Paris Flood – Long Exposure Photographs of the Seine
When the Seine floods in Paris, the urban landscape is transformed into a surreal scene. On June 2, 2016, the river rose to an exceptional level, submerging the riverside roads and the quays of Île Saint-Louis. Water rose more than a meter above its usual level, engulfing trees, lampposts, and park benches.
Thanks to a ND1000 filter, long exposures captured the flowing water while erasing passersby and vehicles. The result is a silky texture on the surface of the Seine, accentuating the contrast with the Haussmannian buildings in the background. The submerged urban furniture becomes a graphic element in its own right within the photographic composition.
The shots were taken using a tripod for perfect stability during long exposures, sometimes lasting up to two minutes. Moving leaves enhanced the contrast between blur and sharpness, motion and architectural stability. Black and white reinforces this duality and gives the images a timeless quality.
In just a few hours, the city changed its face. Walkers gave way to a quiet and almost unreal atmosphere. Each photo becomes a visual testimony to this rare natural event, blending urban aesthetics and climatic phenomenon.
This series taken along the banks of the Seine highlights the fragility of the urban environment when faced with the power of nature. The usually calm river reminded us of its force and influence on the city’s morphology.
This photographic report is part of my broader work on urban photography and complements my series on reflections and calm waters captured in long exposure.
See the full portfolio: The Seine in Paris
Buy a limited edition print from this series (30 copies only) at the fine art photography gallery Une image pour rêver
Author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a professional photographer passionate about light, reflections, and contrast. His work explores the relationship between architecture, weather, and visual perception through poetic and graphic compositions. Learn more.
Click on the photos below to view them fullscreen.
See also: More photos of the Seine flood in Paris.
All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
Legal notice (FR)
Tags
