The objective of the project has been twofold: First, to record a sampling of the more than two thousand years of history, anecdotes, and facts about the bridges; and second, to present the majesty of the Paris bridges in their most alluring setting—nighttime—when few tourists or even Parisians see them.
The Glow of Paris – provides a graphic account of the history of the 35 bridges that cross the Seine. A history that commences with Julius Caesar and continues to current day. But more than that it includes stunning, large format black and white photographs that show us the luminosity of the bridges at night and take our breath away.
Beginning in 2008 and over the next five years Gary Zuercher pursued his project of photographing the bridges that cross the Seine in Paris. He shot only at night, on film, in black and white and mostly in Winter. He developed the film in his darkroom in a nineteenth century Haussmannien building in Paris, and developed the prints in his darkroom in Washington, DC. When the shooting was finished Zuercher then spent another year researching and documenting the fascinating history of each of those bridges.
His nighttime, long-exposure photos of the 35 bridges, present the viewer with a rich tapestry of images that delight and intrigue. They are nocturnal, cold-weather studies in contrast, lighting, and shadows. His technique maximizes the warmly luminous highlights as well as the dramatic shadows evident in these architectural masterpieces.
He describes his project this way:
After an evening dinner and one glass of French wine, it can be difficult to leave the warm environment to go into the nighttime winter cold to take photographs. Once underway, however, the warmth and comfort of home is quickly forgotten. Winter is an enchanting time to be alone along the Seine. It is a time of serenity and emotion. It has been a moving experience to spend cold winter nights alone communicating with the river and the bridges.”
His Paris bridges work is currently held in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress and Georgetown University.