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.
What to Expect From a Paris Photoshoot (For Couples, Solo Travelers & Families)
After the session
You’ll receive your images quickly, clearly edited, and ready to use—whether that’s for prints, sharing, or simply keeping as a memory of your time in Paris.
A photoshoot should feel like part of your trip, not a performance added to it.
If you’re wondering whether a session is right for you, feel free to reach out and ask. I’m always happy to answer questions before you decide.
Most people who contact me say the same thing: “We’re excited… but we’re not sure what to expect.”
That’s completely normal. A photoshoot should never feel intimidating or overly structured. My goal is to make the experience calm, simple, and enjoyable—especially if you don’t feel natural in front of a camera.
Here’s how a typical session works.
Before the session
Once we confirm a date, I help you choose the best time of day and location based on light, crowds, and your schedule. If you’d like feedback on outfits, I’m happy to help—small adjustments often make a big difference.
You don’t need to plan poses or practice anything in advance, though it certainly helps. I often find that many people have no experience when posing, but in fact, it is very easy to learn how to look natural on camera.
During the session
The session feels more like a guided walk than a photoshoot. I give gentle direction when needed—how to stand, where to place your hands, when to move—but nothing rigid or forced.
For couples and families, the focus is on interaction. For solo travelers, we work on posture, movement, and expressions that feel natural and confident.
If something feels awkward, we adjust. There’s no pressure to “get it right.”
Pacing and comfort
Sessions are never rushed. We move at a comfortable pace, take breaks if needed, and adapt to how you’re feeling. Many clients tell me they forget about the camera within the first few minutes.
After the session
You’ll receive your images quickly, clearly edited, and ready to use—whether that’s for prints, sharing, or simply keeping as a memory of your time in Paris.
A photoshoot should feel like part of your trip, not a performance added to it. If you’re wondering whether a session is right for you, feel free to reach out and ask. I’m always happy to answer questions before you decide.
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.
What To Pack For A Photoshoot: Quick Guide
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Each person is going to be different when it comes what to bring to your photoshoot. The guiding principle is “less is more” as this allows you to be unencumbered and to focus on the session itself. Here are some things to think about as you prepare for you photo session when it comes to packing your bag for it.
ESSENTIALS
Keys, wallet, phone.
Keys, wallet, phone.
Say it every time you leave the house.
(You can add transit card here too. )
TOILETRIES AND MAKEUP
Of course, take any toiletries or hygiene products you carry with you daily already. Makeup, however, should be limited to a few items, trying to only have one product covering the base categories: skin/foundation, eyes, and lips. Have makeup as prepared ahead of time as possible, so only brief touching up will be needed during the session.
CLOTHING
Dressing ahead of time in the right amount of layers will allow for shooting down and facilitate not having to carry additional clothing. If you plan on shooting more than one outfit, have the clothing organized and packed to avoid wrinkling. If you have clothing that needs care, think to bring items that will help with this.
ACCESSORIES
Jewelry and accessories can offer variety and a greater range of options and allow for greater color depths in your image. Do try to limit them to a few pieces and have somewhere to pack them when not shooting with them.
USEFUL PROPS
If you have a particular item you would like to be photographed with, take care to have the details of its management worked out for a display at its best. Sometimes, this might include asking a friend to assist during the shooting.
OTHER OBJECTS
I understand that people have certain objects they would like to be photographed with or wearing, this is more food for thought. Think if you would like to have these images for yourself or other people, either is fine. For other people, remember that the reference you have to the object may be different from their perceptions, so think on how you are going to relate this (captioning is fine). If just for you, practice with the object ahead of time to determine the best poses and framings you would like to achieve.
WATER (& BEVERAGES)
I can not stress enough that you should bring some water with you during a photo session. Staying hydrated even a bit is important. Other beverages, however, should be avoided. Coffee and soda can discolor teeth. Alcohol is well, alcohol, and even the red wine here can leave stains.
Bring a small, folded plastic shopping bag to keep in your bag too. This allows us to stash the bag on most surfaces and keep your items dry and safe while shooting.
A remember that if you are having a hard time carrying it, leave it at home. Best not to have your shopping and work materials to have to worry about.