Why book a Paris photoshoot?

Paris, the City of Lights, is known for its romantic settings, legendary landmarks, rich history, and world-famous cuisine. From romantic strolls along charming cobblestone streets to chic boutique shopping experiences – Paris is a must-visit destination for everyone, at least once in your lifetime.

The city is full of exquisite beauty with a variety of different locations on offer, making it perfect for a professional photo shoot. Whether it’s for an engagement shoot, family or couple photo session, marriage proposal, vacation, or other special occasion, a photoshoot is an unforgettable experience and provides long-lasting memories from your time in Paris.

The best places for a photo session in Paris – iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and more

As an experienced photographer, I can confidently say that Paris has some of the best photo spots in the world. If you’re searching for a stunning location for a photoshoot, Paris has everything – from dramatic, iconic landmarks to serene riverside & park settings.

The Eiffel Tower is truly a sight to behold – with its symmetrical shape and incredible ironwork, there’s nothing else quite like it in the world. This iconic landmark is synonymous with the French capital and a must-have backdrop for your Paris photo session. At 324 meters, it stands tall and proud and can be captured from many different angles around Paris – making it a photographer’s dream come true.

Another great spot is the Louvre. The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, and it seamlessly intertwines historic architecture with the modern. This impressive landmark boasts ornate stone buildings, decorative columns, and feature lamp posts, with an awe-inspiring giant glass pyramid as a feature point.

Outside the Louvre, there’s an array of photo spots, with neutral-colored buildings providing a soft, warm background perfect for any skin tone. And the lines, rows, and shapes of the pyramids, buildings, and lampposts present lots of scope for the use of creative compositions, resulting in beautiful portraits. All of this and more is why the Louvre is one of my all-time favorite spots for Paris pictures.

If you’re looking for a luxurious & romantic backdrop, you will love the Petit Palais. This stunning art gallery showcases a grand façade like no other. The golden gates, in particular, are a true sight to behold, with the stone steps offering the perfect spot for photos framed by the stunning oval-shaped building. Just be sure to get there early to capture the perfect shot before opening!

For nature lovers, Paris has some beautiful outdoor spaces and parks offering lush green spaces, colorful flowerbeds & breathtaking water features. From the well-known and centrally located Jardin des Tuileries to the tranquil Jardin du Luxembourg and stunning Parc de Bagatelle, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of natural outdoor spaces on offer in the city.

Beyond the popular landmarks, you will find that Paris is a city that oozes charm with great spots at every turn. With its stunning cobbled French streets, impressive bridges, the famous River Seine, and scenic cafes, you can be sure to capture the Parisian culture in every frame throughout your portrait session.

For a comprehensive list of the TOP 21 of the best locations in Paris for a photoshoot – head to my blog article HERE. In this -post, you will discover all of the different places and popular spots available in Paris with locations such as the Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe (+ more!). The article also includes a lesser-known secret spot that offers fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower (perfect for showcasing on Instagram!), which you will definitely want to visit on your trip to Paris! TAKE ME THERE!

Choosing a professional photographer for your Paris photo shoot

Planning a Paris photoshoot can be daunting, especially if you’re from another country. That’s why it’s essential to find a Paris photographer who’s reputable and trustworthy, speaks English fluently, and can offer an itinerary that suits your needs. And, of course, you want to find someone with years of experience, so you can feel confident that your photos will be nothing short of amazing!

Just as important is personality and style – the best photographer for you will be someone who’ll make you feel at ease in front of the camera and whose aesthetic matches your vision.
Finally, guidance is key – choose a photographer who can help you pose, adjust your hair & clothing (if necessary), and bring out your best features – to ensure that you look and feel amazing.
As someone with lots of experience photographing in Paris – I would love to chat with you about your plans. Find out more about a Paris photography session with Victoria Amrose Photography HERE.

How to prepare for your photoshoot – what to wear, + hair & makeup options

What to wear?

When choosing outfits for your Paris photo session, it’s important to consider the locations you will be shooting at and the time of year. Above all, I always recommend going for something that makes you feel comfortable and special.
Rember to dress for the season – summers in Paris can be hot & humid, whereas, in contrast, the winter months can be very cold!
Avoid using strong bright colors, patterns, stripes, and anything overly trendy for timeless photos. Regarding color palettes, neutral shades like beige, cream, white, and pastel colors always look good and photograph well. If you wish to add a pop of strong color, stick to one or two at a time and keep them complimentary with each other and your partner (or others you will be shooting with).
To add some different looks to the session, I highly recommend planning for a few outfit changes along the way, so make sure your Paris photographer incorporates an itinerary that allows for this (including somewhere to change!).

