Using a 50mm lens for street photography in Paris allows you to capture the city’s charm and vibrancy naturally and engagingly in a natural way. The recent workshop in Paris was captured with this lens at my Leica M9.

Paris, known as the City of Light, is a dream destination for street photographers. Its charming streets and cafées, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture offer endless opportunities to capture stunning images.

I list a few locations to consider but there are many small sidewalks and sceneries only to be discovered by accidental approach. What you didn’t think of is suddenly there if you have your mind and eyes wide open.

Capturing the Essence of Paris with a 50mm lens

The 50mm lens, with no zoom and no swapping between other focal lengths, makes you practise the unique features of this focal length. Stay true to it and you will get the reward of natural one-to-one images of what happens.

A few Iconic Locations to bring your camera to

• Montmartre: Known for its artistic history and bohemian vibe, Montmartre is a must-visit. The narrow, winding streets, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the bustling Place du Tertre provide a picturesque backdrop for candid shots.
• Le Marais: This historic district is a blend of old and new. Its medieval streets, trendy boutiques, and lively cafés make it perfect for capturing the essence of Parisian life.
• Latin Quarter: Home to the Sorbonne University, this area is full of intellectual energy. The bookshops, street performers, and historic architecture offer a rich tapestry for your photos.
• Seine River: The banks of the Seine, with their iconic bridges and views of landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, are ideal for capturing the romantic side of Paris.

When is the best time to shoot?

The golden hour offers soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset adding a magical quality to the photos. Early mornings are also less crowded, allowing you to capture the city in a more serene state. Therefore I often get up early exploring the morning light and see the city waking up.

Also, the blue hour right after sunset, when the sky takes on a deep blue hue, and the city lights start to twinkle is a great time for capturing the illuminated landmarks and the vibrant nightlife.

In the middle of the day when the sun shines and casts hard shadows we can play with the light differently. Reflections from the buildings or the Seine running through Paris will add other creative options.

A few tips for street photography

The 50mm is the perfect distance to capture people close enough without being up in their faces. It also allows the composing of larger sceneries. All with a natural view as you see it. Where a tele lens is presenting the images as viewed at a distance and being less present in the situation the 50mm is “honest.”
Wide-angle lenses are good for images with more dramatic lines or bigger scenes where you can’t get far enough away and capture it all. Wide-angle lenses can be a dramatic tool if you are very close, but this is all a choice of yours.

Try to blend in with the locals. Dress casually, avoid large camera bags, and be discreet with your equipment. Your overall discreetness and behaviour make the difference.

Patience is key in street photography. Stay and do not move when a good spot of life is found. We spent more than an hour at the recent workshop in some places because new motives came up all the time. Finding an interesting spot, stay and observe the scene, and wait for the right moment to click.

If you are “discovered” by the people around you engaging with your subjects can lead to more intimate and compelling photos. A friendly smile or a quick chat can make people accept your presence with the camera.

Always be mindful of people’s privacy. If someone seems uncomfortable with being photographed, it’s best to move on.

When photographing children or close-up portraits, it’s polite to ask for permission first.

All of this we practise as we walk around looking for light, looking for colours or monochrome sceneries, and learning to be a photographer in the middle of everything.

Paris is a beautiful culturally rich city that never ceases to inspire. With its history, diverse culture, and architecture, it offers endless possibilities for street photographers.

Feel free to share your favourite street photography spots or any tips you have! What part of Paris are you most excited to capture?