Paris has all the elements that I look for in a great urban destination. It’s an easy city to explore on foot or by metro, and it offers exceptional museums, gardens, and public squares, a fascinating variety of architectural styles, great food and wine, and tremendously diverse people-watching opportunities. Each neighborhood has its own character and rewards leisurely visitors with an incredible array of sights, sounds, smells, and, for those who sample, flavors.

Several visits have confirmed my impression that Paris will always be a great place to photograph. The iconic sites are worth shooting again and again because...well, they are iconic! My challenge is to find a new perspective or to photograph them in exceptional light or weather conditions. The Latin Quarter, for example, offers endless variety of subject matter but becomes an extraordinary location on a rainy day when the produce stalls glisten after a downpour. The standard boat tour down the Seine is beautiful but is transformed in late afternoon light when heavy clouds provide a background. The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel becomes an imposing silhouette when photographed against a dramatic sunset.

But my favorite subjects in Paris are the unexpected ones. Few tourists venture out to the Basilica of Saint Denis and, therefore, never see the most extraordinary stained glass windows in the city. Another surprise was the local market near the apartment in which we stayed on one trip. We were obviously not locals, and many of the vendors were as entertained by us as we were by them and their wares. Several went so far as to pose their merchandise for the best shots! And nothing beats simply wandering around photographing everyday life: a random group of people sharing a park bench, children playing, street musicians, quirky window displays, and unexpected reflections. Take your time; keep your eyes open; always carry extra batteries and memory cards!

Of course, the best light for photography is in the early morning and late afternoon, just before and just after sunrise and sunset. Ideally, one would nap or, at least, rest in between these two prime times, especially when planning to photograph illuminated monuments at night. But there is so much to see and do, so many places to explore, and so many tempting restaurants and cafes to try that it’s nearly impossible to take time off. A successful trip to Paris is completely exhausting but thoroughly satisfying!