If you’ve been dreaming of a Paris photoshoot that sings of romance and charm, then let me tell you something – springtime in the City of Light is where it’s at! As a professional photographer and artist for over a decade here in Paris who’s had the pleasure of capturing the magic of Paris in every season, I’m so excited to tell you why spring is a magical time for your dreamy Parisian photoshoot (or mini photo shoot).
Blossoming Flowers:
Picture this – cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant flowers, cherry blossoms swaying gently in the breeze, and lush greenery everywhere you turn. Spring in Paris is like a fairytale come to life, with nature putting on its finest display. Trust me, there’s no backdrop more enchanting than a blooming Parisian garden for your photoshoot.
One of our absolute favorite locations to shoot is the Luxembourg Gardens for this very reason. Spring flowers start to emerge and there are a bunch of scenic backdrops to choose from in one place. The covered alleyways are so perfect if there is a surprise spring shower, and if the weather is dry, then we have the castle, the grounds, a fountain, and even a duck pond to choose from. We just love the way the lush green background can make people glow in family portraits with the sun streaming in through the trees. Also kids adore the ducks in the central fountain and the Medici fountain, so this is a great place if you’re worried about keeping your children entertained for a 30-45 minute shoot (if you’re a parent like me, you know how hard this can be sometimes!). Another thing I love about Luxembourg is that you have the chateau there which is already kind of crazy to walk past a literal castle in the middle of the city, but it makes for a stunning backdrop too.
Here is a map of the Jardin du Luxembourg:
Other places I LOVE for the blooms:
Palais Royal – You have INCREDIBLE magnolias here
Square Gabriel Pierné – This is a TINY square in the Saint Germain des Près area that you’ve never heard of but for 2 weeks in the spring it is totally filled with these giant pink cherry blossoms, it’s absolute MAGIC.
Perfect Weather:
Bid adieu to the winter chill and the summer heat waves because spring in Paris brings with it the Goldilocks of weather – not too hot, not too cold, but just right! The mild temperatures make strolling around the city a delight. When it warms up, there also comes a few showers so bring your umbrellas for the intermittent shower but that makes it easy to just
1. duck into a shop!!
2. The showers usually only last a few minutes.
3. Leave the big coats at home!! Dress in some layers and it’s perfect! Right now the trend is wearing a sweater as a scarf so you don’t even need to bring a scarf
This also means that everyone in Paris is in a good mood! It’s pretty crazy how a glimpse of blue sky or an afternoon of sun can make everyone smile, especially after a long winter. People want to go outside and stroll through the parks, enjoy the flowers and birds and all of those things that were hibernating in the colder months.
I think this can make interactions really positive and pleasant, so I would definitely recommend planning your trip for Spring. Overall, people might be happier to help you, whether it’s in a service environment (ordering pastries at a boulangerie), or asking for directions in the street. The energy is palpable and the whole city starts to get excited for summer.
Soft, Dreamy Photo Light:
…Paris in springtime has amazing light!!
It’s like nature decided to be your personal lighting director. The soft, diffused light of spring adds an ethereal quality to your photos, casting a flattering glow on everything it touches.
Every season in Paris has its own distinct light…and honestly, I love all of them because they city has so many different looks. But there is something extra special about looking back at photos taken in the spring. I guess maybe it’s because spring is the time of rebirth. People are often the most radiant at this time of year, coming out of their winter cocoon. And so is the world. If you know you know!
We do all of our outdoor shoots in the early morning, when the streets are empty not long after sunrise. We find this to be the best time of day and you can bet that the light will be on your side.
Iconic Backdrops, but in bloom:
From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris is a treasure trove of stunning backdrops that are even more captivating in the spring. Imagine posing against a backdrop of blossoming cherry blossom trees with the Eiffel Tower peeking out in the distance (you have them at the bottom of the Trocadéro garden) – talk about wall-worthy artwork!
We have options for dramatic, iconic portrait sessions as well as calmer, more intimate sessions, depending on your preference. We also have everything in between (Pont Neuf, for example!). It’s hard to go wrong in such a beautiful city.
So, how do you choose a location if you’ve never been to Paris and they all seem good?
First off, we have a guide for any clients who book a session with us so check your booking email for this!!
We recommend choosing a backdrop that aligns with your overall energy. If you have a big personality and love making statements, take that into account when choosing your location. If you are a nature-lover or like cozy, quiet vibes, look at our garden (tuileries gardens is a great spot as well) or café options. Of course, if you spend a lot of time in Paris and have a favorite location, please let us know. We want to capture you in a place that shows your personality and will be special forever.
We have several favorite spots that you can choose from, but you are by no means limited to one of these locations. They are really just a starting point, and we’d be happy to collaborate on location ideas if you have something specific in mind. Putting time and energy into choosing your location might be the most important thing you can do to prepare for your portrait session in the city of love. If you wanted, you could even stage a gourmet picnic for your shoot. Spring is a wonderful time for picnics, and picnics are ALWAYS a good idea.
For portrait and location examples, check out our photo portfolio HERE
Less Crowds, More Intimacy:
There’s another secret about Spring in the French capital that you should know…and this one might come as a surprise since Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
While Paris is always buzzing with tourists, spring sees a slight lull in the crowds compared to the peak summer months. This means you’ll have more room to breathe and more intimate moments to capture without hoards of people photobombing your shots. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of experiencing the city like a local, soaking in its authentic charm.
Whether you’re planning a romantic couples photo shoot, a fun family session, or a solo adventure to capture your wanderlust, spring in Paris offers endless possibilities for creative photography. With a myriad of picturesque locations and seasonal events like outdoor markets and festivals, you’ll have no shortage of inspiration to make your photoshoot truly unique.
If you needs some outfit tips or want to plan a couple different outfits, check out our ultimate guide to choosing your outfit HERE
So there you have it – five irresistible reasons why spring is the perfect time for a Paris photo shoot. Whether you’re celebrating love, embarking on a solo adventure, or simply indulging your inner photographer, there’s something undeniably magical about capturing the essence of Paris in bloom.
Are you interested in taking advantage of the most perfect season in Paris? We would LOVE to work with you and capture the new you as it emerges from the long winter months. If this is your first visit to Paris, we want to welcome you to our favorite city and celebrate the moment with a professional photoshoot that represents you, your family, and your relationships. It’s hard to think of a better alternative to forever photos, especially if you’re visiting Paris for a special occasion, like a wedding, anniversary, graduation, birthday, or honeymoon. Here’s to the special moments of life!
Bring us your love story and we’ll give you the entire city, the banks of the seine river, a romantic stroll, AND a physical memory of it all! Oh, and you’ll probably be laughing until your sides split the whole time. Sounds like a win win to me!
Look no further for your Paris photographer. We want to be your professional photographer if it’s your first time or your millionth time.
Book a photo session with us HERE
What are you waiting for?? Spring has sprung!
You’ll thank us later 🙂
