I have always been fascinated by photography. I have spent countless hours studying photographs of people, while considering the angles, the lighting, and the editing the photographer used. I love the fact that photography has the amazing ability to transport us to a different time, or place with one single shot.
It was not until I started blogging that I decided to take photography more seriously. With camera in hand, I started experimenting with photographs of my apartment, of friends, and family. It was after experimenting in this way that I realized my passion for photography. I have no formal training or background in this field, but I realize that passion can open your eyes to the impossible, so not only did I invest in the proper equipment I also spent the necessary time to learn everything I could to enhance the skill it takes to be proficient with this passion.
I enjoy, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph bloggers, couples, influencers who make an impact in their profession, families, and also lifestyle type setting. I take an individual approach to each person I photograph. I make every effort to embrace and highlight the focus of what they are trying to convey to their audience with each session.
I look forward to working together and capturing the potential magnificence of your moments through my eyes and the lens of my camera.
Having the perfect striped shirt in your wardrobe is essential. It can go with pretty much anything in your closet and always creates a put-together and classic look. It is also the FIRST thing I grab when I go to pack a suitcase! You can mix-and-match them with everything, making them a travel must!
Since spring is approaching and you can’t do that season with out a striped t-shirt I decided to round up my favorites from around the web.
Paris is an extraordinarily beautiful city. You can argue about its people or its government but you can’t argue its exquisiteness. Walking the streets and taking in the architecture, the cafe scene, the people, and the energy of the city is one of my favorite things. As beautiful as it is from the ground, it is breathtaking from above. Seeing the rooftops and monuments from a birds-eye-view is unforgettable. It is so quiet from above and being able to see Paris for miles is something I can’t put into words, it must be experienced for yourself!
Here is my list of the Best Views of Paris From Above:
Arc de Triomphe
Offers an amazing panoramic view of the twelve avenues departing from the Place de l’Étoile. Make your way up to the viewing platform for a great view over the whole Historical Axis – from the Louvre to the Grande Arche in the CBD of La Défense. I recommend heading here at dusk on a clear day to see Paris lit up in a golden light. It is everything you want, and more! If you can’t make it by dusk certainly go for nighttime. The twinkling lights below will be an unforgettable site.
Sacré-Coeur
Everybody goes to Montmartre to either see the church, historic Paris, or just to experience a place they have only ever heard about. Whatever the reason they make their way up the hill, they stay for the beautiful 360 degree views of Paris. The view of the Paris skyline from the top of the Montmartre Hill is one of the most famous spots in all the city. **tip: climb to the top of the Sacré Coeur for an unbelievable view of Paris and beyond
Tour Montparnasse
I must admit, this is my least favorite building in Paris. It is new and of modern design, 100% not what you want Paris to be. However, the view from the 56th floor makes up for its awkward placement and out of place design. From the 56th floor you will have a birds-eye view of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre and the Luxembourg Garden. The open-air roof-terrace is opened to the public and is best for taking photos of Paris’ most famous monuments and landmarks.
Musée d’Orsay
Believe it or not, there are great views from the rooftop of this superb museum, and they’re included in the regular admission fee.
Galeries Lafayette A rival to the Printemps department store, the terrace might give it a leg up. Sipping on a glass of wine while staring at views of the Grands Boulevards district, Notre-Dame and Panthéon make the Galeries Lafayette a spectacular place to spend an afternoon.
Eiffel Tower
I am so embarrassed to say that I only just experienced the third platform of the Eiffel Tower. It has some of the most incredible views of Paris, which stretch for 70 km, as far as the outskirts of the French capital, Charles de Gaulle airport and the countryside beyond its suburbs. If you want a more up close and personal view of Paris, stop at the second platform where you can view some of the city’s most famous monuments in detail. Because the Tower is a pretty far west you will get the true experience of Paris but not as good of 360 panoramic views like the Tour Montparnasse.
