How to Plan your Engagement Photoshoot in Paris, France | by Paris Makeup + Hair Artist, Onorina Jomir
Photography: Alex Beckett Alexandra Vonk Photography, Anais Guerlain Photography, Celine Chhoun Photography, Claire Morris Photography, Gloria Villa Photography, I Heart Paris, Hanri Human, Harriette Earnshaw Photography, Jolie Dee Photography, Julia Rapp Photography, Kayla Barker Photography, Kiss Me In Paris, L’Amour de Paris, Le Secret d’Audrey, The Paris Photographer, Timeless Paris Photography, Oliver Fly, Shantha Delauney, Will Reid Photo, Zosia Zacharia Photography | Makeup & Hair Styling: Onorina Jomir Beauty
Engagement photoshoots in Paris are one of my favorites - taking part in so much love and joy gives me a high dose of happiness and fulfillment AS A MAKEUP and hair ARTIST!
Since many of my brides are traveling from all around the world, I make it a priority to know their vision for makeup (and hair) before their engagement photoshoot in Paris, France!
Here is my guide to design the perfect engagement look for your Paris couple’s photoshoot! It will cover popular locations, top makeup looks and hairstyles, plus some of my expert tips that will help you make the most out of your time in front of the camera!
Paris Engagement Photoshoots: Having your engagement photos in Paris is a beautiful way to celebrate and capture your new journey! Photo courtesy of The Paris Photographer
Find your Photographer + Choose your Photoshoot Package
Paris is full of talented photographers eager to take your engagement photos! But how do you decide which photographer is right for you and what package to book? Here are my tips on finding a photographer:
Check their website, Instagram profile, and online reviews. Do you connect with their style and personality? Do you like their editing style? Do you want more dramatic shots, artistic shots or maybe more candid? Look for engagement photos that resonate with what you want, and reach out ASAP to get the conversation started.
For packages, photographers usually go by the hour and by number of photos edited. If you’re new to photoshoots, I suggest a longer photoshoot because over time you will loosen up and photos will look more natural. Their packages will also list how many style changes and locations are doable in that amount of time, so make sure you find what you want within your budget.
Engagment Photoshoot Tip: If you like any photos from this post, I have listed the photographer under each image and have their websites available at the bottom, in alphabetical order.
Paris Engagement Photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower: Sunset or sunrise is the perfect time for an Eiffel Tower photoshoot! Sunrise is especially popular with my clients traveling to Paris from Asia—because of the time difference, sunrise feels like lunchtime! Photo courtesy of The Paris Photographer
2. Select your Engagement Photoshoot Outfit
ALL women want to look their best on camera, and since they are going to be photographed from far away, they want to stand out. You can stand out with an outfit by choosing fuller skirts, longer length dresses, bold colors, big hair - or a combination of them all! If you’re worried about being over-dressed…don’t be! Paris is the fashion capital of the world and there is no such thing as being overdressed! If you want to wear a ball gown - go for it!
Here are my tips for choosing the best outfit for your Paris engagement photoshoot:
Solids and Patterns: Solids always photograph beautifully, but if you want to work with a pattern, keep it fitted or fit-and-flare, and make sure the colors coordinate with your natural palette.
Be strategic with your accessories: wearing your hair half up or fully up? Add statement earrings and a hair accessory to add drama to the look! Expecting cold weather? Layer different textures into your outerwear and shoes.
Find the perfect undergarments: Love the dress but not the fit? Get it tailored! Add some shape wear or a slip. Can’t wear a bra with it? Get some stick-on cups or ask your tailor to sew in cups. You want to look and feel confident in front of the camera, so make sure you’re happy with it before you leave for Paris!
Start planning right away: You want to look and feel confident in the mirror before you leave, so make sure you’re happy with it before you leave for Paris! Take lots and lots of selfies at all angles and make sure you LOVE the way you look!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your photographer or makeup artist and hairstylist: I talk to my clients the moment they book me to make sure they love their look for their engagement photoshoot!
