So you've booked your session, you know you're heading to Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and now you're staring at your suitcase wondering what on earth to pack.
This is one of the most common questions I get before a session, and it's a good one. What you wear genuinely affects how your photos feel. The good news is that Bir-Hakeim is incredibly versatile — the iron bridge, the Seine, the Haussmannian facades, the moody arch underneath. It all works beautifully with a wide range of styles.
Here's how to make your outfit choices work for you.
Think Timeless, Not Trendy
Paris has a way of making classic looks feel effortless and making trend-driven outfits look a little out of place. When in doubt, lean toward timeless over fashionable.
For women, this means flowy midi dresses, elegant jumpsuits, tailored trousers with a simple blouse, or a classic trench coat over whatever you have underneath. Soft, muted tones work beautifully against the warm stone and iron of the bridge. Think dusty rose, cream, sage, camel, navy, or deep burgundy — colours that photograph especially well in afternoon light and won't compete with the scenery.
For men, a well-fitted shirt tucked into chinos or trousers is a solid starting point. A blazer adds polish without trying too hard. Avoid loud graphic tees or very casual sportswear unless that genuinely reflects your personality — in which case, own it confidently and it will work.
For couples, you don't need to match exactly, but do coordinate. Choose a colour palette together and work within it. If one person is in navy and the other in cream, you'll look intentional and complementary without looking like you tried too hard.
What the Location Asks of You
Bir-Hakeim is not a manicured garden. It's a working bridge with cobblestones, metal grating underfoot, and a fair bit of walking between spots. Keep that in mind when choosing footwear.
Heels can work beautifully for a shot or two, especially under the arch where you're standing still and the drama of the image does the heavy lifting. But you'll want a pair of flats or comfortable shoes to walk between locations. Consider bringing both and swapping when you need to.
The bridge also involves stairs and some uneven surfaces, so if you're wearing a long flowing dress, just be aware of where the hem sits when you're walking. Easy to manage — just worth knowing ahead of time.
Outfit Changes: Yes, You Can. Here's How to Be Smart About It.
One of the things I love offering is the option to change outfits during a session. It gives your gallery more variety and lets you show different sides of yourself within a single hour.
The one thing to know upfront is that there are no changing rooms at Bir-Hakeim. It's a public bridge. So a little planning goes a long way.
For ladies, the smartest approach is to layer. Wear your second outfit underneath your first. A dress over a skirt-and-top combination, for example, means all you need to do is slip the dress off and suddenly you have a completely different look. A long cardigan or coat can also be removed to reveal something different underneath.
Another option is to bring a long scarf or a wide skirt that can act as a temporary wrap while you change a top. It takes thirty seconds and works surprisingly well in practice. You won't be the first person to do a quick change on a Parisian bridge.
For men, a simple shirt swap is the easiest move. Keep a second shirt folded neatly in a bag, step to the side, and you have a new look in under a minute.
Whatever you plan, keep your second outfit accessible in a small bag or backpack rather than buried in a suitcase. We want the transition to feel easy and quick so we don't lose the light.
A Few Things to Avoid
Avoid all-white outfits in bright midday light — they tend to overexpose and lose detail. Also avoid very busy patterns like large florals or bold stripes, which can distract the eye from your face and the backdrop behind you.
Avoid anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unlike yourself. Confidence reads on camera. If you feel stiff in what you're wearing, it will show. Wear something that makes you feel good and the rest takes care of itself.
Still Not Sure? Just Ask.
If you're still not sure what to wear, ask me before the session. I'm happy to look at what you're considering and give you an honest opinion. It's part of what I'm here for.
My Eiffel: The Grand Tour session covers a variety of stunning spots around Bir-Hakeim and beyond, all within one hour. Outfit change welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for a Paris photoshoot?
Aim for timeless over trendy. Classic cuts, muted or earthy tones, and outfits that make you feel genuinely good tend to photograph best. Avoid busy patterns and all-white outfits in bright light. For Pont de Bir-Hakeim specifically, colours like dusty rose, cream, sage, camel, navy, and deep burgundy work beautifully against the warm iron and stone tones of the bridge.
What colours photograph best in Paris?
Soft, muted tones almost always win. Dusty rose, cream, sage green, camel, navy, and deep burgundy all hold up well across different lighting conditions — from afternoon sun to golden hour — without washing out or competing with the scenery. Avoid very bright colours or bold graphic prints, which draw the eye away from your face and the backdrop.
Can I do an outfit change during a Paris photo session?
Yes, outfit changes are welcome and a great way to add variety to your gallery. At Pont de Bir-Hakeim there are no changing rooms, so the trick is to plan ahead. Layering works well for women — wearing the second outfit underneath the first means a quick reveal. A long scarf or wide skirt can also act as a wrap while you swap a top. For men, a simple shirt change takes under a minute. Keep your second outfit accessible in a small bag.
What shoes should I wear to Pont de Bir-Hakeim?
Bir-Hakeim involves cobblestones, metal grating, stairs, and a fair amount of walking between spots. Heels can work beautifully for specific shots — especially under the arch where you're standing still — but you'll want comfortable flats or trainers for moving between locations. Bringing both and swapping as needed is the most practical approach.
How should couples coordinate outfits for a Paris photoshoot?
You don't need to match exactly — in fact, matching too closely can look forced. Instead, choose a shared colour palette and work within it. If one person is in navy, the other might wear cream or camel. Aim for a rough balance in formality too: one very dressed-up and one very casual tends to make the photos feel disjointed.
