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What better way to document your time in Paris than with a professional photoshoot. A Paris photoshoot is the experience of a lifetime! Arguably, Paris will be one of your favorite vacation spots so let a professional record your time there.

Booking a professional photographer in another country may seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be so. This guide will help you get an idea of the type of photographer you like, narrow down selections, choose an outfit to wear and get comfortable in front of the camera.

Booking & Slaying Your Paris Photoshoot

How To Find A Photographer In Paris

Finding a photographer in Paris shouldn’t prove too difficult. There are a few ways to find a Paris photographer.

Instagram

Once I decided that a professional photoshoot in Paris would be on my itinerary, I went straight to the visual platform, Instagram. Plugging #parisphotographer into the search bar yielded over 360K results. I recommend you use this option.

Here’s what you do with the results:

• Go through the results and click on the pictures that appeal to you.

• Don’t put too much thought into it, just click on what appeals to you at first glance.

• Save the pictures that really jump out at you by clicking the save icon.

• When you click on the picture, write down the name of the photographer. It could be the photographer who posted the photo or the client. If it’s the client look in the body of the post for the photographer’s name.

• While going through the results, you’ll start to get a feel for the kind of photos that appeal to you. Do you like the background blurred out or clear and sharp? Is there a preference for photos with pops of color? Do you like the monuments in full view in the background? Are you gravitating to pictures where the clients/models are dressed up or more casual?

• Which locations do you like better? There are plenty of options for locations. The Lourve, the Eiffel Tower, and The Trocadéro are all great locations for your photoshoot.

• Once you have a list of photographers, go back to the search bar and enter the photographer’s name. Click on their account and review the photos.

• Do this for each photographer on your list, crossing off the ones that no longer appeal to you.

• Once you have your final list, search for the photographer on other platforms, like Facebook or their own website (google them). The point here is to begin reading the reviews of customers. You may have a handful of photographers at this point that you feel would be a good fit.

Begin contacting your final list of photographers. Compare prices and check availability. Book your photoshoot appointment. Don’t wait until the last minute.

After all of my research, I chose Matthieu Waddell as my photographer. He was personable, professional and quick to respond to all email correspondence prior to the shoot. We had a great time during the session and I would definitely recommend him.

Other options for finding a Paris Photographer…

Viator and Airbnb Experiences are other options for searching for a photographer in Paris. If you’re not up to reviewing a ton of pictures in your search, try one of these options. Either option offers a variety of packages to choose from.

Viator

Viator makes it easy for travelers to find the activities that they want to do. Through the easy to navigate app you have direct access to bookable activities. Simply search for Paris photoshoots and there will be plenty of results.

Airbnb Experiences

The Airbnb app can be used for more than finding accommodations. It can also be used to book experiences. Simply enter your desired location and search the experience tab to find a photographer advertising photoshoots. Whether on the app or by desktop/laptop you can search the “Experiences” tab for a Paris photoshoot. Time and package costs vary. Be sure to check reviews and visit the photographer’s website.

What To Wear For Your Paris Photoshoot

This is the fun part! You get to style yourself. Go back through the pictures that you saved and look at what the client/model is wearing. Begin writing down the clothing styles that you like.

Do you like ball gowns, tulle skirts, sequins, or mini-skirts? Write down the colors you like. If you like the way a model/client is styled, copy it and put your own spin on it. Before you run out and start purchasing items, check your own closet.

That beautiful dress that you have and never wear, how about that one. That suit that you wear once a year, could that be the one. Rock a tuxedo or a ball gown. The sky’s the limit. Here’s the thing. Wear what makes you feel good. You want to feel your best because when you feel beautiful it will come through in the photos.

Do you have friends with awesome style, ask for their help. I’m certain they’d be happy to help style you.

Once you have an idea or two of what you’d like to wear, start putting those pieces together. If you have to purchase items, go ahead and do that. Whatever you do, don’t wait until you get there to try on clothes. Some outfits might not come together as you imagined them. ALWAYS TRY STUFF ON!

My Outfit details: Hot Pink long maxi tulle skirt, motorcycle jacket, and black beret can all be found on Amazon.

Don’t forget to accessorize! Hats, necklaces, sunglasses, and bracelets can go along way in kicking your outfit up a notch. Also, consider using props. Ballons or an umbrella will not only give you something to do with your hands but will give you something to focus on.

Makeup: You can use the same Instagram search strategy to find a makeup artist in Paris. Some photographers collaborate with make-up artists, so be sure to ask. Make sure you review the makeup artist’s work. Although you may not wear makeup on a regular basis, you should have something on your face for this occasion. It doesn’t have to be a lot and can be very natural looking but it will make you look more polished in the photos. If you’re good at doing your own makeup, then certainly do that.

How To Get Comfortable In Front Of The Camera

Ok, real talk! I’ve never met a camera that I didn’t like. So let’s talk about that for a minute. I know some people who don’t like having their pictures taken. Period. Having someone take their pictures makes them very uncomfortable. Their reasons are as different as snowflakes. But if you’ve gotten this far, you’re at least considering it. I say GO FOR IT! Your first step should be to talk to the photographer about any anxieties and concerns you may have. This is what they do. They have a natural way of putting their clients at ease during a photoshoot.

Secondly, focus on the experience. You’re in Paris, you’re styled to a “T”, and the photographer has you in his sights…LET IT RIP! Push through the discomfort. Just breathe and have fun with it. Your photographer will be giving you direction on how to pose so your only concern should be having a good time.

Choosing Photos For Final Edits

Each photographer works differently but usually as the shoot progresses they will show you some of the shots in real-time. That gives you an idea of how the shoot is going and if you like the shots. If there is something that you don’t like, make sure that you let the photographer know. And certainly, if you love what you see you should LET THEM KNOW!

Shortly after the conclusion of the shoot, the photographer will send you either some or all of the photos so that you can choose which ones you want to be edited. The number of edited photos you get will be based on the photoshoot package you chose. If you want additional photos edited, that will usually cost extra.

Final thoughts…

Adding a professional photoshoot to your Paris itinerary is a fun way to memorialize the trip of a lifetime. My solo trip to Paris was everything I never knew I needed. If you want to know how you can plan your own solo trip to Paris then check out my solo in Paris travel guide and Paris foodie guide.

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