Hi all

My wife and I will be in Paris for our honeymoon over New Year's this year. The agency that we are renting our apartment through sent us a list of ideas for things to do and one included a photography course. Whilst this looked like a great idea and lots of fun (learning to shoot better photos in Paris, and learning to frame the photos in most striking and interesting ways that many tourists would probably miss), neither my wife nor I are really photography buffs (in the sense of taking our own photos). We have never been more than the type to point and shoot with a digital camera.

Anyway, we thought that it would be a great idea to see if we could find someone to capture a bit of our time in Paris. We tried contacting the person who runs the tours described above but haven't had a reply. Here is what I'm hoping people may be able to help with:

Do any Fodorites know of any photographers based in Paris that offer short packages (perhaps 2-3 hours) of shooting at certain typical Parisian locations? Kind of like a wedding photographer, I guess, but something a bit less formal. I've searched around a bit on the internet but haven't found quite what I'm looking for. Given the nature of this request, and wanting to capture these memories to last a lifetime, I'd certainly prefer someone who has a website so I can view their work online. Also, someone whose package would include the digital negatives of the photos (rather than merely prints) for us to work through when we get home.

Do a search for "photo classes in paris" and you'll come up with a previous thread on this.

I have only seen (long ago now) a photographic course run by people in London. Basically you take the Eurostar in time for an evening of 'night photgraphy' and take the train back in the morning - hence no hotel accommodation.

I am acquainte with a person in Paris who does this (or was in the past--would have to look to see if she is still there). But if you are not really "into" photography, it will be expensive, and truthfully, in January, not necessarily "sparkling" photos, weatherwise. That is not to say that photos at that time of year won't be wonderful. I also don't understand at all your "give us the digital negatives". You'll surely have your own camera and memory card. I guess re-reading it, you want this person to take picutres of YOU in Paris.
This particular person also does tours and even cooking classes.
Another person who could take you to "venues" for great pictures is Michael Osman. His tours are wonderful as is he, fun to be with. Michael could certainly take pictures of you, with a good "eye". He is an artist himself.

We have used Sophie for a photo class in Paris. She lives there, speaks english, and is an amazing photographer as well as charming person to spend time with.

She does do half day tours, which I think ran us 150E a year ago. I'm sure she would be willing to shoot you as opposed to teaching you, have a look at her website, she has some gorgous pics.

http://www.betterparisphotos.com/

Have a look at

www.aphotographerinparis.com

I have also taken the half day class with Sophie at betterparisphotos.com and highly recommend. She is just as susanna has described and she has recently added the service of photographing clients. I think you will enjoy her services- I sure did! Check out her website.

Thank you to all. I contacted Sophie who seemed lovely but, unfortunately, is unavailable at the time we're in Paris. She did recommend the services oneandonlyparisphotography.com who look quite good. I have contacted them and will let you know what the outcome is.

I will also have a look for some more information on Michael Osman and aphotographerinparis.com, so thanks Gretchen and djkbooks.

Another vote for Sophie Pasquet. She will customize your tour based on your interests and level of expertise. I am an advanced amateur who knows a lot about my camera and my wife enjoys her point and shoot camera. Sophie made the full day tour very enjoyable for both of us. She also has recently added the option of photgraphing you, rather than teaching you photography skills. I believe she gives you a CD with jpeg files.Make sure you include the Marais on your tour! Have fun.

As I mentioned, Sophie Pasquet recommended that I contact oneandonlyparisphotography.com. I emailed them and have now received a reply. They seem to know exactly what we want, the work on their website looks good, and they are within the price range that we expected.

Does anyone have any experiences with this company, for better or worse? I'm 99% sure that we will use them, but thought I would just make one final check on here first.

Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions, it is much appreciated.