Booking a photoshoot in a city you may be visiting for the first time can feel like a leap of faith. Who will you meet? Where will you go? What if you have never posed for a camera and are quietly convinced you are "not photogenic"? These are the questions we hear most often, and they are exactly the right ones to ask. This guide walks you through the entire experience of a Paris photoshoot with us, from your very first message to the moment your final gallery lands in your inbox. Our promise is simple: no surprises, no awkwardness, and a morning or afternoon in Paris that feels less like a formal appointment and more like a walk through the most beautiful city in the world with a friend who happens to be a photographer.
We are Fotografa em Paris, led by photographer Leda Guedes. We photograph couples, families, honeymooners, solo travellers, proposals and milestone celebrations across the city, and we work in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish so you can relax in your own language. Over the years we have guided hundreds of people who told us beforehand that they hated being photographed, and watched them leave grinning. Here is precisely how it all works.
An overview: the five stages of your Paris photoshoot
Every session, whatever its style, follows the same clear arc. Knowing the shape of it in advance takes away most of the nervousness people feel. The five stages are:
- Enquiry and booking — you reach out, we confirm availability, agree on the type of session, and reserve your date.
- Pre-shoot planning — together we choose locations, talk through outfits, pick the best time of day, and set a weather plan.
- The shoot day — we meet, we walk, we guide you through natural poses, and we move between a few beautiful backdrops.
- After the shoot — we hand-select and retouch the strongest frames and deliver them in a private online gallery.
- Your photos, forever — you download high-resolution images, share them, print them, and relive the day.
Let us take each one in turn, in the level of detail you would actually want before saying yes.
Stage 1: Enquiry and booking
How to get in touch
Everything starts with a message. You can write to us through the contact form on this site, by email, or on WhatsApp, whichever feels easiest. There is no such thing as a question that is too small. People often open with something like "We are in Paris for two nights in June, is that possible?" or "It is our tenth anniversary and I would love to surprise my husband." That is all we need to begin. When you first write, it helps enormously if you can tell us three things: the approximate dates you are in Paris, the kind of session you have in mind (a couple session, a family shoot, a solo portrait, a proposal, and so on), and roughly how many people will be in front of the camera.
Choosing your date and time
Paris is busy year-round, and the most flattering light comes at specific hours, so dates do book up. Once we know your travel window, we will offer the times that give you the best light and the calmest, least crowded version of each location. As a rule, early morning is magical: the monuments are almost empty, the light is soft and golden, and you have the Trocadéro or the Louvre courtyard largely to yourselves. Late afternoon into golden hour is the other favourite. We will always be honest about which slots work best for the look you want, rather than simply selling you the most convenient one.
How reserving works, and the concept of a deposit
To hold a specific date and time exclusively for you, we ask for a booking confirmation. In common with most photographers, a session is generally secured with a deposit that reserves your slot, with the balance settled around the time of the shoot. We will walk you through the exact figures for your chosen session directly, and you can always see our current starting rates and what is included on the pricing page. We keep this part transparent and simple: you will know precisely what you are paying and what you receive before anything is confirmed, and there are no hidden extras layered on afterwards.
What "booked" actually feels like
Once your date is reserved, you can stop worrying about logistics. We block that time solely for you, we begin the planning conversation, and from that moment you have a real person in Paris looking after your session. Many of our clients tell us that having this locked in weeks before their trip was one of the calmest parts of planning the whole holiday.
Stage 2: Pre-shoot planning
The planning stage is where a good photoshoot quietly becomes a great one. We do not simply show up and start clicking. In the days and weeks before your session, we shape a plan around you, your story and the images you are dreaming of.
Choosing your locations
Paris offers an almost overwhelming choice of backdrops, and part of our job is to narrow it down to a route that flows beautifully and suits your style. Do you picture the Eiffel Tower rising behind you, the romance of a cobbled Montmartre lane, the grandeur of the Louvre and the Palais-Royal, a bridge over the Seine, or a quiet café terrace? We will suggest a handful of spots that sit close enough together to visit comfortably within your session, so no time is wasted in traffic. If you would like inspiration before we talk, our guide to the best photo spots in Paris is a lovely place to start, and browsing the portfolio will show you how different locations translate into finished images.
What to wear
Outfits are the single thing clients agonise over most, and they need not. The short version: choose clothes you feel wonderful in, favour colours and textures over busy logos or slogans, and coordinate rather than perfectly match if you are photographed as a couple or family. Bringing a second outfit is a lovely way to double the variety of your gallery, since a change of clothes can make the same morning look like two entirely different shoots. We have written a full, practical breakdown in our companion article on what to wear for a Paris photoshoot, with ideas for every season. And of course, if you would like a fashion-forward or glamorous look, we are always happy to talk options through with you in advance.
