The best time to schedule your photoshoot in Paris
Once you’ve found your Paris photographer it’s important to ensure your photoshoot is scheduled for the best time of day to create those Paris photographs you’ve been dreaming of.
In my fifteenth year as a wedding and portrait photographer in Paris, I’ve acquired a lot of experience, especially regarding the light in the city at different times of the day/year. This understanding of the light allows me to produce those dreamy photographs you’ll find throughout my portfolio. Once the date of your photoshoot is booked, the next thing to think about is the actual timing of the shoot.
Before getting into the details let me first address a common misconception:
“The only way to create photos with both nice light, and free from random strangers and tourists in a city such as Paris is to schedule the photoshoot at sunrise.”
This is absolutely not true - need some proof? Check out this proposal/engagement shoot that was scheduled for mid-day.
‘WHAT INFLUENCES MY RECOMMENDED TIMINGS OVER EVERYTHING ELSE? LIGHT!’
Winter photoshoots (November-April)
I tend to recommend different timings for different times of the year. During the winter months, I’ll more often advise a mid-afternoon shoot, wrapping up just as the sun begins to disappear, which can be around 5 pm.
Why choose mid-afternoon over a morning shoot in the winter? Firstly there can be a pretty significant variance in temperature between early morning and afternoon, that variance can mean the difference between you having to be wrapped up in that winter coat throughout the entire shoot, in comparison to a more comfortable experience, one where you can lose the coat for a few images to show off your stylish outfit.
Secondly, two main benefits of starting a photoshoot at sunrise aren’t nearly as applicable in the winter months - beating the tourists and Parisians out of bed, and of course that golden, soft morning light. Sunrise in the winter months can be at 9 am, the tourists are already up and about, plus the Parisians are all heading out to work, meaning the streets are busy.
What about the light you may ask? Well, the sun in the winter months is both softer and lower in the sky, or, more often than not there are clouds making for diffused, flattering light at any time of day. With the right photographer, you’ll receive beautifully lit photos, equal to anything you would have received from getting up before sunrise.
Like to see a couple of examples of mid-afternoon winter light?
Summer photoshoots (May-October)
With photoshoots throughout the summer, I advise two main starting times, working forward from sunrise or backward from sunset. Why? Once again, it’s mainly for the light. Summertime in Paris can make for harsh, bright midday sun. Yes, we can always work around it and if you’re stuck with a midday time slot I’ll advise on certain locations where I know I can use midday sun to my advantage, however, early morning or early evening the light softens, which gives us more options.
So let’s begin with a morning shoot, what are the pros?
Mornings in Paris can make for the most incredible light, secondly, Paris is calm, and the effort of getting out of bed whilst the rest of the city is sleeping is rewarded by watching the sun come up over a quiet, almost deserted city. Tourists begin coming out in numbers from about 9 am meaning we can get photos in popular areas such as Trocadero (the most popular Eiffel Tower viewpoint) and the Louvre, more or less free of people.
What about morning shoot cons?
Well, sunrise in Paris can be early, like 5:45 am early! Add to that your getting ready time and you’re in for an extremely early alarm call. If you would like to know the exact sunrise time for when you’re thinking of planning your photoshoot please check this link for the precise sunrise/sunset times in Paris.
Secondly, even in the middle of summer, the temperature can be a little fresh in the morning, meaning you may have to bring a warm coat to stay cosy in between shots.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, most people aren’t used to being in front of the camera, so it can take a little time to warm up and become totally at ease. Once you realise that this is all very easy, as well as a lot of fun then the photos get better and better. Working from sunrise means we begin with the best light when you’re perhaps not yet completely relaxed and at ease.
Moving onto late afternoon/early evening shoots, what are the pros?
Scheduling your photoshoot later in the day (generally working back from sunset) firstly allows you to have a lie-in, with the added bonus of light equally as beautiful as what you’ll find at sunrise.
Secondly, the light becomes better as the shoot goes on meaning you’re fully relaxed in front of the camera once the light is at its best.
One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘won’t our photos be full of random tourists on an evening?’. It’s true that certain areas are busier, however the timings I chose generally coincide with when many people are having dinner, meaning the city isn’t as busy as you may expect. I can still work most locations to ensure your photos are pretty much free from random strangers.
Like to see an example? Here’s Kristie & Adam on their engagement photoshoot at the Louvre on a late afternoon in summer.
Another plus point is that we can schedule the photoshoot to finish just after the sun goes down. This means you can get a handful of photos when Paris lives up to its name as ‘The City of Lights’.
What are the late afternoon/early evening shoot cons?
The main thing is that the more common area for viewing the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero is rather limited to shoot at if you want the impression of having Paris to yourselves as it’s packed with tourists at any time other than sunrise. However, that doesn’t mean the Eiffel Tower is a no go! There are still lots of alternative options for shots with the Eiffel Tower forming an impressive backdrop.
Another thing a little more challenging to find in an afternoon/early evening (though still possible) is a café terrace free from crowds. If you love the idea of some images of you enjoying croissants and coffee at a typical Parisian café a morning shoot may be the better option.
A word about family shoots.
I understand that when small children are involved, summer sunrise and sunset timings can be a challenge. My advice here would be to choose an area with plenty of open shade such as the Louvre/Palais Royale. With the right location choice, we can shoot at any point during the day and get beautifully lit shots…and keep lack of sleep meltdowns to a minimum :)
The takeaway from all this?
I hope the above post was helpful and it’s clear that with the right photographer, one with experience of both the city and the light you’re sure to come away with a beautiful set of photographs you’ll be proud to have displayed in your home, no matter the time of year, or day you schedule your photoshoot.
If you’ve any further questions or wish to schedule a photoshoot with me simply hit the button below: