How to Prepare for Your Paris Photoshoot

Preparing for a Paris photoshoot doesn't need to be stressful. Whether you've booked an engagement session, a solo portrait, a surprise proposal, or a family photoshoot, a few small details can make a real difference in your photos. I've been photographing clients across Paris since 2013, and these are the tips I share with everyone before we meet.

What Happens During Your Paris Photoshoot

We'll meet at your chosen spot — Trocadéro, Pont Alexandre III, the Louvre, Palais-Royal, or wherever your session is booked. Most sessions involve some walking between one or two nearby locations, with breaks built in. I'll direct the posing throughout, so there's nothing to prepare on that front — just show up and we'll figure out the rest together.

1. Makeup That Holds Up on Camera

A matte finish is your best friend. Paris light is beautiful, but daylight and flash can both bring out shine that's more visible on camera than in person — especially for evening sessions near golden hour.

2. Your Coat Is Part of the Look

Parisian mornings can be crisp, especially for early sessions near the Eiffel Tower or along the Seine. If it's cold, bring a coat you love — you don't need to hide it. Worn on the streets of Paris, a nice coat adds to the photo rather than taking away from it, and you can always remove it for a few shots.

A dedicated guide on what to wear for your Paris photoshoot is coming soon — we'll link it here once it's live.

3. Prepare Your Hair for Windy Spots

Locations near the Seine and the Eiffel Tower tend to get windier than people expect. Bring a hair tie just in case — a little movement looks great in photos, but it's good to have the option.

4. A Small Prop Adds Personality

A handbag, a scarf, or a bouquet of flowers goes a long way. There are flower shops near most shoot locations, so picking one up on the way is a lovely (and easy) idea.

5. The Cobblestone Rule: Wear Comfortable Shoes to Walk

Paris streets are beautiful but not always kind to heels. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between spots, and switch into the ones you actually want in your photos once we arrive. Many clients do exactly this.

6. Arrive a Little Early

Paris traffic and Uber delays are real. Build in 10 to 15 extra minutes so you're not rushing — arriving relaxed shows in the first few photos. Since sessions are often booked back to back, a full start time means a full session for you.

7. Don't Worry About the Weather

Light rain rarely ruins a shoot — some of the best Paris photos happen right after rain, when the streets reflect the light. Overcast skies actually give soft, flattering light. Only heavy rain or storms would call for rescheduling, which we'd sort out together.

8. Don't Worry About Crowds

Popular spots like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre can get busy, but I know the angles and timing that make it look like you have Paris to yourselves. This is part of what I handle on my end — no need to plan around it.

9. You Don't Need to Know How to Pose

I'll guide you through the whole session — where to look, how to stand, how to move — and I'll show you example shots on my phone along the way so you know what we're going for. No experience needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing shoes you can't actually walk in

• Bringing too many bags or loose items to carry

• Matching outfits exactly instead of coordinating colors

• Forgetting water on longer sessions

• Arriving rushed instead of a few minutes early

Paris Photoshoot Checklist

• Hair tie

• Comfortable walking shoes (+ your photo shoes)

• Coat or light layer

• Small prop (scarf, flowers, handbag)

• Water

• Booking confirmation / portal link

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sneakers during a Paris photoshoot?
Yes, especially if you're walking between locations. Many clients wear comfortable shoes while moving around and change into dress shoes once we arrive at each spot.

Should I bring an umbrella?
Only if rain is expected. A clear umbrella photographs beautifully and can actually add to rainy-day portraits.

What if it rains during my Paris photoshoot?
Light rain rarely gets in the way. Only heavy rain or storms would call for rescheduling.

Do I need experience posing for photos?
Not at all. I guide you through the whole session and show example shots on my phone so you always know what we're going for.

What makeup finish works best on camera?
A matte finish, especially for evening sessions — natural light and flash can both bring out shine.

Preparing for your Paris photoshoot isn't about making everything perfect. It's about arriving relaxed, enjoying the experience, and trusting the process — I'll guide you every step of the way so you can focus on enjoying Paris while we create photos that feel natural and timeless.

Questions before your session? Reach out anytime — details for your booking are in your personal client portal.