Through My Lens: Photographing the Magic of Paris

There’s a kind of glow that only Paris has—a golden softness that seems to wrap around everything, from the historic architecture to the fresh pastries in a bakery window. As a travel photographer, I’ve dreamed of capturing that light. In 2016, I finally got the chance to experience the City of Light with my sister, camera in hand and croissant crumbs probably on my shirt.

Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower: Iconic Views and Casual Charm

Our trip kicked off with a classic Parisian picnic under the Eiffel Tower. We grabbed fresh baguettes, brie, fruit, and a bottle of rosé from a nearby market and found a quiet patch of grass to settle in. From that vantage point, I captured one of my favorite shots of the trip—the tower framed through the foreground of our picnic spread, bathed in soft afternoon light. It was the perfect blend of casual and iconic.

The Louvre: A Full-Day Dive into Art and Light

We spent nearly an entire day exploring the Louvre, and honestly, I could have stayed a week. Of course, we made the pilgrimage to see the Mona Lisa, but I found myself just as drawn to the natural light flooding through the glass Pyramid and the sculptural galleries. I focused on wide shots that captured both the grandeur of the museum and its intricate architectural details.

Arc de Triomphe and the Streets That Lead to It

No matter where you stand around the Arc de Triomphe, there’s always movement—cars circling, people posing, sunlight shifting through the Haussmann-style streets.

Sacré-Cœur: A Montmartre Icon

Later in the trip, we made our way up to Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Completed in 1914, this striking white basilica was built as a symbol of hope and reconciliation following the Franco-Prussian War. Perched atop the highest point in Paris, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. I spent time photographing its domes and intricate stonework, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this sacred space.

Sainte-Chapelle: Light, Color, and Awe

Not far away, Sainte-Chapelle completely blew us away. Stepping inside felt like entering a kaleidoscope—the stained glass walls lit up the entire chapel in every shade imaginable. I found myself just spinning in place, camera lifted, trying to capture the way the light shifted with every step. It was easily one of the most visually stunning places I’ve ever photographed.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece

Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral left me speechless. The gothic architecture, the soaring ceilings, the quiet reverence inside—it was even more powerful in person than I imagined. I spent a long time photographing the details: the stained glass windows glowing with afternoon light, the dramatic arches, the stone-carved saints watching from every angle. It was moody, majestic, and absolutely unforgettable.

Strolling the Seine and Staying in Montmartre

Wandering the Seine River was a quiet highlight of the trip—reflections, bridges, and boats created endless framing opportunities. It’s the kind of place that rewards patience and curiosity, especially with a camera in hand.

We stayed in a charming Airbnb just a short walk from the Moulin Rouge, nestled in Montmartre’s cobblestone streets. The neighborhood had a lived-in romance to it—colorful shutters, ivy-covered buildings, and little cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks.

A Sweet Farewell: Chasing the Best Kouign-Amann

On our last morning, with barely enough time to spare, we sprinted across town for one final mission: kouign-amann. A Breton pastry made of layered dough, butter, and caramelized sugar, it’s like a croissant’s richer, crunchier cousin. Worth every second of the mad dash and every flake of pastry I wore on the flight home.

Final Thoughts: Paris Through the Eyes of a Photographer

Paris isn’t just beautiful—it’s a living composition, constantly shifting with light, people, and motion. This trip reminded me that the most meaningful travel photos aren’t always the ones of famous landmarks—they’re the ones that capture the quiet moments, the in-betweens, the unexpected.

If you're a photographer headed to Paris, bring your gear—but also your sense of wonder. The light alone is worth the trip.