You’ve booked the flight, snagged the cutest outfits, and already know which bakery you’re beelining for the second you land. But when it comes to figuring out the best time to book your Paris photoshoot? That’s where things get a little fuzzy.
Too soon and you risk overplanning. Too late and the best slots (and best light) might be long gone! And then there’s the seasonal shuffle: crowds, weather, flowers, daylight hours… How’s anyone supposed to keep it all straight?
That’s where this little guide comes in. It’s part calendar/part cheat sheet, all designed to help you schedule your Paris photography session with confidence. From cherry blossom season to cozy winter mornings, it’s all broken down right here so you can pick the time that works best for your why.
The Best Time of Year for Photos in Paris
Your season-by-season cheat sheet
Paris looks good year-round (no surprise there), but each season brings its own vibe, lighting quirks, and booking patterns to keep in mind when planning your session.
If you’re wondering when to book your Paris photographer for the best experience, here’s the inside scoop.
Spring: April Flowers Bring May Showers
March to May: Spring in Paris is extra special with cherry blossoms at sunrise, magnolias in full glory, and fresh flowers blooming in nearly every square. It’s popular (for good reason), so these sessions tend to book out quickly, especially those golden April weeks when petals are at their peak.
Scheduling Tip: If you want the cherry blossom session, keep in mind: these blooms run on their own timeline, and every year is a little different. If this is a must-have for your dream Paris photoshoot, let me know before you book, and we’ll plan around the best blooms possible for your session date.
Summer: Early Mornings in an Empty Paris
June to August: Mornings are everything in the summer. The light is soft, the city is quiet, and your hair isn’t melting before we’ve even taken the first shot. That early start means we’re beating both the crowds and the heat because no one wants to be sweating in their photoshoot!
Just know that I never schedule sessions more than 3–4 hours after sunrise. After that, the light gets harsh, the temps soar, and it’s way too crowded for the calm, leisurely flow my sessions are known for.
Scheduling Tip: Google Paris sunrise and your date to see how early we can start. If you’re a morning person, I’m willing to meet you with the sun! I’m not an early bird either, so I totally get it! But trust me, it’s worth it every time!!
Fall: Warm Colors for Cozy Shoots
September to Early November: Paris in the fall is more than magical with golden leaves, calmer temps, and some of the most flattering light of the year. It’s also when things start to slow down slightly travel-wise, so you’ll have a bit more flexibility in scheduling.
Scheduling Tip: Early October is especially popular for engagement sessions and family photos. Those warm tones are a win for everyone!
Winter: Quiet Streets and Cloud-Kissed Skies
Late November to February: People often only think of Christmas in Paris, but the city has so much to offer throughout the entire season. While the sun tends to rise a little slower behind thick morning clouds, that just means we start 15-30 minutes after sunrise, giving the sun time to peek through the clouds and greet us. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and totally underrated.
Scheduling Tip: Thanks to late sunrises and cloudy mornings, winter sessions can start as late as 9:30-10 am. I’ll even open up some early afternoon slots, depending on my schedule. So if you need a lie-in during your vacation, winter Paris photo sessions are basically calling your name!
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Spoiler: It all depends.
If you’re dreaming of booking a Paris photoshoot, especially one with the best morning light and empty streets, you’ll want to start planning earlier than you might expect. Popular dates and sunrise sessions tend to disappear quickly, especially during peak travel seasons
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Sunrise slots are prime real estate. These early morning sessions always book first, for good reason. You get the softest light, the calmest city, and zero traffic (human or otherwise).
- Peak seasons fill up fast. Spring blossoms, summer holidays, fall breaks, and Thanksgiving week are total hot tickets! If you’re traveling during these times, aim to book your Paris photoshoot at least 1-3 months ahead to snag the best timeslot.
- Some seasons are more flexible. Quieter months like late fall or winter often have more wiggle room, but don’t count on it. Weekends, holidays, and golden light still go fast.
Scheduling Tip: The earlier you reach out, the more options you’ll have. I open my calendar several months in advance, and while last-minute bookings sometimes work out beautifully, planning ahead gives you the best chance at your dream date and time.
That said, don’t stress if you’re planning a bit last-minute. The truth is, Paris keeps me on my toes, and sometimes a dreamy window opens up right when you need it. If you’re hoping to sneak in a session soon, go ahead and reach out! If I can make it happen, I will. And if not, I’ll do my best to offer options that still feel magical.
Because no one needs extra stress on vacation!
Tips for Scheduling Your Session
Choosing the right time of day can make all the difference.
Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal, a solo stroll through the Marais, or a playful family session at the Palais Royal, timing is everything. Paris changes by the hour: one minute you’ve got golden light and peaceful streets, the next there’s a crowd lining up for your dream photo spot.
So what should you keep in mind when scheduling your Paris photoshoot?
Sunrise Is the Star of the Show
There’s a reason I treat sunrise sessions like booking beachfront property: the light is soft and glowy, the streets are calm, and it feels like the city is waking up just for you. There are no crowds, no traffic, no pickpockets!! Just you and Paris.
Scheduling Tip: Softer light equals softer shadows, which means your skin looks smooth and radiant straight out of the camera. Magic, right?
Timing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
- Late November to February: We start 15-30 minutes after sunrise to give the sun time to peek through the clouds and warm up the city. A little extra sleep and better light? Win-win.
- Summer months: No sessions start more than 3-4 hours after sunrise. It gets hot, and the harsh midday light is nobody’s friend (unless sweat patches and squinty eyes are your thing).
- Families with young kids: I’ll help you find a time that works with naps, snacks, and energy levels. I’ve worked with every mood from shy to spicy, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
Location Matters, Too
Some spots in Paris are total showstoppers, and guess what? Everyone else thinks so too!
The secret to getting those dreamy, crowd-free shots is knowing exactly when to go. After years of shooting all over the city (and dodging more than a few bus tours), I’ve got the inside scoop on what works, what doesn’t, and when your favorite places really shine.
Here’s how the timing breaks down:
The Eiffel Tower: Sunrise Is Key
Want that iconic Trocadéro view? We’re talking sunrise only. It’s gorgeous, but we’ll probably still have to wait our turn, yes, even at dawn! If the Bir Hakeim Bridge is more your vibe, earlier is better to beat the morning rush hour.
Scheduling Tip: If you’re dreaming of a late-morning session around the Eiffel Tower, it’s still possible. I have a secret spot, so let me know, and we can discuss options.
Montmartre: Another Golden Hour Moment
The Sacré-Cœur is one of the most impressive sunrise views, and the way the light reflects off of Rue de l’Abreuvoir’s winding cobblestones is absolutely stunning! In high season, though, it fills up fast! If this one’s on your list, an early start is going to be part of the plan!
The Latin Quarter: Early Mornings Beat The Crowds
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’s busiest neighborhoods. That means an early start to enjoy those classic views in peace. If you’re hoping for photos near Notre Dame or along the Seine, we’ll want to get ahead of the crowds.
But if you’re dreaming of something more relaxed, the Luxembourg Gardens are a perfect pick. They open later in the morning and offer a quiet, charming backdrop without the hustle of the tourist hotspots.
Scheduling Tip: Check out the Luxembourg Gardens opening hours for your desired session date as they change throughout the year.
Louvre and Palais Royal: Starting from 7 am
If you’re dreaming of that crisp shot in front of the Louvre pyramids with no one in sight, we’ll want to be there when the courtyard opens at 7 am. We can wander in peace while most of the city is still asleep.
If you’ve been eyeing the Palais Royal’s black-and-white columns, great news! It opens an hour later, at 8 a.m., so it’s perfect right after the Louvre or Tuileries Gardens.
Le Marais: Slow Mornings with a Late Start
Part of the charm of this neighborhood is that it moves at a Parisian’s pace. So slower mornings mean fewer people out and about. If you’re not a fan of the pre-dawn wakeup, Le Marais may just be your new favorite Parisian arrondissement.
Scheduling Tip: Check out the Square Louis-XIII (Place des Vosges) opening hours for your desired session date as they change throughout the year.
Want even more session location inspiration? Here’s a list of my favorite Paris photoshoot spots that aren’t the Eiffel Tower.
What If Things Don’t Go Exactly As Planned?
Paris keeps us on our toes! Between new construction, surprise closures, and movie setups, things don’t always go exactly as scheduled. But don’t worry, I’m no stranger to a good backup plan! Whether we’re dodging a crowd, chasing better light, or swapping locations on the fly, I’ve done it all (and I’ll make it feel effortless).
There’s no perfect formula. But with the right mix of planning and flexibility, we’ll find the moment that’s just right for you.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Paris Photoshoot Time?
Every session is different, and that’s the best part!
If you’ve been wondering about the best time to book a Paris photoshoot, I’ve got you covered!
We’ll find the perfect time that fits your style, story, and schedule. Let’s make it an experience you’ll never forget!
Timeless and romantic images for the modern francophile