Printemps Haussmannian
Although not quite as high as terraces of other monuments, the free-platform of department store Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann gives a fine view over the roofs of Paris, particularly those of Haussmannian buildings. There is a good perspective leading to the Madeleine Church and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Notre Dame
At 69 metres high, the South tower of Notre-Dame offers magnificent view over West Paris (from the Eiffel Tower to La Défense and Sacré Cœur). You should stay as long as the guards will let you in order to fully appreciate the moment. This extraordinary view also provides a different perspective of the cathedral’s greenish roof, as well as the clocks and the gargoyles.
Institut du Monde Arabe
I was able to experience this spot with a local photographer, Mary Quincy. She shared her secret spot with me and it was so amazing! As well as being a beautiful building, with interesting architecture, there is a great view of the River Seine, Notre Dame, and Ile Saint Louis. There is a really cute cafe at the top where you can sip on tea and take in the views.
Ben Nye Banana Finishing Powder – I just discovered this after learning about “baking” your make-up! It is an amazing finishing powder (I mix it with this in a cub) and makes your make-up last all day! It can be a little hard to wash off so I recommend using this as well! (be sure to watch this video and let it sit for at least 5-10 min and then brush off to see its full affects).
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Radiance – Oh my gorgeousness! This illuminating cream is unbelievable. When you wear it you will literally look like a goddess. It is subtle but really does illuminate your skin. I will wear it by itself if I am running around town or on my cheeks and top of my forehead to add a little glow to my evening make-up.
frank body Body Balm – I love this body balm. It took a while to get used to because it has beads that look more like an exfoliating cream but don’t worry, they do dissolve! It is the perfect balance of oil and moisturizer! I wear it every time I exfoliate my legs with this (the hubs and I swear by it) or when I see them getting overly dry.
Benefit lash-hugging gel liner pen – If your eyeliner has ever run to the top of your eyelid, this is a game changer! I grew really frustrated after being promised an eyeliner wouldn’t run and then every time I looked in the mirror at the end of the day it was every where! I decided to give this liner pen a try and was so surprised that it actually worked! A little goes a long way so it has lasted a while too! The only negative, you do need to have eye make-up remover! This baby is tough!
Frank Body Lip Scrub and Balm Duo – I always read about making your own exfoliating sugar lip scrub but being an anti-DIY person I knew I never would. When Frank body, who I love, came out with a lip scrub duo I was sold! I immediately ordered it and have been in love ever since! The scrub really exfoliates away dead skin but leaves your lips feeling really moisturized. I know that sounds impossible but that is how magic this stuff is! And the Balm is incredible too! I wear it every.single.day. It is surprisingly light for being such an intense balm! I wear it over my Laura Mercier lip liner and even to bed! It is a really versatile balm.
Laura Mercier Lip Pencil (in Natural Lips) – I love to line my lips and fill them in with the same liner to achieve the “fuller lip” look. I have been wanting a natural lip liner color but every time I buy one it ends up being too pink. I stopped in Blue Mercury the other day and asked for a brownish lip color and ended up with this one! I.absolutely.love.it. It is so natural and looks great paired with my Frank Body Balm.
Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo – By far one of my favorite products! I have written about it before but I can’t help but share it again. I was told about this dry shampoo by my friend Krystal while on our Paris trip in October. I have probably used a bottle every two weeks since. It comes in dark and light tones and really soaks up any extra oil your hair may have. I also love the light tones as it helps my roots look a little lighter in-between highlights.
*use: I actually put this on my hair when it is wet. I blow dry it and then put a little bit more on when it is dry. It helps my hair last longer and also gives it that lighter look.
Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray – I love Oribe but had never tried this Thickening spray. I really don’t like BIG TEXAS HAIR so since high school I have stayed away from thickening sprays. However, I put this in my hair on my last trip to the salon and I loved it! It gave it a little bit more texture and “oomph” to play with. Perfect for that extra pep all of our hair needs!
