Somewhere along the line, I think many of us got the idea that professional photography really is only necessary for a special, once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a wedding. While there’s no doubt professional photography is a must-have for most couples for their wedding day, capturing your special memories should not be limited to just one day in your life. That’s why I was so happy to hear from this lovely couple who were coming to Nice, France on their first European trip together. They were interested in capturing some of their precious memories as a couple with a Nice couples photoshoot, and it’s a great idea!
Planning Your Nice, France Photoshoot
This part is pretty easy, actually, planning a photoshoot in Nice with a professional photographer is easier than you may think. It’s really about selecting your favorite outfit (and I always give my clients style guidelines) and showing up! I do all the rest, including guiding you gently through natural looking poses that are meant to capture your story with little intrusion and with a candid feel.
What does a candid feel look like? It’s not that as your photographer I’m not giving you direction, for most people no direction at all feels awkward. Instead, I suggest a series of romantic poses that look natural and candid and are easy to do. Once you get rolling, it’s so easy and so fun!
When couples come to Nice, I feel its essential to photograph them in two places. First, the old town of Nice (Vieux Nice), is not to be missed. Its winding, narrow streets and pastel colored buildings are a real treat to wander and get lost in. Then, a sea view is also essential, because very few places have the kind of blue water you’ll find in Nice. Its so pretty and the light is fantastic!
What if we get a rainy day? It doesn’t rain much in Nice, but it can rain. Much of the old town is sheltered because the buildings are high, but an umbrella is also a cute accessory and dramatic skies can also be quite lovely!
Meeting My Couple from Asia
My couple, Natta and Dennis, flew all the way from Bangkok, Thailand for their European holiday. Dennis is originally from Switzerland, so they would also be visiting family on their holiday. They were excited to see France together and their travels took them all over Provence and the French Riviera. Natta told me that she thought it would be a nice idea to capture this time together in Nice, but that they’d never had a couples photoshoot before, and she was a bit nervous.
I can totally understand, most of us are not used to professional photography, and it can bring out anxiety in people. However, after the photoshoot, Natta shared the following on Google Reviews:
We went in a bit unsure of what to expect as we have never done anything like this before. But we had a great time and truly wonderful experience! It was like exploring Nice together with a friend, not at all a stiff photoshoot session. We really appreciated Karina’s guides on the pose ideas during the session. Karina has been truly helpful, detail-oriented, and responsive to all the questions we had. Our photos are absolutely lovely and beautiful. Many thanks to Karina for being our wonderful photographer and making our Nice memories even more memorable! Highly recommend.
A Bright and Sunny Morning in Nice
The forecast had been for rain in Nice, but the morning I met Natta and Dennis, the sun was shining. Such a lovely couple, we roamed the streets of the old town together, and I took them to some of my favorite spots. Despite the fact they hadn’t been photographed together before in this way, their easygoing manner made it super easy to photograph them enjoying the city. I learned that they met at the gym, and now enjoy traveling together.
Some of the cutest neighborhoods in all of Nice are in the Old Town, and I never tire of walking them, and especially, sharing the fun with the couples I photograph, pointing out various restaurants, shops, and cute corners.
After Old Town, the Sea!
Once we’d explored the Old Town together, it was time to head to the sea. Old Town is quite close to the shores of the Mediterranean, so it’s not a far walk.
Before heading to the beach, we climbed the many stairs up the side of a large hill called the Colline du Chateau, or in English, Castle Hill. This is a well-loved park and landmark in Nice because the views from atop are stunning. I’m not going to lie, it’s can be a thigh burner walking up the staircases to get to the top. Not every couple elects to do this, and in the summer, it can get quite humid. But for those who want to climb the stairs, the reward is a beautiful view over all of Nice.
For photographs, we don’t spend too long here, rather we head directly to the lookout over the port, because the morning light here is simply stunning and adds a sort of glow to my couples. It’s just gorgeous!
We then descended the stairs, and finished by going to the waters edge. The blue sea was shimmering on this day, and looked amazing against the outfits Natta and Dennis wore. It’s important to also consider bringing sunglasses for the beach portion of our Nice couples photo session, you’ll need them!
I have so much fun with my clients, Natta and Dennis were amazing and I so enjoyed meeting them! It was time to say goodbye, and I wish this pair so much happiness!
Karina Leigh Photography
If you’d like memories of your vacation in Nice, celebrating your love story like Natta and Dennis did, feel free to contact me, and make memories to last a lifetime!
