Whether you are visiting Paris alone, as a couple or as a family, Better Paris Photos offers portrait sessions that help you capture great memories of your stay in this beautiful and romantic city.
Our style is to capture natural images of you being yourself while having fun and enjoying Paris. Our photographers mix a photo documentary approach with classic portraiture to provide timeless images of you with typical Parisian backdrops. They will give you some direction to ensure a varied collection of images that capture your smiles, laughter and emotions. But mostly you can expect to hear 'Have fun, you are in Paris!'
With our all-inclusive "You in Paris" packages, you receive your digital images with permission to reproduce them. There is no minimum order or additional purchase required. We understand that you want to access your photos for emailing, screensavers, slideshows, scrapbooks and more... You receive a private online gallery of retouched images usually available within 10-14 days, with a link to download high resolution files for quality prints.
Choose one of our Package OPTIONS...
A photo session need not break the bank. Whether you come on your own, as a couple or as a family of up to four people, we offer three easy packages for different budgets. Pick from one to several locations (see option descriptions and samples below) and let us do the rest!
Solo Package
For the budget conscious
- one location (see below)
- 90 minute session
- 20-30 retouched images
Duo Package
Our most popular package
- two locations (see below)
- 2.0 hour session
- 30-40 retouched images
- one taxi between locations
Trio Package
For those who want it all
- three locations (see below)
- 2.5 hour session
- 40-50 retouched images
- two taxis between locations
All Packages Include:
- a private photography session at your chosen location(s) for the selected duration
- up to 4 people (larger groups should inquire about special arrangements)
- a private on-line gallery for viewing all retouched images, available within 10-14 days
- a link to download all high resolution files to make your own prints at your convenience
- access to our on-line store for convenient ordering of prints delivered directly to your home
Choose from our preferred Locations...
We know Paris well and to make it easy for you, we have selected various locations that we know you will like for their picturesque and diverse backdrops. Here are brief descriptions and sample images:
The Louvre and around the Pont des Arts
The largest and most visited museum in the world, the Louvre is also a major historical landmark. With its spectacular architecture, the portrait possibilities here are endless. We start in the two courtyards, with their ornate doors, arched windows and the spellbinding Pyramid.
Just opposite the Carré courtyard is the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge, a famous gathering point for artists, lovers and picnickers. We finish the session here, with the Seine river and the Institute de France building providing the background.
Notre Dame and the Seine River
Situated on the historic Ile de la Cité, the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. During a portrait session at this location, we will spend some time in the gardens around the cathedral using its beautiful design as a backdrop.
Slowly making our way across the Ile St Louis, we spend the remainder of our time in the quiet pedestrian streets on the north side, or 'right bank', of the Seine river. Here we will find some traditional street scenes to capture you in the romantic setting of Paris.
Around The Eiffel Tower
Few monuments define a city the way the Eiffel Tower does Paris. An engineering marvel for its day, including this iron lattice tower in any photograph makes the city instantly recognizable. We start at the Bir Hakim bridge for some wide vistas of the monument framed by the Seine.
For the remainder of the time, we slowly make our way closer to the base of the tower, capturing you walking along the bridge and taking a leisurely stroll along the Seine. We finish at the scenic benches lining the Champs de Mars for close-ups under the tower.
Around the Alexandre III Bridge
Spanning the Seine to connect the Esplanade des Invalides with the Champs d'Elysees area, the Alexandre III bridge is the most ornate bridge in Paris. Its exuberant Art Nouveau lamps and the winged horses at either provide dramatic backdrops to capture your visit.
The central location allows us, within a very short distance, to capture you strolling on the bridge with the background alternately including the golden dome of Les Invalides chapel, the glass roofs of the Grand and Petit Palais, and the Eiffel Tower off in the distance.
Don't see what you need? Ask us about a Custom Session
We can customize a session for you depending on your needs and interests:
- you choose the location(s) based on advice from us (can be different from those below)
- you set the duration and locations of the session and we will tell you how many images you can expect
- extras such as taxis between locations, or champagne and glasses can be included
- great for special occasions, family reunions and memorable visits.
Still Have Questions? Maybe we have already provided an answer in response to a question from somebody else:
1. What should I wear?
First, decide if you would like to dress up for the occasion or be casual. If you come as a couple or as a family, you will look best if you all decide on the same style. We suggest solid colours and no shiny fabrics. Ladies, please avoid shiny hosiery!
2. Can I get changed into a different set of clothing during the portrait session?
Of course, you can change outfits during the session. We do our best to find a quiet corner for a quick change, however keep in mind that you will be in a public place and changing from top to bottom might be a little difficult. Feel free to bring different hats or scarves for a quick fashion change.
3. When do I need to pay?
Once we agree on a date and time, we will send you a link for easy online payment. The full payment for the session confirms the booking and ensures the session is blocked in our calendar.
4. I am booking the portrait session far in advance. What happens if I need to cancel? Will I get my money back?
Booking your portrait session well in advance is a very good idea. If you need to cancel for any reason within two months after the payment and more than two weeks before the session, we'll be happy to refund the full amount. If you need to cancel past 60 days after original payment and more that two weeks before the photo session, we refund the full amount minus a small admin fee of 10 euros. If you need to cancel less than two weeks before the session, there is no refund. If Better Paris Photos cancels at any time, you receive full reimbursement.
5. What happens if it rains?
In case of rain, the situation should be discussed by phone on the day of the portrait session with the photographer. If it is determined with the photographer that the weather is really bad and prevents the session from taking place, we will do our best to reschedule it given your and our schedule. If this is not possible, we will happily reimburse the session.
6. Are there additional charges to receive the digital photos?
There are no additional charges. Our all inclusive packages include the time of the photographer during the session with you, the selection and post production of the final images and the set up of the private gallery.
7. What can I do with the digital images?
We offer digital images for good reasons: we understand you want to access the photo files for emailing, screen-savers, slideshow, scrapbooks and more. The bottom line is you can do anything your heart desires with them. You own the rights to those images and they are yours, forever!
8. How can I get my favourite images printed?
We provide you with a high resolution file that can be used to print the images of your choice. You can use the services of your favourite photo lab near your home, or use our easy online print service to order your prints, cards and gifts. Your order will arrive in just a few days, looking fantastic!
9. Can I see samples from the photographer who will deliver my portrait session?
Of course. All of our photographers have their own profile pages showcasing samples of their photography of Paris and their portrait photography. Once you have been assigned a photographer, have a look at their profiles and sample gallery: Elena | Hermione | Sophie.
Still have more questions?
If you cannot find the answers to your questions about this activity, please feel free to contact us to ask us any additional questions.
Here is a random sample of the feedback we have been receiving about these portrait sessions:
Better Paris Photos did a beautiful job of capturing the feeling of my stay in Paris. They recommended romantic and beautiful locations that didn't feel touristy. Hermione was so lovely and she set me at ease, even though I'm not normally comfortable in front of a camera. I would absolutely recommend them.
Carrie, November 2011 (with Hermione)
Photo Credits: Panorama: Elena Usacheva; Notre Dame: Sophie Pasquet; Louvre, Eiffel Tower & Alexander Bridge: Elena Usacheva