Paris is famous not just for its romantic atmosphere and artistic treasures but also for its magnificent and elegant architecture. The city’s architectural legacy that spans centuries is a reflection of Paris’ rich history, which was shaped by different eras and ruling powers.
Classic Parisian architecture is characterized by elegance, symmetry, and meticulous details and boasts a harmonious blend of styles from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque masterpieces to the grand Haussmannian buildings with their grand repetitive stone facades and ornamental black wrought iron balconies.
Paris architecture photoshoot is a fantastic way to capture the city’s charm and elegance. In this guide, we will show you the best places to shoot Paris architecture and tips and tricks on how to take the best photo Paris architecture.
If you want to capture yourself amidst intricate facades and picturesque alleyways, we recommend you hire a professional photographer in Paris like Julia Litvin, who will create a collection of stunning images that reflect your unique connection with the charm and beauty of Paris.
Where Are the Best Places to Shoot Paris Architecture?
Paris is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, but we are going to show 4 best sites that you just can’t miss!
Eiffel Tower
No trip to the city of love is complete without taking the most popular Paris architecture photo – Eiffel Tower! Experienced Parisian photographers shoot Eiffel Tower from different viewpoints, for example, Champ de Mars, Avenue de Camoens, or Trocadéro, and during different times of the day to capture the interplay of light and shadow.
Sacré-Coeur
Move around Montmartre to find multiple viewpoints to take pictures of Sacré-Coeur, like Place du Tertre, Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, or Square Louise-Michel. Don’t forget to explore Sacré-Coeur’s interior – it boasts a 475 m2 mosaic created by Luc-Olivier Merson (the largest in France) representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.
The Louvre
The Louvre Museum, located in the very heart of Paris, is not only one of the world’s largest and most famous art museums but also an architectural marvel with a rich history dating back centuries. The Louvre is now also one of the most popular wedding photoshoot locations.
Originally built as a medieval fortress in the 12th century, it has undergone a lot of transformations from a royal residence to an exquisite art institution. Louvre combines multiple architectural styles, including Gothic, French Baroque, French Renaissance, and Modernism, and you can take pictures both inside and outside the museum.
Panthéon
The Panthéon is a true architectural masterpiece located in the Latin Quarter of Paris which was built by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot as the Church of Sainte-Geneviève. Its neoclassical design, inspired by the ancient Roman Pantheon, features a grand facade adorned with Corinthian columns and a majestic dome. Inside the Panthéon, visitors can find soaring ceilings and magnificent frescoes.
Tips to Take the Best Paris Architecture Photoshoot
It is not enough to just find the architectural sites in Paris, you should also know what to include and exclude to make your photos stand out. Read on to learn all the tips and tricks to bring out the city’s architectural splendor and create breathtaking images.
Find the right light and try out different weather conditions
Different light and weather conditions can add unique elements to your Paris architecture photos. On a clear day, blue skies complement the buildings’ colors, while clouds can add a sense of dynamism to your compositions. Foggy days can create a mysterious atmosphere, and rainy days offer opportunities to play with reflections on wet surfaces.
Adjuct camera settings
Aperture, ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, white balance, focus camera, metering modes – there are so many settings to play with when capturing Parisian architectural beauty.
Avoid the crowds
Popular landmarks in Paris can get too crowded, so it is better to take photos early in the morning to avoid distractions and capture a more intimate atmosphere.
Pay attention to details
Instead of capturing entire buildings, zoom in on specific architectural details like ornate sculptures, moldings, intricate carvings, or decorative elements.
Change perspective
Crouch down or get on your knees to capture a unique Parisian view from a lower perspective and look for vantage points that offer an elevated view of the city. Rooftops, bridges, or observation decks can provide a bird’s-eye view, offering a fresh and exciting perspective of Paris’s architectural beauty.
Look for reflections
Reflective surfaces like glass or water will give an artistic and creative element to your Paris architecture photoshoot. Some of the reflective surfaces include shop windows, car mirrors, and puddles. They can help you capture Paris from unexpected angles.
Include people
While we do recommend going to architectural sites early to avoid crowds, it is sometimes a good idea to incorporate human elements to add storytelling to your photos. Candid shots of locals or tourists interacting with Parisian architecture will give your pictures a more natural feel.
