Shooting in Paris: The Best Opportunities

Choosing to shoot in Paris will not only give you the most beautiful city in the world as your backdrop, but also offer some of the best opportunities to create dynamic, unique and outstanding images of yourself. The city offers everything from classical settings teaming you and its major monuments, allowing for perfect vacation photos, but also lesser-known spots to give you more neutral photos focusing on you without refernce, great for those looking to update social or work profiles.

MOST POPULAR

Let’s first get into the big names of the city. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, The Marais, Montmarte…the list is endless. Here’s “15 Paris Photoshoot Locations” with some of the most popular places in the city for photography and some great tips to think about. Shooting at popular locations can actually offer great one-of-a-kind and creative photos where the model, photographer and location work together to build an effective three-point photo. Let’s do it!

OTHER LOCATIONS AND NEUTRAL BACKGROUNDS

There is countless amounts of content which locations to visit, but sometimes you are looking for more direct photography of you or your party. Paris really can offer additional backdrops for your images, allowing for a wider range of photography looks. Surface textures, from ancient to modern, as well as a variety of streams of light across its roads and through its gardens make for outstanding images, especially for those looking for perfect profile imagery or model book photography. Watch “Paris Balcony Photoshoot” and “Street Photography In Paris With Model” by Jessica Kobeissi where she takes you through some what else is available throughout the city and “Shooting Tess In Paris” by Peter Coulson with an Parisian interior shoot.

Still not sure where you want to shoot? Take a walking tour and do some scouting. Not in the city? Check out these 4 walking tour videos from spring, summer, fall and winter (in that order), throughout Paris and maybe you’ll spot something interesting. I know these streets pretty well between travel, work and day-to-day use and its never a dull moment, never without its architecture, history and vibrance that make it an amazing setting for any type of photo shoot.

ADVANCED

If you want to get scientific, use Photo Ephemeris to pinpoint exact dates, times and locations throughout Paris, based on the sun’s positioning. Don’t forget to check local weather, with weather.com or meteofrance.com to know conditions and cloud cover. But most importantly, save a bit to unpredictability and we can let Paris tell us how to work to take up some excellent opportunities for amazing imagery.

Overcast Skies: Advantages of Cloudy Day Photoshoots

Shooting photos in Paris invariably means that you’re going to shoot in overcast conditions. Many models might want to shy away from holding a photo shoot at these times, but in fact it can offer for some unique shooting sessions not so easily available on brightly lit days.

Soft, Diffused Light: The thick cloud cover acts as a natural diffuser, softening and evenly distributing light. This results in a gentle illumination that eliminates harsh shadows and reduces contrast, creating a flattering and even tone for your subjects, particularly beneficial for portrait photography.

Reduced Glare and Highlights: Clouds essentially serve as a giant softbox, reducing the intensity of sunlight. This is advantageous when photographing reflective surfaces, minimizing glare and allowing for the capture of intricate details without the distraction of intense reflections.

Enhanced Colors: Cloudy days bring out the vibrancy in colors, with the diffused light enhancing saturation. Think about this when thinking about your wardrobe.

Extended Shooting Hours: Unlike the constraints of shooting in bright sunlight, cloudy days offer extended hours of optimal lighting conditions. This allows for longer and later shooting times not available on a clear and sunny day.

Moody Atmosphere: The cloud-draped sky often creates a moody and atmospheric setting, adding drama to photographs. This effect is particularly effective for creating emotionally charged or storytelling images, as the diffused light contributes to the overall ambiance.

Comfort for Subjects: The softer and cooler light on cloudy days enhances the comfort of subjects during outdoor sessions. The absence of harsh sunlight reduces squinting, the cooler temperatures make sure you stay cool, and the mild conditions give a relaxed feel during fall and spring shoots.

Texture Emphasis: Cloudy conditions emphasize textures in the clothing, whether it's the intricate details of jewelry and hair or the texture of fabrics. The diffuse lighting highlights these elements, adding depth and interest to the photos.

BONUS: Black and White: The white-washed skies of Paris have been and continue to be captured in beautiful black and white imagery and may offer a different look to your photo shoot images than normal. They can give more drama, soften moments, and highlight the beautiful contrast of the surrounding city.

Preparing Before Your Photoshoot for Stunning Results

Embarking on a photoshoot can be an exciting experience, whether you're a professional model or just someone looking to capture memorable moments. To ensure that your photoshoot is a success and the resulting images are to your liking, it's essential to plan and prepare adequately. This simple guide will help you to think about and cover all important aspects before stepping in front of the camera.

Vision and Style: Clearly outline the vision and style you want to convey in your images. Whether it's a casual, professional, or artistic shoot, having a clear concept will guide the entire process. If you have a good idea of the type of photos you want, this will help to inform all of your later decisions. If you are lost, check out some boards here on Pinterest that may help with the look you are trying to find. 

Communication: Establish communication with your photographer. Discuss your ideas, preferences, and any specific shots you have in mind. Ensure both parties are on the same page to avoid misunderstandings during the shoot. Ask questions before the shoot and make sure all details, such as date, time, location and duration are clear, as well as any other questions you might have. 

Wardrobe: Plan and organize your wardrobe in advance. Avoid busy patterns or logos that may distract from your overall look. Prepare your clothes in advance by cleaning, ironing and making sure you have all of the elements in order.

Rest and Hydration: Moisturize your skin to achieve a healthy glow and stay hydrated, even the day before your shoot. Aim for a good night's sleep to look and feel your best.

Practice Posing: Spend some time practicing different poses in front of a mirror, to help you feel more confident and comfortable during the actual shoot. Experiment with angles that highlight your best features. We’ll work together to find which poses make you feel more comfortable and look best to the camera. 

Bring Essentials: Pack a small bag with essentials. Only bringing what you absolutely need will ensure that you are not carrying around too much, or have to worry about your possessions during the shoot.

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the location a bit early to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and make any necessary adjustments. Punctuality sets a positive tone for the shoot and allows for a smooth start.

Positive Mindset: Lastly, cultivate a positive mindset. Confidence and a relaxed attitude will translate into captivating and authentic photographs.

As a photographer, I take it upon myself to prepare diligently for your photoshoot, and if you do the same, together we’ll be able to create a great experience and be at the best level to let your unique personality shine through the lens.