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Paris: Photo Sightseeing Tours

Whether you're a pro or have just purchased your first digital camera, consider signing up for a photography workshop in Paris.

Since Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you'll want to take exceptional photos on your trip. Here's how to photograph Paris like a pro.

Paris Photo Tips from the Pros

"Creative Loitering in Paris" Photography Workshop (Atelier Berner, 102-bis rue Lepic; tel. 01/42-52-25-95 or tel. 707/878-2000; www.jeffberner.com; 18th arrondissement, Metro: Abbesses) Oct. 8-15, 2010; $1,250. Airfare, hotel, and meals not included.

The weeklong "Creative Loitering in Paris" workshop is not just about the craft of photography, but rather "the art of seeing." Led by award-winning, Californian photographer Jeff Berner, who has lived in Paris since 2003, the workshop includes daily "photo safaris" through the streets of Paris to capture the characters and culture of various neighborhoods. At the end of each day, the group heads back to Berner's studio in Montmartre to review the day's work. Offered in the spring and fall, the workshop is limited to 12 creative types from beginners to professional photographers. A digital camera is required.

"Balades Parisiennes" - Itinérances Photographiques (12 rue des Cinq Diamants; tel. 09/51-73-29-46; www.itinerancesphoto.org; 13th arrondissement, Metro: Corvisart or Place d'Italie) €250 for a two-day course, with two lunches

"Balades Parisiennes" (Paris Strolls) are weekend workshops for beginners. Learn the basics while wandering through different Parisian neighborhoods. The school itself is based in the beautiful Butte aux Cailles neighborhood.

Itinérances Photographiques welcomes anyone with a passion for photography. There's practical training in a classroom setting, then you're out on the streets receiving hands-on tips and critiques from a professional photographer. A digital camera is required.

The course is given in French but they will organize a "Stroll" in English (with a minimum of four people). Round up other photo enthusiasts or practice your French as well as your camera skills.

"Photographier Votre Ville" - Je veux être photographe!

(18 rue de Savoie; tel: 01/46-34-85-80; www.jeveuxetrephotographe.com; 6th arrondissement, Metro: Saint-Michel) €85 for a four-hour course

The school "Je veux être photographe" (I want to be a photographer) offers outings in Paris for enthusiastic beginners and experienced photographers. There's an hour of technical training with a "pro," then a two-hour session on the streets, followed by a review of the work over a drink at a Parisian café.

The "Photographier Votre Ville" (Photograph Your City) program has four different Paris itineraries: "À la Doisneau" (in the footsteps of famous, French photographer Robert Doisneau); "Architecture," "Nature" & "Paris by Night" (these three are intermediate level). The courses are in French, but the company will organize ones in English on request. A digital camera is required.

Free Photography Tips & Fun

The Paris Photography Meetup Group (www.photo.meetup.com) Free

Discuss the finer points of photographic technique and go out on the streets and shoot with kindred spirits. This photography Meetup is run by an American, Jim Kezman. The assistant organizers all speak English as do many group members, so you'll feel right at home. You must register to join, but it's free.

Private Photo Safari

"Photography & Paris" (Calista Privilege Tours; tel. 01/74-62-75-50; www.calistaprivilege.com) €430 for one person; €575 for two, with lunch and visit to a photography exhibit

If you'd like -- and can afford -- something more exclusive, spend the day with an English-speaking, tour guide, and photo expert. As you travel through different neighborhoods, learn about the history of Paris and the famous photographers the city has inspired. Have lunch in a chic Paris bistro, visit a photography exhibit, then get some pointers on "street photography" as you shoot away. At the end of the day, review what you've shot over a glass of wine and take home your new masterpieces on an USB key. This tour is for all photographers: beginner, amateur or experienced. A digital camera is required or you can borrow a loaner; request when booking.

Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our France Forum.




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