You’ve booked your Paris photoshoot, cue the happy dance! Whether you’re celebrating love, family, solo adventures, or simply your love affair with the City of Light, I’m already counting down to our time together. Now that your session is locked in, you might be wondering: What’s next?
This guide walks you through everything that happens after you book, so you feel confident, prepared, and totally stress-free when session day arrives. From planning your perfect photo route to packing tips and outfit advice, it’s all here. Let’s dive in!
Step One: Let’s Get to Know Each Other
Shortly after you book, you’ll receive a quick but mighty questionnaire. This little form helps me get to know you: who’s coming along, what you’re celebrating, and what kind of memories you’re hoping to capture. Whether you’re dreaming of quiet garden strolls or bustling café corners, this is your chance to share what you love most about Paris.
Your answers help me plan the ideal route, suggest locations that match your vision, and make sure we hit the moments that matter most to you.
Bonus: It also gives me a heads-up if we’re working with a rambunctious toddler, a special surprise, or someone who’d rather be behind the camera than in front of it. No judgment, no matter what, just good prep!
Step Two: Let’s Pick Your Perfect Paris Backdrop
Once I’ve had a chance to soak up all the good stuff from your questionnaire, we’ll chat about location ideas. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, Paris is my playground! I’ve got recommendations galore!
Love romantic architecture and hidden corners? Montmartre is calling.
Prefer sleek lines and artistic vibes? The Louvre and the Palais Royal might be your match.
Traveling with little ones? Let’s talk wide-open spaces and spots where they can roam free without stress!
Whether you want charm, quiet, color, grandeur, or something totally unexpected, I’ll help you find it.
If you’re feeling curious, check out this post: Best Photoshoot Locations in Paris (That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower). It breaks down some of my favorite spots, each with its own unique energy.
Once we’ve narrowed things down, I’ll map out a custom route that flows naturally, dodges crowds when we can, and maximizes the best light. Paris loves a good detour (construction, surprise closures, film crews), but don’t worry, I build flexibility into our plan so we can go with the flow while still hitting your dream spots.
Step Three: Outfits That Feel Like You
Now that we have your route, let’s talk about style! What you wear can totally shape the feel of your photos: romantic, playful, modern, cozy, chic. But above all else, I want you to feel comfortable and confident.
Here’s the golden rule: if you’re tugging at it, adjusting it, or fidgeting every few steps, it’s not the right fit.
Choose pieces that let you move, breathe, and be yourself. Neutrals and soft colors tend to photograph beautifully against Paris’s warm-toned architecture, but I’ll always cheer you on if a bold pop of color feels more you.
Dressing as a group? Coordination beats matching every time. Think complementary tones and varied textures, not identical outfits. And when kids are involved, comfort is king! Skip the scratchy sweaters and new shoes.
If you need a little more inspiration, I’ve put together a full style guide to walk you through seasonal layers, color palettes, accessories, and more: Check out the Paris Photo Session Style Guide.
Step Four: Two Weeks Before – Checking In To Stay On Track
About two weeks out, you’ll get a gentle nudge from me if there’s anything left to wrap up. If you opted for a payment plan, your final balance is due around this time.
This is also a great moment to make sure everyone in your group has their outfits sorted, knows where we’re meeting, and has any lingering questions answered. Trust me, this little check-in keeps everything on track and leaves space for the fun stuff later.
Step Five: One Week Before – Last-Minute Questions & Packing Prep
One week out, I’ll reach out with a quick check-in. It’s the perfect time to double-check outfits, confirm our meeting point, and clear up any last-minute nerves. Still unsure about shoes? Want to run a backup outfit by me? I’m just an email away!
This is also when you’ll want to start gathering what you’ll need for the day. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling deep with toddlers in tow, here’s a handy packing list to make your morning feel like a breeze instead of a scramble:
Paris Photoshoot Packing Checklist
☐ Outfits (including backups for kids)
☐ Comfortable walking shoes
☐ Layers (jackets, scarves, tights – the weather can shift quickly!)
☐ Touch-up kit (lip balm, compact mirror, hairbrush, comb)
☐ Snacks & water
☐ Wipes/tissues (especially with little ones!)
☐ Hair ties & a lint roller
☐ Clear umbrellas (just in case)
☐ Screenshot of directions + session details (just in case Wi-Fi is finicky)
Step Six: Three Days Out – Weather Watch
Ah, Paris. Gorgeous, romantic, occasionally moody. The weather in this city can change quickly, which is why I’ll check in about three days before your session with the latest forecast and a game plan.
If we’re looking at heavy rain, don’t panic. I build flexibility into my calendar, and if you’ve got a bit of wiggle room in your itinerary, we can usually shift to a better time slot. (And yes, overcast skies are actually great for photos!)
Clear umbrellas are always cute.
A rain-soaked Eiffel Tower moment is iconic.
But your comfort comes first, and I’ll guide us to the best decision based on what you want and the current weather conditions.
Step Seven: The Night Before – Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Morning
This is your moment to slow down, take a deep breath, and make sure everything’s ready to roll.
My biggest tip: Prep everything the night before, especially if you’ve got a sunrise session.
Lay out your outfits, set those alarms, and charge your phone. No scrambling at sunrise, thank you very much! If you’re traveling with kids, now’s a great time to gather their shoes, snacks, and that one toy they must bring everywhere.
As for you? Tonight’s all about taking it easy! Hydrate like you mean it.
Maybe skip the extra glass of wine (I know, I know, it’s France, this one hurts me too). Swap late-night chocolates for something light and lovely. Throw on a face mask, fluff up your pillow, and settle in early.
The more rested and relaxed you are, the more fun we’ll have. And when you show up feeling calm and confident, it shows in every photo!
One Last Thing…
I know this was a lot, but that’s because I care about making your Paris photoshoot something you’ll remember for all the right reasons. At the end of the day, it’s not about the perfect outfit or flawless hair. It’s about the laughs, the connections, the way Paris felt. And those memories you’re going to cherish forever.
Come as you are.
Be fully present.
Let yourself enjoy this.
And if you have any questions, any at all, just reach out! I’m here to help make this experience joyful, personal, and the most fabulous session you’ll never forget!
Ready to Feel Fully Prepared for Your Paris Photoshoot?
Whether your session is next week or still a daydream in your mind, I hope this guide helped you feel confident about what’s ahead. My goal is to make every step feel simple, supportive, and, dare I say, fun.
If you’re already booked: I can’t wait to see you soon!
Still planning? Let’s make it official and start designing your perfect Paris photoshoot experience.
Timeless and romantic images for the modern francophile