I’m SO late to the game in blogging my own photo session that I had on my trip to Paris (almost a year ago already!) but it’s better late than never, right?!

I try to get on the other side of the camera once in a while because 1. I don’t like it so it pushes me out of my comfort zone and 2. I can relate to my clients when I’m photographing them by knowing tricks to get them comfortable. This time in front of the camera was especially special since I was in Paris visiting my crazy-talented friend Brittany of Brittany Marie Photography. We spent the day together exploring Paris and that morning we took some quick photos of each other. Later, we waited in line for what seemed like hours for the best damn crêpe I’ve ever had in my life! I blogged the photos I took of her, but never got around to sharing (aside from Instagram) the photos she made of me. See below for some tips on how to have a great portrait session and learn from my mishaps.

Things I learned after being photographed in Paris.

Don’t wear something that you’re going to be self-conscious about the entire time! Something you feel amazing in will do the trick. I wore a shirt that I loved the look of but didn’t like the look of ON ME! It wasn’t the most flattering on my short body and I ended up feeling self-conscious and in my head about it the entire time. Trust your instincts and go with your first choice.
Get a great night’s sleep beforehand! I am never myself when I don’t get enough sleep and my brain is foggy & makes it harder to relax. And my eyes look so sleepy!
Speaking of sleepy eyes…. the older I get, the more I dislike my giant light-up-the-room-smile and the dark circles under my eyes (thanks, genes). I know it’s silly and all my own insecurities, but I feel more like myself when I don’t look tired. Next time, I will hire a make-up artist to help me feel even more amazing. AND will work on loving myself, “flaws” and all!
Have fun, be playful and relax. It will show if you’re stiff and uncomfortable. The most important tip for great photos is that you have to trust your photographer.

If you go to Paris, and I highly recommend you do, you MUST be photographed by Brittany! Check out her stunning photos here!

When I found out my friend Brittany, of Brittany Marie Photography, was moving to Paris, France last fall I was a bit bummed because we had just gotten to know each other and she was second-shooting weddings with me & I adored her. But I knew she was moving for the best reasons and I was incredibly happy for her. We were sitting at Eva’s Cafe in Old Town, having coffee and saying our goodbyes before she left Chicago and she told me I should come visit. In my head I thought, “Yeah, sure, I should… Someday.” Then I realized that’s the kind of thing I ALWAYS tell myself and then never do! Paris, and in spring time, has always been a bucket list destination for me so I made it a personal goal to get to Paris before her visa was up. After all, how could I not go when I knew someone living there?!

I am happy to report that I went! And it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have SO many photos it’s overwhelming, but I did get to see Brittany for a day and we took photos of each other for a bit in Paris. Here are a few of my favorite of her. I can’t stop smiling from these and will always cherish this trip. Isn’t she stunnnnnnnnnnnnning?! Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s also incredibly talented and has a heart of pure gold. If you’re in Paris, you must check her out.