Paris Engagement Photoshoot Outfits: If you’re worried about being over-dressed…don’t be! Paris is the fashion capital of the world and there is no such thing as being overdressed! Photo courtesy of The Paris Photographer
Romantic Casual Engagement Photoshoot Looks
For more casual looks, think sundresses tops + skirts… romantic beach waves, loose curls, messy chic-buns and flirty ponytails are popular styles. As for makeup, focus on bringing out the eyes is key since these images will be captured at a distance. However, some clients feel naked without a bold lip so many choose a bolder version of their natural lip-color.
Casual Style Tip: not sure what to wear? Ask yourself what you would wear to a dressy bridal shower brunch, or an intimate backyard wedding!
Formal & Elegant Engagement photoshoot looks
If your Paris engagement photoshoot is more formal with evening gowns or wedding dresses – polished looks such as Hollywood waves, full or half updos and polished chignons are the way to go. Many women use this as a chance to try out their wedding updo and makeup looks before their big day.
Engagement Photoshoot Hairstyle Tip: Be mindful of wind, rain or humidity. No amount of hairspray can keep a down-do from succumbing to the elements in a 2-hour photoshoot in the rain. If rain is in the forecast, make sure you have a plan-b updo plan.
Fashion-Forward Engagement Photoshoot Looks
My fashion-forward Fiancee’s —rejoice! If bold, trendy separates with lots of accessories is your thing then Paris is the place to express it. Here are some clients who went bold for their engagement photoshoot and how to harmonize your hair and makeup with any fashion-forward photoshoot look.
Does your outfit have lots of texture, such as furs, tweeds and leather? Keep the hair smooth and polished so it doesn’t compete.
Wearing bright floral prints? Bold eyes and pinky-lips will finish the look.
Showcasing your ‘Inner-Parisienne’ style? Bold eyes and big curls!
Fashion-forward Photoshoot Tips: Shoes may complete the look but it doesn’t mean you need to suffer with aching feet! Please bring a pair of comfy shoes with you on your shoot, if its cold or rainy, bring boots - your feet will thank you!
3. Choose your Engagement Photoshoot Hairstyle
Updos and upstyles
Updos, how do you want it to look? Polished and smooth? Loose and romantic? Something in between?
Smooth and polished is great for dresses with crisp fabric and structured silhouettes. They’re beautiful on all hair-types and are easy to weather proof, so if you’re expecting inclement weather, a smooth polished up-do is your best bet.
Romantic and Loose perfect for flowing dresses, formal looks and looks awesome in any hair color. Romantic loose up-dos work well with any outfit and can be done with medium to long length hair. This looks is semi-weatherproof, meaning if you’re expecting some wind, rain, heat it will be ok, but only for a short amount of time.
Paris Engagement Photoshoot Updo Tip: Check out these Pinterest boards for inspiration, and my bridal hairstyle guide for even more hair tips.
Downdos and Half-up dos
For downdos, and half up-dos you want a style that will give your hair movement and volume. Barrel curls and big waves and twisted half up looks are always romantic and will make a statement, even when photographed far away.
If you want to keep your hair on the straight side, consider c-curls to frame the face and add body! However, no matter what down-do or half up do you choose, its no match against inclement weather. If you see inclimate weather in the forecast, be sure to switch it to an up-do!
Down-do Hairstyle Tip: Pack a silk pillowcase and some dry shampoo … and get some mileage out of your gorgeous waves and curls!
4. Choose your Paris Photoshoot Makeup Look
Paris Engagement Photoshoots: Bold eyes paired with Hollywood glam waves is one of my favorite looks for engagement photoshoots! Photo courtesy of Gloria Villa Photography
Most women want to look their best on camera, and since they are going to be photographed from far away, they want their eyes to stand out. Soft glam, medium-toned eye makeup, healthy glow skin with a pop of blush and highlighter, and either a nude lip or a semi-bold lip is my go-to look for engagement photoshoot clients. Some women take it a step further and want to go all out with a bold red Parisian lip— in which case I always advise they go for a matte finish so they can kiss their partner during photos. As for Hair, Paris engagement photoshoot clients want to bring out their volume whether its in an up or down style.
Light Intensity Makeup - A “my-face-but-better” look in light neutral tones with a soft emphasis on the lips. Great for engagement photoshoots in a lot of natural surroundings such as french gardens. If you’re looking for a minimal, clean, and natural look, or simply don’t like to wear a lot of makeup, this one may be for you.
