Updated October 13, 2026
The simplest way to get more emotional, intimate photos is to get physically closer to your subject and wait for the moments between the poses. I’m Katie Donnelly, a Paris photographer, and this is how I photograph: up close, inside the action, or as I joke, all up in someone’s grill.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
Why I Photograph Up Close
I’ve realized recently that is me when I photograph. I’m up close, inside the action, as I’d joke around and say, all up in someone’s grill.
The upside? You can feel the laughter of your subjects vibrate within you. You see the tiny side glances and hidden smiles. All of a sudden you’re in this very intimate moment. It’s a special thing to witness, and even more special to be able to document.
I always tell my clients when I’m getting real close.. Usually it’s with a joke, I want them to know that it’s OK to be real when I’m there, in fact it’s encouraged! I may set up a posed shot but it’s all the emotion and fun in between the poses that I’m really looking for… Sweet looks and giggles. A stolen glance. A surprise kiss.
How to Get Closer Without Getting in the Way
They happen a few times a session and to get them, you need to be close, waiting, expecting them.
So get closer, always in an unobtrusive way. Where your subject knows you’re just there to document the love, and can let their barrier down.
- Say what you are doing. I always tell my clients when I’m getting real close, usually with a joke.
- Set up a pose, then wait. The emotion and fun in between the poses is what you are really looking for.
- Move your feet, not your zoom. Read why in what are megapixels.
- Stay ready. A stolen glance or a surprise kiss only happens a few times.
This lesson is part of The Authentic Portrait: A Parent’s Guide to Documenting Childhood, my photography guide for parents who want to learn the basics and take better photos of their kids, without spending hours and hours taking classes. I am working on a new edition of the guide. Until it is ready, you can read every lesson in The Authentic Portrait series.
Next lessons: taking better group photos, using catchlights, and the basics of composition and framing.
Want portraits full of real laughter?
That is what our sessions are about. Our English-speaking team photographs couples and families in Paris. Sessions start at €150, and you see your photos the same day in our Saint-Germain studio.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
Questions About Intimate Photos
Get close and be patient. Set up a pose, then watch for what happens in between: sweet looks, giggles, a stolen glance or a surprise kiss.
Close enough to feel part of the moment, but always in an unobtrusive way, so your subject knows you are there to document the love and can let their barrier down.
Move closer. You see the tiny side glances and hidden smiles, and you keep the quality of your photo.
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
The sweet looks and giggles are our favorite part. Let’s go find yours in Paris.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
