You booked a photo session with your Paris photographer - Daria Lorman? Congratulations! Let's take the best out of it!
TIPS for BOTH
#1 Coordinating the Looks, but not matching
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your partner, keep in mind that your outfits will look best on camera when the colour palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match”. If one of you wears cocktail clothes, the other one shouldn't be dressed casually.
#2 Be aware of the weather and seasonal temperatures
There are four seasons in Paris: meaning that we have a very different weather, sunrise and sunset time, and we do not have greenery on the trees all year long. Through November which is the end of autumn till end of March approximately the weather is usually quite chilly. Though it can rain any time of the year, the temperatures are definitely something you should be aware about.
We can still do photo shoots wearing dresses, it's just less comfortable. I would advice to wear something warm that can be put on&off quickly on top of your outfits. You can also buy heat pads / body warmers for hands & foot for a winter session. It's also nice and quite French to have a warm scarf with you.
Otherwise, this is a perfect occasion for you to dress up in your favourite coats and jackets and have an elegant winter outfit. Long sleeves will be also more appropriate in winter.
In case it might rain during your session, avoid wearing silk / silky clothes and long dresses or pants that touch the ground - they will get wet really quickly and it will be the most visible. The rain drops are also more visible on photos if you were dark colours, so try to choose white or light-coloured clothes.
TIPS for HER
#1 Dress It Up
Have you thought about rocking a red carpet dress, sequined gown or tulle skirt but never had an occasion for it? There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your photo session in Paris, so don’t be afraid to do it! Think "Elegant", "Chic", "Timeless".
Quick Tip: Check BHLDN for some fabulous dresses or ASOS for less expensive options
#2 Say Yes to the Dress
Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses!
Some of my favourites are by Needle & Thread and Asos usually has a great selection of those
Asos Design and Asos Editions have some affordable options for wedding and engagement dresses too: here
BHLDN has a great collection of both wedding and special occasion dresses
#3 Choosing Colours
"Choose the colour that flatters your skin tone! Plain is preferable to patterns. Neutrals, lighter & muted shades are the best."
Your outfit colours are very important for the general look of the photos you'd like to have! Think "interesting textures", "lace", "feathers, "muted tones", "no patterns" for the most sophisticated look for Paris.
Select lighter tones and more muted shades for a more light and airy look of your photos. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather grey, creams, leather brown and white. That softer colour palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colours, it will also help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other.
Ideal Parisian casual outfit: beige trench/coats, little black/grey/white dress for ladies and beige/grey cardigan with a white shirt and light coloured pants for men.
Otherwise you can take this as an opportunity to wear something vivid: for example, a deep fuchsia dress or gold sequins skirt.
If you are thinking about wearing dark and moody colours, expect your photos to be less airy and more moody. You can see an example here. So please do not wear a dark suit + dark shirt + dark dress if you are looking for light and airy look of your photos. Try to avoid dark dresses at night to add some light to your photos.
If you’re wearing a pattern, make sure it’s not overwhelming or distracting. Avoid stripes - it gives an unpleasant photography optics Moiré effect.
#4 Flattering Your Features
Choosing flattering silhouettes and colours that compliment your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Choose your right size: if the dress is too tight for you, it won't be flattering. Try to avoid ill-fitting clothes: especially too tight, or too baggy and loose. Take a picture wearing your outfit to be sure it looks good on you.
Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so we recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
#5 Wear heels
"Heels make you look fabulous! "
Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. Bring high hills with you, even if you don't wear them everyday - it will make you look so feminine and Parisian! Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!
Quick Tip: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you later.
#6 Hair & Makeup - Go Pro
"Go Pro with your hair and make up"
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my clients’ checklists because it helps you look amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. Professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera. If you feel like your makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, don’t worry - it won't be that strong on your photos! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and my brides always love the final result.
If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I work with the best in the business and have a go-to team! Just let me know and I’ll send you their information.
#7 Last, but not least: Pay attention to the details
Small details can make your photo session awesome or average! So don't forget to get your nails & pedicure done. Hydrate your skin.
Clean your ring if it's an engagement session. If you are afraid to bring your jewellery to Paris, buy a dupe ring similar to your engagement one (for example on Etsy).
#8 Add accessories & flowers
Accessories can add complexity and interest to a look.
Order a nice bouquet. Flowers add a romantic touch and complete your look and general styling of the photoshoot. They also keep your hands busy, if you don't know what to do with your hands (thought I will guide you anyway).
TIPS for HIM
#1 Elegant look & Well-tailored suit
"There’s no substitute for a well-tailored suit!"
If your groom / husband / boyfriend doesn’t have one, a trip to Paris is the perfect time to get it. Solid shades of grey or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits. A colourful costume is also a nice and trendy option.
Avoid most common mistakes:
The bottom button should NEVER be fastened.
Always REMOVE the stitching on the vents and the label on the left sleeve before wearing a new suit, no matter how expensive was the brand. Keeping it is an absolute fashion "faux pas".
Men's pants and an elegant shirt with long sleeves is good option for a more relaxed look. It’s best to leave shorts, sandals and jeans at home. Suit pants, dress pants or coloured pants work best.
#2 It’s All in the Details
Closed-toed brown leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and coloured pants.
Ties, bowties, pocket squares, nice socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any suit. You can still mix and match accessories to compliment different dresses without doing a full change.
Please pay attention to HIS socks - they will be visible at some point of the photo session (eg., during sitting poses), so be careful with your choice and keep it stylish or classic.
Do not hesitate to let me know if you need any advice. You can always send me your outfit options and I can help you choose the best one.