Medium Intensity Makeup - Softly defined eyes and cheeks with a light to medium emphasis on the lips. This is a classic makeup look that works well in most engagement photoshoot settings. If you’re looking to enhance your features and look timelessly beautiful, without feeling like you’re wearing a ton of heavy makeup, this is the go-to look for your Paris couples photoshoot.
Bold Intensity Makeup - Bold emphasis on the eyes, defined cheek bones, and medium to bold lips. This glamorous statement look pairs well with evening gowns and elegant accessories such as statement necklaces and crystal chandelier earrings. If you love darker makeup and feel naked without it, this may just be your look!
Bridal Makeup Tip: If you are unsure which makeup intensity is for you, remember that you can always start light and build up from there. Make sure you’re clear with your makeup artist if you’d like to try out a more intense look. Try it on one side first to see if it’s right for you.
Read more on designing a makeup look, here.
Paris Engagement Photoshoots: A classic Parisian red lip can be a fun way to dress up your second outfit for your engagement photoshoot in Paris! Photo courtesy of The Paris Photographer
5. Decide your Paris Engagement Photoshoot Location/s
Paris has countless option for photoshoots. Eiffel Tower is iconic and way more beautiful in real life than in photos! However, Paris has so many beautiful backdrops, I encourage you to do your research and pick a location that matches your style. Here is a list of the top locations, featuring makeup, hair and outfit inspiration for Paris engagement photoshoots:
Hotels & Parisian Airbnb’s
Gorgeous interiors and glamorous balconies…what’s not to love?
Paris Photoshoot Tip: This type of intimate location is perfect for boudoir and bridal portraits, in case you wanted to incorporate both into your engagement photoshoot - just like my client, Mallory!
Parisian Cafés
Parisian Cafés Engagement Photoshoot: Paris cafe’s are all over Paris and are a great photo-opp to add on in between photoshoot locations! Photo courtesy of The Paris Photographer
Cafes are the perfect place to capture romantic, candid shots that showcase your love language. Plus, cafe’s are easy to add on to any location since they are all over Paris!
Paris Engagement Photoshoot Tip: End your photoshoot here so you can re-charge with a Cafe Au Lait and take on Paris with your Fiance!
Read More: How to Make the Most of Your Engagement Photoshoot in Paris.
French Gardens
Gardens in Paris are glorious no matter what time of year you visit. My personal favorites are Jardin du Luxembourg & Tuileries Garden.
Paris Photoshoot Tip: Gardens are beautiful but are very “busy” visually - keep your clothes in neutral tones such as pinks, nudes, grey, black and white to harmonize your look with your surroundings.
Modern Art & Architecture
The Pyramids, Louvre Palace, you can have it all at the Louvre! However, this is a popular tourist destination, so be ready for an early morning shoot.. If you want a mix of Paris architecture and art, try the Palais Royale. They have the palatial architecture, juxtaposed with modern art as well.
Paris Photoshoot Tip: These shot tend to be very dramatic, look for bold, longer length gowns and down-dos to stand out against this stunning backdrop.
Classic Parisian
Eiffel Tower and the iconic Golden Gates at the Petit Palais, Paris.
These three iconic locations are beautiful and capture the essence of Paris. While far apart, each location is adjacent to other Paris photoshoot hotspots.
Petit Palais is conveniently located near the Seine and the Tuileries Gardens if you want to add more locations to your shoot.
Alexander III Bridge is next to the Grand Palais.
Eiffel Tower is next to the Seine, and the Jardin d'Erivan, which is where you’ll see an avenue of perfectly trimmed trees.
Classic Parisian Photoshoot Tip: Want to pictures all over Paris? Book a 4-hour photoshoot with a photographer and you’ll be able to have beautiful photos taken at at least 3 locations!
Now that you’ve planned your look & found your location/s
Here are some TIPS for getting ready for your Paris Engagement Photoshoot
Engagement Photoshoot in Paris at the Eiffel Tower: Sunrise is a beautiful time to get your photos taken in Paris. The Eiffel Tower in particular is especially magical! I love this time of day for elegant photoshoots in formalwear. Makeup and hairstyling by Onorina Jomir Beauty, Photo courtesy of Kiss Me in Paris
It’s important to be on time, if not early, for your photoshoot. If you’re late, you will either lose out on great lighting when taking photos early in the morning, or simply cut down on that precious, ‘on-camera’ time! Leave early, plan for Paris traffic, and try to book your accommodation nearby your starting point for your photoshoot in Paris.
