How to prepare for your Paris photo session?
You booked a photo session with your Paris photographer - Daria Lorman? Congratulations!
This page is where you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your photos in Paris. You would like to have beautiful memories that will remind you how nice your time in Paris was. The quality of your experience is related to the amount of time, love and care you put into your preparations. And I'm always at your disposal to help you if you need any guidance in your outfit choices or anything else.
#1 Choose your outfits
Your Paris pictures will last a lifetime, so you want to look your best. Planning your outfits is probably the most fun and important thing to do. Check this blog post: "What to wear for your Paris photo session?" for my complete list of recommendations.
Make sure to try it on and to take a picture of yourself wearing the outfit you've chosen to see how it looks on you. This can help you to avoid any disappointment having a too tight/close-fitting dress that is not flattering for your body shape or a too plunging neckline, showing too much.
#2 Get inspired & Communicate with your photographer
I would love to know you better before the session! Do not hesitate to give me a few details about you and your love story. Send me a photo of you and your outfits.
Go through my website or Instagram account and save the pictures you love to your phone (there’s a bookmark feature for this). This is not a shot list, but if you have a couple of photos you particularly love, I would be happy to know it.
Knowing you better allows me to better understand your needs and create images that tell your story.
#3 Book your professional make up and hair.
While doing a professional make-up and hairstyle is not compulsory, it will make you feel more confident when you show up for your photos in Paris. A professional stylist will make you look fresh and beautiful and create a hairstyle & makeup that will be perfect for the weather conditions. They can also hide your minor imperfections and get you a healthy skin look if needed.
I can recommend you entrusted stylists for any kind of budget and style to help you prepare for your Paris event, whether it is a photo shoot or a wedding. They will be happy to provide you make up and hair services as early in the morning as needed.
#4 Make your nails done
The beauty is in the details! Hands always get in the frame and tell the story. Freshly manicured nails are especially important for an engagement session and maternity, without mentioning weddings and elopements. Shorter nails and neutral or classic colours work the best to keep your images timeless.
Your partner's hands might also need some cuticles cutting before the session.
Don't forget to do a pedicure too if you plan to wear open shoes to look and feel your best? You deserve it!
#5 Use hydrating body cream/lotion & shave
Your skin will thank you for this! And your legs and hands will look much better on pictures. Travelling often dehydrates and the skin gets dry. You can use your cream in the morning before heading to the photo shoot or take a mini format hand cream with you.
#6 Pack your photoshoot outfits separately from your other luggage
You might want to pack your outfits including lingerie, shoes and accessories all together and separately from your other belongings. This will limit the risk of missing the right bra or that small hair pin, you bought especially for the shoot, on the photo session day.
Don'ts
#1 No Tan products
Please do not use any spray/cream tan products - it makes your skin look older and it's extremely hard to get it right yourself without having orange or irregular skin tones on your feet and hands.
Be careful with the sun & try to avoid getting sunburns or tan lines. A tan line can easily ruin the most exquisite open-back gown. And it's not something that can be easily edited in post production.
#2 Don't plan late night activities on the day before (like Moulin Rouge or Disneyland)
You will most probably get home after midnight and it will be hard to wake up early and look fresh during your photo session in Paris. So try to rest early or during the day.
#3 Avoid alcohol on the night before
You will look fresh and have a better skin tone, more energy and less bags under the eyes.
#4 Don't be late
Please allow enough time to arrive on the meeting location. You should anticipate the early starting time, your getting-ready/professional make up and hair time, city traffic and Uber/taxi availability (your car might take some time to arrive after you order it). In case you are late, we will not extend the Paris photo shoot to recover the time lost because of your late arrival.
Prepare (and book in advance to arrange the delivery) any extra services you might need, like a flower bouquet or anything else. Do not plan a "quick" stop at a local shop just before the session.
In any case, make sure to send me a text message or give me a phone call to let me know that you are late.
On the day of your Paris photo shoot
#1 Pack lightly, leave valuables at your hotel
Pack lightly and consider leaving precious items back at your hotel so you can focus on connecting with your partner, and not worry about your belongings. Please do not bring expensive cameras, your passports and big bags with you. Paris is a safe city though pickpockets always look for unattended belongings. You can always get back to your hotel after the shoot to change and get some rest.
Bring with you:
- cell phone, so that you can contact me if you get lost or if you’re running late
- the balance of your session fee
- credit card / some cash to pay your taxi/Uber, buy a bottle of water, grab a coffee etc.
- comfortable shoes for travelling between locations
- comb, blotting tissues and other makeup for touchups if needed
#2 Double check your outfits, accessories and props
If you plan to bring something to your session, double check it before leaving the hotel. The TOP forgotten item are shoes, followed by the engagement ring (if you take it off when sleeping or washing your hands, for example)!
#3 If the weather is cold, wear something warm that can be put on&off quickly on top of your outfits
Unless it's a very hot summer day, it's always nice to have at least a big warm scarf with you. Take a truly warm coat or jacket that you can take on and off during the session. You can also buy heat pads / body warmers for hands & foot for a winter session.
#4 Relax & Enjoy your Paris photo session experience
Let's capture your beautiful memories of trip to Paris, so you can look back at it for many years to come and share your Paris adventures with your friends and loved ones. This is a great way to have a fun & romantic experience in Paris, discover the city with the local's eyes and get some insider tips. I will also provide you with the professional guidance on poses. My goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the lens and I want you to focus on having fun and enjoying this moment. I'm so looking forward to meeting you and creating beautiful memories together!