Question 1

When's the best season/time to do my photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

The golden hour is the best: 
- 15 min to 1 hour right after sunrise;
- 30 min to 1 hour before sunset.

When we shoot for half day or a full day, I'll advise you on the full planning to choose the best lighting for each spot.

Please consult the following site to have a better idea as the sunrise and sunset times varies greatly in the different months: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/france/paris

The sunrise time in summer/spring is very early - if you are unable or unwilling to wake up early, please avoid booking a session in summer/spring. The locations may be modified according to the weather / sunlight on that day to have the best results.

If you can, try to book for weekdays sunrise time. 99.9% of my portfolio work was shot at this time of the day. It's easier to avoid the crowds and to have more great photos! Try to start as early as possible, especially for popular spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre .

If you haven't booked your trip yet, please read this blog article about the different seasons for shooting in Paris: https://www.travellerkiportrait.com/post/best-season-to-shoot-in-paris

Question 2

What are the best shooting locations in Paris?

Accepted Answer

There are many great places in Paris: iconic landmarks, Parisian streets, plazas, parks, passageways, etc.

Check out my website gallery to get some inspirations or read more in my blog!

According to your needs, I usually set a preliminary route after your booking. I don't have fixed spots though I have a general idea on the locations. Every client is unique so I don't like to follow a fixed itinerary.

Often, I choose spots along the way depending on your styles, your outfits and of course the lighting conditions. Moreover, depending on the seasons (especially spring and autumn), I will suggest certain locations which can provide a very beautiful backdrop! 
See my blog for more information.

Here is a list of the popular spots:
- Tour Eiffel and surrounding areas
- Louvre
- Montmartre & Sacre Coeur 
- The River Seine & its river banks
- Parisian Cafes
- Pont Alexandre III
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim
- Le Marais
- Parisian passages
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Saint-Germain-des-Pres
- Paris metro

Question 3

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

For STANDARD PACKAGES for portraits/couple sessions/personal branding etc, booking is easy on the BOOK NOW button at the top right hand corner. As soon as you have decided on the date and the time, you can book with me! 
 
For popular dates and holidays, the time slots can fill up quickly. So to guarantee you get your most desired timeslot, I advise booking as soon as you can confirm the date and the time.
 
For CUSTOMISED PACKAGES for prewedding, elopements, weddings etc, please fill in the contact form so that I can send you the relevant information. Please provide as much  information as you can so I can reply you more efficiently on the packages offered to fit your needs. The price will not be the same as the standard packages which do not include extra services like dress rental, assistant, etc.

Question 4

I've never done any photoshoots before and I feel quite uneasy in front of the camera.

Accepted Answer

No worries! I am here to guide you through the shooting.

I will provide you with more information before the photoshoot so that you can prepare well. And finally, just take a good rest and have fun in the shooting ;)

Question 5

How do we travel from location to location?

Accepted Answer

Usually for the short sessions, we walk from spot to spot. Sometimes we can do some shooting along the way too. You will realise that many of the landmarks are actually quite close to each other (5-10 minutes' walk).

For longer sessions with multiple locations far apart, you are advised to take taxi/Uber to maximise on the shooting time.

If you are doing a full day photo session with a wedding dress, I would recommend hiring a private driver for the day so you can store your belongings, dresses and props in the car easily.

Question 6

What should I wear for my portrait sessions?

Accepted Answer

The outfits should match the locations that you have chosen, especially if they are very colourful locations. I have written a blog post on this with a lot of photos to illustrate.

Question 7

What is your rainy day policy?

Accepted Answer

We will check the weather forecast 2-3 days before the shooting date. 
You will be given two options: 
1. Either keep the same day or;
2. Reschedule to another day when all the related parties (e.g. make up artist) are available.

However, Paris under the rain is romantic and attractive with a special ambience! 
You will be surprised at how uncrowded and tranquil the popular shooting locations can become when shooting in the rain! If we stick to the original schedule of the shooting, I will be able to provide transparent umbrellas for props and protection against the rain. I also have some sheltered locations if you would like to explore those.

Question 8

Can I have several outfits in a shooting?

Accepted Answer

It is not advisable to change outfits unless you're doing a shooting for two or more hours, or you have included a cafe as a shooting spot. Otherwise you will lose a lot of the shooting time to get changed and fix your hair/make up. 
 
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of toilets around the city. So the best way is to plan a part of the shooting in a cafe where you can get changed easily. Otherwise, you may need to change in the car (if you have rented one) or in a hidden corner/alley.

The more outfits you shoot with, the fewer locations and hence fewer photos there would be. For longer duration shootings, there is an option to book a 8-seater car with driver, where you can change quickly and easily on the car and keep the other outfits on it.

Question 9

What do I have to bring to my portrait session?

Accepted Answer

1. Comfortable walking shoes: if you're doing a long session and planning to wear heels during your shoot, it's best to bring an extra pair of walking shoes (like flip flops or flats) to walk from place to place.

2. Comb: Sometimes the wind messes up your hair.

3. Make up, coloured lipstick and a small mirror if you do not have a make up artist, in case some of it comes off during the shooting.

4. Props (if any): Flowers, hat, scarf, sunglasses, handbag, balloons, etc.

5. Big bag: if you have several personal items, it's best to put them all into a big bag as we will move often from place to place.

Question 10

What are your rescheduling policies?

Accepted Answer

An admin fee of 200EUR might be charged for rescheduling. If the rescheduled date is more than a year after your original shooting date, new prices of the new shooting date will be applied. If the client decides to cancel the shooting, the deposit will not be refunded.

Question 11

Can you recommend other vendors like videographers, make up artists, florists, wedding dress shops, balloon shops, etc?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do work with several of them and I can certainly give you some suggestions after the photoshoot booking.

Question 12

Can I have the raw/unedited files of my photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

The raw files straight out of the camera are not the final product. 
With my personal edits, you will receive professional images corrected for exposure and a lovely colour tone that enhances the atmosphere. You have paid for the photo session which includes the editing part, so why not be a little patient and wait to receive the complete final product? ;)

Do visit my gallery to check out whether you like my style of shooting and editing before deciding whether to book with me. I can accommodate slight tweaks to the images according to your wishes but I cannot change to a style which is totally incongruous with mine.

Feel free to discuss your ideas with me. 
Do send me some reference photos that you like before the shooting day, if you have any.

Question 13

What are the differences between the standard packages (under "Book Now" button at the top right hand corner) vs the prewedding packages?

Accepted Answer

The standard packages are aimed at travellers who want some memories of Paris. NO advance retouch photos are included as the majority of the shots are not close up but with the points of interest. Only photo services included in the package. It is NOT applicable for wedding gown or evening gown shooting, especially with long train. Clients must wear fit and easy-to-move-around outfits, as unfit clothing will not be photoshopped.

Prewedding packages are for shooting with the wedding gown, hence a make up artist, dress rental, assistant (for fixing the dress and helping with certain shots like flying veil), car rental (for easier changing and make up touch up) and advance retouch photos (ensure better body shape and fitting of the dress in the photos).

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