Dreaming of capturing your stay in Provence with photos that radiate authenticity, joy, and the region’s unique charm? Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway or a family exploring the South of France, these tips are for you. As a professional photographer based in Provence, I’m sharing everything you need to know for a natural, relaxed, and truly memorable photo session.
1. Build a genuine connection with your photographer
The secret to natural and lively photos is simple: trust. Before the camera even comes out, take the time to connect with your photographer—via a call, a coffee, or a few thoughtful emails. The goal is to create a human relationship, not just check off a task.
Why does it matter?
Because when you feel comfortable, you’ll dare to be yourselves. You’ll laugh genuinely. You’ll forget about the camera. That’s where the magic happens.
💡 Pro tip: Share as much as you can about yourselves: names, how you met, what you love doing together, your kids’ personalities… These details feed your photographer’s creative vision and inspire storytelling through imagery. Plus, they create natural talking points during the session, which helps create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
2. Give yourselves time to fully arrive in the moment
A photo session isn’t just a calendar item—it’s a true experience to savor. To make it successful, you need time, emotional presence, and space to breathe.
The last thing you want is to feel rushed. That stress will show in the photos. So, account for travel time, wardrobe changes, bathroom breaks, and the unexpected. Time flies during a session, so be generous with it. The more relaxed you are, the more authentic the photos will be.
Before the session:
- Plan your outfits and route the day before.
- Don’t schedule a heavy meal or activity right before.
- Leave early to arrive peacefully, especially if you’re coming from another town.
- Make sure kids have had a snack and bathroom break.
- Pack an extra outfit for little ones—accidents happen!
During the session:
- The first few minutes might feel a bit awkward—and that’s totally normal. Let yourselves warm up to the rhythm, the light, and the presence of the photographer. Soon enough, you’ll settle in, and the rest will flow naturally.
- Breathe deeply, look at each other or your children, and remember: you’re not here to prove anything. You’re here to create a memory.
- Feel free to chat with your photographer, make requests, or share preferences. This is about you loving your photos—your voice matters.
3. Choose the location and time with intention
Provence is basically an open-air postcard: lavender fields in the Luberon, centuries-old olive trees in the Alpilles, golden alleyways in Avignon, sunsets over Ventoux vineyards… Every place has its own poetry and light.
What to consider:
- Pick a place that speaks to your heart—not just one that’s “Instagrammable”, but one that feels right.
- Opt for golden hour: early morning (before 8 a.m. in summer) or late afternoon (around 7 p.m.) to avoid harsh shadows and bathe in warm, romantic light.
- Keep in mind: villages are often crowded in the late afternoon and on weekends.
💡 Pro tip: Ask your photographer for recommendations. A good local photographer knows hidden gems, off the beaten path—ideal for unique and intimate photo sessions.
Still undecided? Check out my guide to the most beautiful photo session locations in Provence.
4. Wear comfortable outfits that suit the setting
The goal isn’t to look overly styled—it’s to feel good, blend with the Provençal vibe, and look visually harmonious as a couple or family. I’ve created a complete guide on what to wear for a photo session in Provence, plus some outfit ideas for a couple photo session or a family one.
Here’s what works best:
- Light, pastel, or earthy tones: beige, off-white, terracotta, sky blue, dusty rose… These colors pair beautifully with Provence’s natural backdrops.
- Avoid loud patterns, overly tight clothes, or big logos.
- Choose natural, breathable fabrics with movement: linen, soft cotton, light muslin… They catch the light and add texture to your photos.
For families:
Coordinate your outfits, but avoid being too matchy-matchy. You’re looking for visual harmony, not uniforms.
💡 Pro tip: Bring a second outfit, just in case. If your session lasts over an hour, changing is totally doable. As your photographer, I even bring a portable changing cabin so you can swap clothes anywhere comfortably.
5. Just be yourselves—everything else will follow
This is perhaps the simplest—and hardest—advice of all. You don’t need to pose. You just need to be present.
How do you do that?
- Focus on what you feel, not how you look.
- Don’t experiment with new makeup or outfits you’re unsure about. If you want to try something different, test it beforehand.
Play, walk, hug, dance, laugh. Be in your moment. Your photographer is there to capture, not control.
Explore my guides with 15 poses for your couple photo session and 15 poses for family photos—they’re simple, natural movements you can try during your session. But your own chemistry is what will make the images truly special. My job is to gently guide you—not to direct every move.
You can absolutely get inspired by poses you’ve seen on Pinterest or Instagram. But remember: the more you try to copy a pose exactly, the less natural it will look. Leave space for spontaneity.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re shy, do an activity during the session: a walk, a picnic, picking flowers, playing with the kids… These genuine interactions often lead to the most heartfelt photos.
Emina C.
We recently had photos by Marie done during a family vacation in France. Not only was she so accommodating and flexible with the booking time/location/length prior to the shoot, she was patient, creative and kind during our shoot. Despite our preschooler constantly dancing around, and our birthday boy refusing to be held during the photos, she somehow managed to capture so much goodness. If you want to capture memories in Provence forever, Marie is your girl!
Beyond the images, this is a moment of reconnection. With yourself. With your loved ones. With the beauty of the world around you.
Follow these tips and you’ll leave with more than just pretty pictures—you’ll carry real, vibrant, and emotional memories of your time in Provence.