Trip Report: Paris Photo Tour — November 2024

Paris in November has a different kind of magic. The summer crowds are gone, the streets feel more intimate, and the city slips into its chic, moody season—perfect for photography. The early sunsets and cool tones create a softness to the light that feels tailor-made for capturing the romance of Paris. Our small group Paris Photo Tour with four photographers experienced the city at its most authentic, and the images we created reflect a quieter, more soulful side of the City of Lights that few visitors ever see.

Traveling with such a small group is part of what makes our Paris Photo Tour unique. It allows us to be nimble, to slip into hidden courtyards, cozy cafés, and lesser-known alleyways that larger groups can’t access without drawing attention or disturbing the moment. It also means we stay together in one vehicle when we transition between locations, keeping the energy, discussions, and spontaneous teaching moments flowing without the logistics of multiple vans and scattered groups. That intimacy lets us focus on what matters most—being in the right place, at the right time, with the right light—and making sure everyone comes away with images that feel personal, not postcard.

For our Paris photo workshop, we base ourselves at the Terrass Hotel in Montmartre—a spot that’s as photogenic as it is practical. Its location puts us within walking distance of iconic sites like Sacré Coeur and Moulin Rouge, offering easy access to metro lines for those classic Paris landmarks a little farther afield. Beyond the location, the hotel gives us a cozy, quiet space for our image reviews, and when the day winds down, the rooftop lounge is the perfect place to unwind—with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline. It’s a hotel that makes you feel like a local… if your Paris apartment came with room service and panoramic city views.

Our Paris Photo Tour began with a welcome dinner in the heart of Montmartre, where we got to know each other over classic French dishes and shared our photographic goals for the week. Afterwards, we took advantage of Paris’s soft glow at night, photographing the cobblestone streets, the illuminated Sacré Coeur, and the artistic buzz of Montmartre once the crowds faded into the night.

For the rest of the tour, the meals in Paris are as much a part of the experience as the photography. We favor small, tucked-away venues where the tables spill onto quiet patios, and the menus are handwritten on chalkboards. These are the places where locals linger over a glass of wine long after the plates have been cleared, and where our group can relax, review the day’s photos, and soak in the rhythm of Parisian life. Whether it’s a cozy bistro serving slow-cooked duck confit, a bakery where the croissants flake just right, or a tiny brasserie dishing up bowls of rich onion soup, every meal feels like an invitation to pause, savor, and enjoy the city like a true Parisian.

Over the next five days, we explored Paris from all angles—its grand boulevards, historic bridges, hidden courtyards, and world-famous icons. We visited the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame, but always from fresh and unexpected angles. We made a point to arrive early and stay late, capturing the city’s landmarks in the soft, golden light of dawn and the painterly pastels of sunset.

One of the unique aspects of our Paris Photo Tour is how we incorporate professional models into our shoots—but with a twist. To stay within France’s strict privacy laws, we arrange for models who dress and blend in like everyday Parisians—strolling with a baguette, sipping espresso, or simply lingering on a bridge at sunset. This allows us to create authentic, candid-feeling images without worrying about legal grey areas. It also allows our guests to practice working with models in a natural, editorial style that mirrors real street scenes while respecting the city’s laws and etiquette.

And let’s be honest—this is Paris. Even the pigeons look fashionable. More than once, we joked that our models had to step up their game to compete with the effortlessly chic locals (feathered or not). But that’s part of the charm—blending into the city’s rhythm, staging organic moments, and capturing that elusive Parisian cool without chasing strangers down the street.

One of the tour’s highlights was our private portrait sessions with professional ballet and modern dancers, and Parisian models posed naturally in classic settings. The contrast of elegant human form against timeless Parisian architecture brought a new dimension to our photography. These sessions helped participants learn how to direct, compose, and work with models in public spaces while respecting French privacy laws.

We also dedicated time to night photography, which is nothing short of magical in Paris. From the shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower to the reflections on the Seine, we guided the group in mastering long exposures, balancing ambient and artificial light, and capturing the poetic stillness of Paris after dark. Our nightly image reviews over a glass of Bordeaux became a cherished ritual, where we refined techniques and celebrated each photographer’s growth.

On our final morning, we made an early pilgrimage to the Eiffel Tower, arriving before the city stirred, armed with croissants, cameras, and a few willing models. The result? Dreamy images of the Eiffel Tower with elegant silhouettes and soft morning light—photos you can’t get when the crowds are awake.

We wrapped up our Parisian adventure with a dinner cruise along the Seine—because nothing says French romance like an Italian-themed meal floating past the Eiffel Tower. Yes, you read that right. Pasta and tiramisu in the heart of the French capital. It sparked some laughs, but between bites of the pasta and sips of wine, we all agreed the views were pure Paris. And since we weren’t done photographing the Eiffel Tower yet, we capped off the night chasing its sparkling glow from a few secret vantage points that, let’s say, aren’t in the guidebooks. Paris gave us her best that night, even if the menu leaned more toward Rome than the République.

Paris always has more to offer, but in November, with the streets quieter and the light softer, it feels like the city gives you permission to slow down, see more, and photograph with heart. This trip reminded us that the best photos aren’t just found—they’re created through patience, timing, and the willingness to see Paris through your own lens.

Why don’t you join us in Paris one of these years? We go almost every year and would love to have you join us on one of our Paris photo workshops.