Being in front of the camera doesn't come naturally to everyone. Some people just feel more comfortable than others, and that's perfectly normal. One of the things I love most about about being a professional photographer is finding ways to make camera-shy clients feel comfortable, at ease, and empowered during their session. The best compliment is always when clients say “I’ve never seen myself this way” with excitement! This is SO fulfilling to me and can make a huge difference in self-confidence moving forward. I especially love photographing couples and seeing the way their energies build off of each other. Every dynamic is unique with its own backstory, and it's beautiful when this comes through in a portrait.

If you're gearing up for a couple's photo shoot in Paris, whether it's an engagement session, anniversary celebration in Paris, or just because, and you're unsure of how to prepare, you're in the right place! Couples photography in Paris is just about as dreamy as it gets and we want to be there with a camera for the important moments.

We've got a step-by-step guide to help you ace your session and create stunning images that will last a lifetime.

1. Choose the Right Location:

Pro Tip: When you book a Paris photo session with us, we'll send you a PDF guide upon booking with lots of different location recommendations!

Picking the perfect location sets the stage for your photo shoot, so this might be the most important part of your decision-making process for your couple photo session. Whether you're drawn to urban street photography, or cozy indoor settings, think about a location that reflects your personality as a couple. If you’ve visited Paris before, consider meaningful places where you've shared memorable moments together or opt for a backdrop that complements your style and aesthetic.

We offer indoor and outdoor Paris portrait sessions at Katie Donnelly Photography. Our professional photography studio is equipped with an elegant, minimalist, gray back-drop. This can be a great option if you prefer the look of portraits that focus entirely on you and your family members, without any other visual distractions. Indoor studio portraits are timeless and classy, and of course we don’t have to worry about the weather!

We have several options for our favorite outdoor portrait locations, all of which we schedule in the early morning (the most perfect time for peaceful portrait sessions with natural light and not many people around). The bonus is that after your session, you have the entire day to enjoy the magic of Paris and focus on quality time with your partner! Later that same day you'll come into our studio in central Paris, about a 5 minute walk from Notre Dame and 10min from the Louvre, and we'll show you your portraits in a unique cinematic experience (This is such a special part and no other photographer in Paris does this!). During this short viewing appointment you'll choose your favorites and order them for your wall art and album!

If you love a certain street or neighborhood in Paris, we would be happy to work with you to create your dream photo. We have plenty of clients who got engaged in Paris years ago and want to revisit their most memorable spots for their honeymoon or anniversary photos. We also have tons of solo travelers and families who are visiting Paris for the first time and want some physical memories of being in France together. If you’re visiting during a beautiful weather season, outdoor portraits at the Luxembourg Gardens can be a dreamy choice, or at the Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower. Even during the winter, we can find stunning backdrops for your portraits and ensure that you will not be disappointed. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your couples mini photo session!

2. Coordinate Your Outfits:

Pro Tip. Upon booking a Paris Photo Shoot with us, we'll send you a complete what to wear guide!

Coordinating your outfits doesn't mean matching perfectly, but rather complementing each other's styles and colors. Aim for a cohesive look that enhances your connection without being overly matchy-matchy. We recommend semi-formal attire, which can either be dressed up or down depending on your personality. If you love dressing formally, by all means go for it! If you feel uncomfortable in button-down shirts or heels, opt for a more casual sweater and neutral shoes.

Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable, and don't forget to consider the season and location of your shoot when selecting your attire.

We generally recommend solid, rich colors that can be paired with a more neutral tone. If you are bringing a large family, choosing 1-2 colors and then just diversifying the shades among your family members can be a great way to look coordinated but not identical. Just remember that your outfit can make a significant difference when it comes to the final result, so the last thing we want is for you to regret an outfit choice years down the line.

As long as you come dressed in an outfit you feel like yourself in, you can trust us to do the rest. We will tell you how to pose in front of the camera and then allow the emotions to come naturally.

3. Relax and Have Fun:

Pro Tip: Upon booking a photo shoot in Paris with us, we'll send you a guide on how to make your portrait session stress free!! We are also a luxury A-Z experience which means we pretty much will hand hold you through this whole process if you want us to!!

Nerves are completely normal before a photo shoot, especially if booking a portrait photographer is a new experience for you, but remember to relax and enjoy the experience! Trust us to guide you through poses and prompts that showcase your love authentically.

Our photographers are incredibly nice and engaging, we are always chatting and joking around! Regardless of your comfort or experience level, you will feel like you're just spending time with friends in Paris and having a blast while you do it. We love creating a relaxing atmosphere where we can exchange stories, crack jokes, and find ways to bring out the most genuine smiles. Don't worry, the majority of our clients are not professional models and EVERYONE has natural beauty. Embrace the opportunity to laugh, cuddle, and interact naturally with each other – those candid moments often make the most beautiful photos.

4. Incorporate Personal Touches:

Infuse your photo shoot with personal touches that reflect your relationship and story as a couple. Whether it's bringing along props that hold sentimental value, incorporating your furry friend, or showcasing shared hobbies and interests, adding these unique elements can make your photos feel even more meaningful and authentic.

We have had some legendary additions to family portraits, including instruments, film cameras, unique accessories, pets, and even once…a giant tortoise! (the last one resulted in some of the best pictures of all time).

We want to showcase your personality, so feel free to bring an important item that represents a part of your life you wish to document forever. This is not mandatory, of course! If you're wondering whether or not it's a good idea to bring something to the shoot, just reach out and ask! (ps. it's probably a great idea!)

5. Communicate with Your Photographer:

Communication is key to ensuring your vision for the photo shoot aligns with the photographer's creative approach. Before your session with us, discuss your ideas, preferences, and any specific shots you'd like to capture. This will give you a better chance of feeling satisfied with the end result and it will give us a better idea of what you want to get out of the experience. We want to know your vision because we love collaboration and want to be as prepared as possible for all of your ideas prior to the shoot. After all these years, we have a TON of experience with couple photoshoot ideas, couple poses, and engagement sessions. Be open to our suggestions and trust our expertise to capture moments you'll cherish forever. Seriously, we LOVE a good love story. Tell us about your first date or your wedding day. Let us know what your engagement photo ideas are. Let us know if you have outfit changes in mind. This is your romantic getaway after all, so the little details matter.

We're passionate about creating timeless images that celebrate love and connection. By following these five expert tips, you'll be well on your way to acing your couple's photo shoot in the city of lights and creating memories through stunning photos that will last a lifetime.

Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!

Ready to book your portrait photo session with a professional couple photographer in Paris? Contact us HERE to schedule your unforgettable Paris portrait experience!