustling with people, who are visiting the Christmas markets. From under the ferris wheel, I had a clear view straight down to the Arc de triomphe.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 44mm, 0 EV, f/16, 5.0s

Taking a night photo of the Eiffel Tower is an exercise in timing. You have to know the start and end times for the different light shows.

At 7:03 PM, I saw the glittering Eiffel lit up like a jewel.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 66mm, 0 EV, f/16, 5.0s

A few minutes later, at 7:06 PM, it was back to the regular Eiffel. Not bad, but not as dazzling as the previous view.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 66mm, 0 EV, f/16, 30.0s

The Louvre presents plenty of opportunities for night photography. You can focus on the pyramids, their relationship to the surrounding pavilions, as well as attempt a mirror image with the reflecting pool. From the flag above Pavilion Sully, you can see how vigorous the wind was blowing that that.

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 42mm, 0 EV, f/16, 13.0s

On Christmas Day, I visited the Eiffel Tower. For adults, a lift ticket to the second floor was €9. Climbers only had to pay €5. Presented with an offer to save €4, boost my Fitbit stats, and skip the long line, I jumped at the opportunity.

At the first stage, I found an unobstructed view of Paris facing Montparnasse and Hotel des Invalides.

You can even see a rare glimpse of sunlight. Most of the trip was overcast with light rain.

When I arrived in Bayeux, the weather was overcast. From the train station, it was a short walk to the hotel. The skies cleared up later in the afternoon as I experimented with some HDR photography.

Unlike its cousin in Paris, this Notre Dame had no crowds or lines. I could walk right in without waiting for an hour. I found a gothic-style vaulted ceiling above the aisle.

The interior of cathedrals are ideal for HDR. These are almost always unevenly lit with dark, cavernous interiors contrasted with the bright stained glass windows.