Timing and the rhythm of the day
We plan the start time around light first and crowds second. In summer that can mean meeting quite early; in winter the golden light arrives more gently and the mornings are kinder. We will tell you exactly when and where to meet, how long your session runs, and a realistic sense of how much ground we can cover so your expectations and ours are perfectly aligned.
The weather plan
Paris weather has a personality of its own, and we build for it. A grey sky is not the enemy people fear; soft overcast light is beautifully even and flattering on skin. Light rain can produce some of the most romantic, cinematic images imaginable, umbrellas and glistening cobblestones included. That said, if conditions are genuinely unworkable, we will always have a conversation in advance about adjusting the timing or, where possible, moving to a backup date within your stay. You will never be left standing in a downpour wondering what to do.
Talking to us in your language, on WhatsApp
Throughout the run-up, we stay in easy contact, most often on WhatsApp, and we do it in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish. Send us a photo of the outfit you are unsure about, ask whether your toddler's nap will clash with the start time, or simply check the forecast the night before. This ongoing, low-pressure conversation is one of the reasons our clients arrive on the day feeling like they already know us, and it is part of why we are proud of our 4.9-star rating on Google.
Stage 3: The shoot day
This is the part people quietly dread and almost always end up loving. Here is exactly how it unfolds.
Meeting point
We agree on a clear, easy-to-find meeting point in advance and confirm it the day before. When you arrive, there is no rush and no clipboard. We spend the first few minutes simply saying hello, letting you catch your breath, and chatting about your trip. This gentle start matters: the camera does not come up until you have relaxed a little, because relaxed people photograph far better than nervous ones.
"But we are not models" — how we guide you
This is the sentence we hear more than any other, and it is exactly why our sessions are fully guided. You do not need to know a single pose. You do not need to know what to do with your hands. Our entire method is built around real people who have never been in front of a professional camera. In practice, that looks like this:
- We give clear, simple direction. "Walk towards me holding hands and chatting", "look at each other and share the thing you love about this trip", "turn your shoulder slightly this way". Small, natural cues, one at a time.
- We favour movement over stiff posing. Walking, turning, laughing, a gentle twirl of a dress. Motion loosens shoulders and produces genuine expressions instead of frozen smiles.
- We prompt real moments. Rather than "say cheese", we might ask a question or set up a little interaction between you, so the emotion on your faces is authentic.
- We show you as we go. Early in the session we will often show you a frame on the back of the camera. Seeing yourself look great is the fastest confidence boost there is, and from that point most people forget the camera entirely.
The result is that you spend the session doing, not performing. By the second location, the vast majority of clients tell us they have completely forgotten to be self-conscious.
Pacing, and moving between locations
A session has a comfortable, unhurried rhythm. We photograph at one spot, then stroll to the next, using the walk itself for candid, in-between frames that are often people's favourites. Depending on the length of your session, we typically move through a small number of nearby backdrops, and if you have brought a second outfit we will find a natural moment to change. We keep an eye on the clock so you get variety, but never at the cost of feeling rushed.
Families, children and keeping it fun
With families, we adjust everything to the pace of the youngest person present. We never fight a child's mood; we work with it. Games, a little chase, letting toddlers explore, and photographing the giggles that follow tend to produce the warmest, truest family images. Parents can exhale, because managing the "perfect" behaviour is our job, not yours. If you are planning a session with little ones, our page on family photoshoots in Paris explains our approach in more detail.
Keeping it relaxed and fun
Above all, a session with us is meant to be enjoyable. We joke, we chat, we take breaks, and we treat the hour or two as a genuine experience of Paris rather than a chore to endure. Many couples tell us afterwards that the shoot itself became one of the highlights of their trip, quite apart from the photos. That is exactly what we are aiming for.
Stage 4: After the shoot
When the last frame is taken, our work is only half done. What happens next is where your fleeting morning becomes a lasting set of images.
Selecting and editing
After the session, we carefully review every frame and hand-select the strongest images: the ones with the best light, the truest expressions and the cleanest composition. These chosen photographs are then individually edited and retouched. Editing is where we refine colour and tone, balance the light, and apply the polished, timeless style you will have seen throughout our portfolio. This is skilled, attentive work, and it is the reason professional images look the way they do rather than like phone snaps.
Delivery: your private online gallery
We deliver your finished photographs in a private online gallery. This is a beautiful, secure web page, accessible with a link, where your images are presented at their best. From there you can view them full-screen, share the link with family, and download your high-resolution files to keep. Because the gallery lives online, you can revisit it from anywhere and from any device, and there is nothing to lose in a suitcase or a misplaced memory card.
How long it takes
Good editing takes time, and we would rather deliver images we are proud of than rush them. We will always give you a clear sense of the delivery timeline for your particular session when you book, and we keep you updated along the way. Where clients have a genuine deadline, such as a birthday gift or a printed announcement, do tell us early and we will do our very best to accommodate it.
