Getting the most from your Engagement/Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Paris
Looking for help choosing your Paris Engagement/Pre-Wedding Photographer and planning your photoshoot in Paris?
So why Paris…what makes it such a great location for your engagement/couple photos?
Well, let’s start with the romance, Paris effortlessly exudes it on every corner, add to that the incredible architecture, the famous Parisian café terraces, the old cobbled streets and it’s easy to see why Paris makes for the most perfect backdrop for a set of timeless, elegant engagement photographs.
Whatever the season, whatever the weather, a photoshoot in Paris with you and your loved one is going to produce images that years from now will continue to hold a special place in your heart.
We’ve searched on google for ‘Engagement Photographer’ in Paris and there are hundreds. How to choose?
It’s true, the amount of photographers offering engagement or couples photoshoots in Paris is staggering. Choosing the right photographer is going to be one of the most important decisions you’ll be making when it comes to both your overall photoshoot experience, as well as the quality of the images you can look forward to receiving afterwards.
Here are some tips on finding the right photographer for you:
Settle on a style of photography.
“THIS IS AFTER ALL A PHOTOSHOOT ABOUT YOU AS A COUPLE AND I WANT TO PRODUCE PHOTOS THAT REFLECT HOW YOU FEEL FOR EACH OTHER.”
This is the most obvious. Are you drawn towards the photographs in the photographer's portfolio? Pay attention to the following:
It’s important to know how your final images are going to look. Is the photographers editing style consistent throughout their portfolio?
Do the couples look natural, and relaxed with a good emotional connection as opposed to looking stiff and over posed? I feel one of the most important aspects of a couples photoshoot is to show genuine, natural connection.
During my shoots I lightly direct rather than over pose, my goal is to produce an authentic-looking series of images, showing real emotion, whilst at the same time capturing you both at your very best. This is, after all, a photoshoot about you as a couple and I want to produce photos that show both your personalities as well as the love you have for one another.
Ask yourself this when looking through a photographer portfolio ‘do these photos make me feel something?” and “can I see myself in these photos?” If the answer to both those questions is ‘yes’ you may have found your photographer.
The quality of light.
A great location is all well and good, however, it’s the quality of light that will make or break a photograph. Do the images in the photographer's portfolio have flattering, consistent-looking light?
The timing of the photoshoot as well as the order of locations, based around where the sun is positioned at certain times of the day is going to have a huge impact, both on the feel and quality of your photographs. Look for consistent, soft-looking light that adds to the image and flatters the subject.
If you would like some more information on the best time of day to schedule your photoshoot I have an entire blog post on that very subject that you can read here.
Attention to detail and distracting elements.
Along with emotion and light, attention to detail is another key element of a great photograph. When browsing portfolios look beyond the main subjects and check if the photo is devoid of annoying distractions. Some of the most common are random tourists in the background, litter bins, trash on the floor, discarded cigarette butts, wardrobe malfunctions, and stiff, unnatural-looking poses. Small things that you may hardly notice when looking on a computer screen can become much more distracting when you decide to have prints made.
Find a photographer who fits your available budget.
“THESE PHOTOS AND THE MEMORIES THAT COME WITH THEM WILL BECOME MORE PRECIOUS AS THE YEARS ROLL BY, PROVIDING VALUE LONG AFTER YOU’VE FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE PRICE OF THE PHOTOSHOOT. ”
You’re going to find a huge variation in photographers’ pricing. Why? Experience, the strength of portfolio, quality of service, reputation, and deliverables all play a part. Your photoshoot in Paris is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These photos and the memories that come with them will become more precious as the years roll by, providing value long after you’ve forgotten about the price of the photoshoot.
I’ve been a full-time photographer based in Paris for over 14 years. I’ve photographed close to a thousand couples, and over this time I’ve got to know the city, regarding both the locations and light extremely well.
Over these 14 years, I’ve developed my business to offer couples a premium experience, along with high-end deliverable products. If you’re looking for a bargain-priced photographer I may not be your first choice; however if you’re looking for a premium experience, returning home to a series of truly beautiful photographs that you’ll be proud to have displayed in your home, along with luxurious options such as handmade albums, there’s a good chance we’ll be a great fit for each other.
What should we wear for our engagement photoshoot?
After you’ve found your perfect photographer and have the date and time for your photoshoot all set, the next thing you’re probably thinking is ‘what should we wear?’
I can help advise you with that, I’ve got a blog post about this very subject you can read here.
Beauty! The photographers booked, the wardrobe is chosen, the next thing to think about is hair and make-up.
As mentioned above your photoshoot in Paris is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your children are going to adore looking through these photos. If there’s ever a perfect time to ensure you look your very best and pamper yourself with a professional beauty artist this is surely that time.
Professional hair and makeup not only ensures you look amazing, but it’s also a huge confidence booster. Feeling confident leads to better photos - it’s a win-win!
Here are my recommendations for beauty artists in Paris. Not only are they all amazing at what they do, but they’re also all English-speaking, extremely easy going, fun, and friendly, the perfect way to put you at ease and calm any pre-photoshoot nerves. Oh, and they come to your hotel/apartment to ensure the whole process is stress-free.
Which Paris locations for your engagement shoot?
Again this is something I can help you with another blog post you can read here. I work together with my couples to create an itinerary allowing us to maximise our time together. The result is you’ll return home to an extremely varied set of photographs, with your only issue choosing which ones to have displayed in your home.
We’re recently engaged. What are some ways we can use our engagement photos?
Firstly all my clients receive their images through a beautiful online gallery that makes sharing with friends and family as well as on your social media accounts extremely simple.
That being said, please don’t simply let your photos stay as digital files!
From your gallery you can easily order prints (both framed and non framed) from professional labs (I don’t recommend taking your photos to Walmart or your local copy shop if you’re expecting great quality prints). You can also design and order beautiful, handmade albums that make for the perfect family heirloom.
Looking for more ideas? Here are 5 great ways my couples have used their engagement photos:
1. Save the date cards
A save the date card of you both looking fabulous in Paris takes some beating.
2. Wedding website
Professional photos of you both looking your best with Paris as a backdrop surely beats those awkward looking selfies taken on your phone.
3. Slideshow or prints at your wedding reception
A beautiful, personalised addition to any wedding reception.
4. Printed gifts
Prints can make for the perfect gift. Your parents and grandparents will LOVE them, guaranteed!
5. Thank you cards
After the wedding, most couples want to send out the thank you cards asap. You’ll have the perfect photograph all ready to go for that personal touch.