How to Plan a Paris Photoshoot That Fits Your Trip (Timing, Light & Logistics)
The best Paris photoshoots are the ones that fit naturally into your trip—not the ones that disrupt it. With a bit of planning, a session can feel effortless and become one of the most relaxed moments of your stay.
Here’s how to approach it.
The best Paris photoshoots are the ones that fit naturally into your trip—not the ones that disrupt it. With a bit of planning, a session can feel effortless and become one of the most relaxed moments of your stay.
Here’s how to approach it.
Choose the right time of day
Light matters more than location. Early mornings are quieter and softer, while late afternoons offer warmth and movement. I usually recommend scheduling the session at a time that complements your energy—not when you’re rushing between plans.
Keep locations close
A great session doesn’t require covering half the city. Two nearby locations often give more variety (and better images) than trying to do too much. This keeps things relaxed and avoids unnecessary travel.
Plan outfits with the environment in mind
Neutral tones photograph beautifully against Paris architecture. Comfort is key—walking is part of the experience. If you’re unsure, I can help you choose something that works for the location and season.
Book early if possible
Booking ahead allows us to choose the best light and build flexibility into your schedule. Sunrise sessions and weekends tend to fill first, especially during peak travel months.
Leave space, not pressure
Your photoshoot shouldn’t feel like a checklist item. When it’s planned with breathing room, it becomes something you enjoy rather than something you “get through.”
A well-planned session doesn’t just produce better photos—it creates a better experience.
If you’re starting to organize your trip and want help fitting a photoshoot into it naturally, feel free to reach out. I’ll help you plan something that works for you.
Top 5 Paris Photoshoot Locations (That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower)
Discover five beautiful Paris photoshoot locations beyond the Eiffel Tower. From Montmartre to Palais Royal, explore iconic spots perfect for portraits, couples, and travel photography.
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The Eiffel Tower is iconic, but some of my favorite photographs come from corners of Paris that feel quieter, more intimate, and a little less expected. These places offer a different kind of beauty—something more textured and timeless. Here are five locations I love recommending to travelers and couples who want beautiful images without the crowds.
1. Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most classic parts of Paris. Soft pastel buildings, cobblestones, narrow streets, and a quiet charm in the early morning. Even a simple walk through the neighborhood creates natural, effortless photographs. Sunrise here is peaceful and gives a warm glow over the rooftops.
2. The Louvre Courtyard
The Louvre offers geometric lines, long arcs of light, and plenty of open space to move naturally. Between the glass pyramid and the historic stone architecture, it’s a place where simple portraits feel cinematic without trying too hard.
3. Palais Royal
This is one of the locations I use most. The columns, the symmetry, and the soft reflected light coming from all directions make it perfect for portraits. Even on cloudy days, Palais Royal photographs beautifully. The arcades also provide some coverage on rainy mornings.
4. Pont des Arts
A wooden pedestrian bridge with open views over the Seine. It’s especially lovely at sunrise when the river is still and the city feels calm. I often guide clients here when they want a romantic backdrop that feels unmistakably Parisian but not overly busy.
5. Jardin des Tuileries
Tree-lined pathways, statues, long perspectives, and seasonal color. From bare winter branches to full summer greenery, the Tuileries always have something beautiful to offer. It’s also a perfect location to combine with the Louvre during a single session.
Paris has a way of making simple moments feel meaningful, and these locations allow more space to enjoy the experience without the crowds of the major landmarks. If you're planning a trip and want help choosing the perfect backdrop for your session, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to guide you.
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.