Celebrating a wedding anniversary is a very special thing. The magic doesn’t stop the day a couple gets married, each anniversary is a moment to be treasured. That’s why I was so thrilled to be contacted by a lovely couple who were to be visiting the south of France and were interested in a couples anniversary photoshoot in Nice, France.
Nice is an Amazing Place for an Anniversary Photoshoot
Nice, France is an amazing place for photoshoots of all types, whether a couple is visiting to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon, birthday, engagement, elopement or just because, everyone loves this seaside town for so many reasons.
First, the city of Nice is large enough to have all the amenities of a big city, like nice restaurants, hotels, shops, and plenty to do. Transportation is also a breeze from Nice, because trains and buses run all along the French Riviera to all of the places couples love to visit.
From a visual standpoint, Nice is just stunning. Shimmering blue sea and stone beach, incredible views from Castle Hill over the entire city, with mountains in the background, and a colorful old town that’s like being in an Italian town!
Meeting the Anniversary Couple
Jessica and Brian met when they were young, when they were both lifeguards in Missouri, where they live. They had a long friendship, but one day, upon hearing that another girl liked Brian, she found herself feeling a little jealous and realized she had more than friendly feelings for him. Brian didn’t know she felt that way about him, and figured he had been in the friend zone so long with Jessica, that there was no way out. But Jessica had the courage to share her feelings with Brian, and needless to say, he shared them. Now, they’re celebrating five years of happy, blissful marriage, and not only that, vacationing on the French Riviera and attending the Monaco F1 races also!
Jessica contacted me and indicated that they’d love to commemorate this time in their lives with a beautiful couples photo session, and I was thrilled to meet them both! Warm and friendly, it was a real pleasure to walk the streets of Nice with them!
Candy Colored Vieux Nice
For sure, my favorite place to photograph couples is on the candy colored pastel neighborhood called Old Nice (Vieux Nice). Not only is it colorful and beautiful, but there are all these hidden spots, even new ones I keep discovering, and I’m always finding the very best ways to capture my couples love stories, with storytelling that’s unique to them.
We so enjoyed walking these streets together, admiring these old buildings and not only that, but the life that teems in this neighborhood, which feel so authentic and charming, even in a big city like Nice.
What Does a Nice, France Photoshoot Look Like?
To me, when a couple travels, they should not feel anxious or nervous about their photoshoot with me. While it’s natural to have some trepidation, as most of us aren’t used to being photographed, at least not professionally, my aim is to not only photograph my clients and capture their love stories in the most beautiful and authentic way, but to show them where we’re going, little hidden gems, little random facts, anything that can inform them, make their stay more interesting. It’s really more of a combination walking tour and photoshoot. It’s also really fun! I aim to make it as enjoyable as possible.
I tend to stick to two main locations in Nice. First, the old town, as it’s so cute and colorful, and incredibly charming. Then, I incorporate the sea somehow, because to me, it would be a crime to come to this beautiful place and not have any photos with the gorgeous sea. The time we take to walk around Nice is around two hours, and much of that time is walking and not pure photography. Some couples get anxious thinking they’ll be continually photographed for two hours, but that’s just not the case.
What if You Hate Posing?
Most people have a disdain for rigid poses. Look this way, look down, a little to the left, now up. It’s exhausting! That’s why I don’t pose my clients, rather, I offer gentle direction based on my experience of what looks beautiful and romantic in images. Yes, I will direct and not leave my clients wondering what they’re supposed to do, but I try to ensure that it’s as comfortable as possible, and candid looking too. My aim is to capture a couple enjoying Nice together, as if I wasn’t even there.
I typically photograph couples with two cameras, and two lenses, to give two perspectives. One is a wider angle lens to get more of the “scene” and the other is a portrait lens, to get some beautiful closer shots, too.
From Old Nice to Castle Hill
After Jessica, Brian and I walked around Old Nice, I had a question. Did they want to climb the many staircases to the Colline du Chateau, also known as Castle Hill? This hill, where there used to be a castle, but no more, is now a park with a stunning view of Nice. Not only can you see the famous boardwalk, called the Promenade des Anglais, but the marina on one side and the mountains on another. There’s a restaurant, and places to get snacks, as well as a playground for the kids to play. There is an elevator there, but it has been non-functional for a few years, so the only way up now is by foot, and it’s tough, especially if it’s warm.
Jessica and Brian are very fit, and wanted to make the climb, Jessica even did so in heels! I always ask my couples if this is something they want to do, and our time is very brief. However, the morning light from the marina side is something magical, and if it’s a sunny day, I love photographing here.
A Grand Finale at the Beach
Most couples decide they’re ready to call it a day after a visit to Castle Hill, however, if at all possible, I still recommend just a few photos next to the water. Depending on the season, the beach can be empty or crowded beyond belief. In May and September, the beach tends to be less crowded, but in June, July and especially August, sunbathers descend on the beach before the sun comes up and there is very little space. That said, I do my best and make the most of it.
The beach in Nice is a surprise for most people, because it is not sand. Instead, its fine smooth stones, called galets. Now these galets, or stones, can definitely be challenging to walk on, and it’s not a conventional choice when thinking of a beach vacation, but the upside is there is no sandy residue to brush off when you come out of the water!
Also, on this particular day, the white picket fence of the beautiful Castel restaurant and beach lounge looked appealing to me, so I asked Jessica and Brian if they’d mind sitting on the pile of rocks and they were so wonderful and agreed. I’m in love with these photographs, because to me they show happiness, summer, light and love. Also, reminds me a bit of Cape Cod!
I absolutely adored spending time with this energetic and fun couple! Photographing them was a joy, I loved learning more about them and capturing them so beautifully in this magnificent place. Thank you Jessica and Brian, and wishing you many more happy anniversaries!
Karina Leigh Photography
I love capturing wonderful clients all over France, but particularly in Nice, because the light is so nice and it’s just so pretty and calming. If you’d love to capture your own memories in Nice, please contact me, I’d be so pleased to meet you!
