Night Photography Paris: Your Quick Guide to Shooting After Dark
Paris looks magic once the sun goes down, and the streets are perfect for snapping unforgettable shots. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, this guide gives you the spots, gear, and settings you need to capture the city’s glow without pulling your hair out.
Top Nighttime Locations You Can’t Miss
First stop: the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars. The tower lights up every hour on the hour, so line up early and use a tripod to avoid blur. Next, head to Pont Alexandre III – the bridge’s ornate lamps create a glittery backdrop for long‑exposure silhouettes. For a more local vibe, wander the narrow lanes of Le Marais; the lantern‑lit cafés give a cozy feel and great bokeh.
If you love reflections, the Seine is your friend. Find a spot near the Musée d'Orsay or the Louvre and watch the river mirror the city lights. For a high‑angle view, climb the stairs of the Montparnasse Tower and frame the skyline with a star‑filled sky. All these places are free, safe, and open late, so you can stay as long as you need.
Gear and Settings Made Simple
Don’t overthink the gear – a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a good smartphone will work if you follow the basics. A sturdy tripod is a must; it keeps the camera still for exposures of 10‑30 seconds. Use a wide‑angle lens (16‑35mm on full frame) to capture more of the scene, and set the aperture around f/2.8‑f/4 for a nice balance of depth and light.
Set your ISO low (100‑400) to keep noise down, then dial in a slow shutter speed. Turn on manual focus and focus on a bright point, then switch to infinity. If you’re using a smartphone, enable night mode and keep the phone still – a small tripod or a stable surface works wonders.
Take a few test shots, check the histogram for blown highlights, and adjust accordingly. Bracketing – taking several exposures at different settings – gives you flexibility when you merge the images later.
Safety tip: keep your bag close, avoid dark alleys, and let someone know where you’re shooting. Paris is generally safe, but a quick glance around never hurts.
Once you’ve got the raw files, a little post‑processing can bring out the colors. Boost the shadows just a bit, increase contrast, and sharpen the details. If you love the classic look, add a subtle vignette to draw the eye to the center.
Ready to hit the streets? Pack a lightweight tripod, a fast lens, extra batteries, and a smile. The City of Light lives up to its name when you’ve got the right tools and a few inside tricks. Grab your camera, find a spot, and start capturing Paris after dark – the results will speak for themselves.