Before you arrive in Paris
Pack: Moisturizer, makeup remover, face cleanser, sunscreen (always), a good hair mask and your favorite shampoo, tweezers, lip balm & exfoliant, and hair brush.
Avoid: new skincare regimens, over-exfoliating your skin, waxing your brows or upper lip (tweeze only!).
If you suffer from acne, get a facial before you leave so that you can have happy, unblemished skin throughout your trip.
If you suffer from dry skin, bring a thermal water or rose water face mist for the plane ride—your skin will thank you! I love this one by Avene.
Get a manicure because you’ll be showing off that ring in all your photos and your photographer will most definitely take close-ups of your hands.
Preparing for your Paris Engagement Photoshoot: Do not change up your skincare, and if you have a sudden break out before you leave, schedule a facial prior to departure, or schedule one for when you arrive in Paris! I have many recommendations on places to go in this blog post. Photo courtesy of L’Amour de Paris
The Night Before Your Photoshoot
Wash and fully dry your hair, unless otherwise specified by your artist. Avoid 2-in-1 products. Use leave-in treatments sparingly. Remember, your stylist will work with your hair and add the products needed to achieve your desired look.
Pack your Paris photoshoot bag - don’t forget your accessories, second outfits, and a pair of comfy shoes for in-between—your feet will thank you! If it's cold, bring a warm coat, boots, and scarf as well. Don’t underestimate the wind in Paris and bring layers!
Cleanse your face, apply moisturizer, and lip balm. If you have a sheet mask you love, feel free to use it the evening before—this will prepare your skin further and help your makeup look even better!
Clear a table surface for your Paris makeup and hair artist. If getting ready during daytime hours, a working space by a window is preferred.
Eat well, hydrate, and get your beauty sleep!
Getting Ready for Your Paris Engagement Photoshoot: You’d be surprise how much time it takes to get ready the evening before - but trust me, it is time well spent! You’ll thank yourself while you sit back, relax and enjoy the indulgence of getting your hair and makeup done by a professional so you can look and feel camera-ready! Photo courtesy of Hanri Human
The Morning of Your Photoshoot
Wake up early and give yourself time to be fully ready for your makeup and hair artist’s arrival. Starting on time will ensure you arrive at your photoshoot on time.
Drink water as soon as you wake up–there won’t be much time to hydrate during the shoot, and public restrooms are not always easy to find.
Eat breakfast, even if you’re not hungry! Modeling, especially outdoors, is no easy feat, and it will surprise you how much energy it takes from you. Pack snacks with you as well!
Cleanse and hydrate your face, and don’t forget to moisturize your hands and body.
Be sure to brush your teeth before your beauty appointment.
Brush out your hair, and lay out any accessories or clip-in extensions you’d like your artist to use
*Note: You should always discuss your hair accessories and use of clip-in extensions (or any other type of extensions) with your beauty artist in advance - this way she/he will be best prepared for your beauty session and give your advice and feedback on the best way to incorporate everything into your desired hairstyle.
Paris Engagement Photoshoot Hairstyles: It’s important to have clean, dry hair with little to no product for your updo styling. Your photoshoot hairstylist needs a clean slate to produce beautiful results! Makeup and hairstyling by Onorina Jomir Beauty, Photo courtesy of Julia Rapp Photography
Congratulations!
You are ready to pack your suitcase and jet off to Paris for your engagement photoshoot!
With this guide, you can show your makeup artist and hair stylist exactly how you want to look for your photoshoot! It takes a bit of time to make sure the pieces align, but it will create mesmerizing photos you will cherish for years to come! If you need a makeup and hairstylist in Paris, my team and I are happy to help you look glamorous and camera-ready! With 10+ years of experience, we know exactly what it takes to help you achieve your dream look for your engagement photoshoot in Paris!
For more makeup look inspiration and ideas, check my PINTEREST profile, or click below and start pinning photos directly to your Pinterest board—it’s super fun, you’ll see!
Ready to design your hairstyle for your destination wedding in France? Check out my Bridal Hair Design Guide and follow my Instagram for daily inspiration!
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