What about make-up & hair?

Deciding whether to have your hair and make-up done professionally for the photoshoot ultimately depends on how confident you feel doing your own. If possible, I would recommend opting for the professional touch, as it will add to your overall portrait session experience, make you feel at your best, and give you more confidence during the shoot. The only thing to bear in mind is you may have to get up even earlier if you have scheduled a sunrise shoot but believe me, it is totally worth it, and what’s more- you will be fully glam for your entire day in Paris! Contact me for my top recommendations for a Paris makeup artist & professional hair stylist.

Choosing the right time of day to get the best lighting in your photos

The best time of day for your shoot will depend on a few factors, such as location, weather, and time of year. If you’re looking for the best light, early morning or late afternoon to evening generally offer the most flattering natural light for portraits.

Another good time is during the golden hour – which is the short period around sunrise and sunset. During golden hour the light is soft and warm, creating a flattering glowy effect on the skin.
Alternatively, a twilight shoot at night can be an excellent time for a photo shoot, particularly if you want to create dramatic shots with the wow factor!

Whichever time of day you prefer, it’s essential to be mindful that as Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, it can get extremely busy with crowds of tourists as the day goes on.
My favorite time of day to photograph in Paris is first thing in the morning, as there are fewer people around. The work day for many Parisians doesn’t start until around 9 am, and most tourist attractions only open from 10 am, so it is generally easier to get around, and there are fewer distractions around!

Tips for planning the perfect photoshoot in Paris

Here’s my TOP TIPS to help you plan the perfect photoshoot in the City of Love:

Choose a photographer with experience in Paris to optimize your shoot

Finding the right photographer can make all the difference. They can help you plan an itinerary that takes into account your location preferences and the best spots to shoot at – taking into account the quickest & most efficient way of getting from A to B. An experienced photographer can also offer direction and guidance, creating lots of variety with different poses.

Create an inspiration board

As an experienced photographer, I know the importance of creating an inspiration board for any photoshoot. Pinterest is a fantastic tool for finding great ideas and inspiration. From couple’s poses to location suggestions and outfit ideas, you’ll find endless options to make your shoot unique to you. And don’t forget to share these ideas with your photographer so they can work to fulfill your expectations.

Let your photographer know if you plan on having a special moment

Make your photographer aware if you’re considering popping the question to your partner or planning on doing something else special during the photoshoot. This way, they can be ready to capture the moment in the most beautiful way possible while also serving as a guide to help you through the process (e.g., they can help you choose the best time and perfect place for it)!

Take a comfortable pair of shoes

Although you may want to wear those beautiful heels for the photos, you will definitely want to bring a comfy pair of shoes to get you from one location to the next. Even if you’re traveling by car, there could still be a short walk to each pickup and drop-off point. Your feet will thank you!

Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the process!

Go into your photoshoot with an open mind and lots of energy. The more you put into it, the better the results. Don’t feel nervous or shy; your photographer is there to guide you and ensure you have the best experience possible. There’s no other city in the world quite like Paris, so absorb the atmosphere and take it all in. It’s an event to treasure, one you will never forget, and what’s better – you will come away with beautiful photos of your time in Paris to cherish forever!

Are you searching for the perfect Paris photographer to capture your special memories for you?

I’m Victoria Amrose, a destination photographer based in Europe, and I offer a variety of Paris photography packages. Whether you are getting married in Paris, proposing, having a vacation, or looking for an engagement photoshoot – I can offer a photography collection to suit!

I have been a photographer for over a decade and have lots of experience working in Paris, so wherever you are visiting Paris from, you can have complete confidence with your booking.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions! I look forward to working with you.

Victoria Amrose x

For information on

Photoshoots in Paris – CLICK HERE

Wedding or Elopement Photography in Paris – CLICK HERE

Resources – if you liked this article, you may also enjoy:

Want to know how to plan a Destination Wedding or Elopement in Paris? – CLICK HERE

Discover the BEST 21 Paris Locations for Wedding Photography – HERE

Find out what to expect from an engagement photo session – HERE