Downloads, printing and sharing
The high-resolution files in your gallery are yours to download and enjoy. They are suitable for printing, for framing, for holiday cards, and for sharing online. If you would like advice on printing or how to make the most of your images, we are happy to point you in the right direction.
Stage 5: Tips to prepare for your Paris photoshoot
A little preparation goes a long way. None of this is compulsory, but clients who follow these tips tend to enjoy the day even more.
- Get an early night. Rested faces photograph beautifully, and an early call time is far easier after a good sleep.
- Plan outfits the day before. Lay everything out, including shoes and any accessories, so the morning is calm. Revisit our what-to-wear guide if you are undecided.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walking, and pack the pretty ones. We move between spots on foot, so bring flats to walk in and switch into heels for photos if you like.
- Bring a second outfit. It is the simplest way to add variety to your gallery.
- Arrive a few minutes early. A relaxed start with no dash to the meeting point sets the tone for everything that follows.
- Bring meaningful props sparingly. A bouquet, a "just married" sign, a bottle of something to toast with, or a beloved teddy for the little ones can add a personal touch.
- Check the forecast, then trust us. Message us the night before if the weather looks uncertain and we will make the call together.
- Most importantly, come to enjoy yourselves. The single biggest predictor of gorgeous photos is a relaxed, happy mood. Leave the pressure at the hotel.
Why our clients feel at ease
Everything above exists to serve one goal: that you feel comfortable, cared for and genuinely yourself in front of the camera. We are fully guided so you never have to know a pose. We speak your language so nothing gets lost. We plan meticulously so the day flows. And we deliver images we are proud to put our name to. That combination is why we hold a 4.9-star rating on Google and why so many of our clients come back for the next chapter of their story, whether that is a proposal that becomes an engagement, or a couple that becomes a family.
Ready to plan your session?
If you can already picture yourselves laughing on a Paris bridge at golden hour, we would love to make it real. Tell us your dates and the kind of session you dream of, and we will take care of everything from there. Have a look at the portfolio to feel our style, check the pricing page for what is included, and then simply send us a message. There is no pressure and no obligation, only a warm conversation about bringing your Paris photos to life.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need any experience in front of the camera?
Not at all. Our sessions are fully guided, which means we direct you through natural, easy movements and poses the entire time. The overwhelming majority of our clients have never worked with a professional photographer, and they leave surprised at how relaxed and fun it was.
What languages do you speak?
We work comfortably in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, both in our planning conversations and on the day, so you can relax and be yourself in your own language.
How do we book, and how do we hold our date?
Send us a message with your dates and the type of session you would like. Once we confirm availability, we reserve your slot with a booking confirmation. As is standard with photographers, a session is generally secured with a deposit that holds your time exclusively for you, with the balance settled around the shoot. We explain the exact details clearly before anything is finalised.
How much does a photoshoot cost?
Our rates depend on the type and length of session you choose. You can see our current starting prices and what is included on our pricing page, and we are always happy to talk through the right option for you. We keep pricing transparent, with no hidden extras.
What happens if it rains?
Soft, overcast light is actually very flattering, and gentle rain can create beautifully romantic images. If the weather looks genuinely unworkable, we discuss it in advance and, where possible, adjust the timing or move to a backup slot within your stay. We stay in touch on WhatsApp so we can make the best call together.
What should we wear?
Wear what makes you feel wonderful, favour colours and textures over busy prints, and coordinate rather than exactly match for couples and families. Bringing a second outfit adds lovely variety. Our detailed what-to-wear guide covers every season.
Can we choose our locations?
Absolutely. We plan a route together based on the look you want and how the spots flow from one to the next. If you need ideas, browse our guide to the best photo spots in Paris, and we will refine a plan that suits you.
How long does a session last, and how many locations can we visit?
It depends on the session you book. We plan the number of locations around the time available and how close together they sit, so you get variety and a good mix of backdrops without ever feeling rushed. We will give you a realistic picture when we plan the day.
How and when do we receive our photos?
We hand-select and individually retouch the best images, then deliver them in a private online gallery you access with a link. From there you can view, share and download your high-resolution files. We give you a clear delivery timeline when you book and keep you updated throughout.
Can we bring our children or other family members?
Yes, and we love family sessions. We adapt the pace to the youngest person, keep things playful, and capture genuine moments rather than forcing stiff poses. See our family photoshoot page for more on how we work with children.
Do you photograph proposals and surprises?
We do, and they are among our favourite sessions. We can photograph a surprise proposal discreetly and then continue into a relaxed couple session to celebrate the moment you just shared. Tell us your plan and we will help make it seamless.
Can we order prints, and can we share the images online?
Yes. The high-resolution files in your gallery are yours to download, print, frame and share. If you would like guidance on printing beautifully, just ask and we will happily point you in the right direction.
