Photographer Spotlight: Capturing the Beauty of Paris

In the diverse and vibrant world of photography, it's always an exciting journey to stumble upon extraordinary talents that leave a lasting impression. Recently, a noteworthy discovery emerged from one of our photography groups – an exceptional photographer based in the enchanting city of Paris.

Introducing Fran Boloni, a visionary artist who expertly encapsulates the allure and romance of Paris through their lens. With an impeccable eye for detail and a profound understanding of lighting and composition, their work resonates with an unparalleled sense of artistry.

Classic California style meets Paris.

The portfolio of Fran speaks volumes about their ability to showcase Paris in its most captivating form. From the timeless elegance of the Eiffel Tower to the quaint cobblestone streets of Montmartre, each photograph tells a unique story, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the poetic charm of the City of Light.

Furthermore, Mr. Boloni exhibits a remarkable knack for capturing candid moments that evoke genuine emotions, infusing their photographs with a palpable sense of life and vitality. Whether it's a candid snapshot of a Parisian café or a candid exchange between locals, their work exudes an unmistakable authenticity.

Here at Shooting Star Photography LLC, we take pride in shedding light on masterful photographers who redefine visual storytelling, and Fran undoubtedly exemplifies this ethos. Their work inspires us to look beyond the obvious, to seek beauty in the unlikeliest of places, and to embrace the rich tapestry of human experiences that Paris so graciously offers.

Nighttime elegance.

As we continue to celebrate the brilliance of photographers around the world, Both his photography companies, The Paris Photographer and The Now Time has undeniably earned a place of honor in our spotlight. We invite our readers to delve into their captivating portfolio and embark on a visual odyssey through the enchanting streets of Paris.
Stay tuned for more captivating features as we unravel the talents that define the fabric of our ever-evolving photographic community.

Paris is the city of love.

Here is my interview with Fran Boloni

1. Describe the perfect day with your family or a little about yourself and background.

Hello, my name is Fran Boloni, I’m the founder of The Paris Photographer and The Now Time. I’m specialized in couples photos, having photographed over 1000 couples in the past 10 years in Paris for their engagement, honeymoon, wedding or anniversary.

Originally hailing from the mystical land of Transylvania, Romania, I have made the beautiful city of Paris my home for the past 13 years. My idea of a perfect day is quite simple: soaking in the Parisian sun on a gorgeous spring day at Parc Monceau with my dear wife and lively 5-year-old daughter. The highlight of our day is often the simple joy of savoring an Amorino ice cream, a sweet punctuation to our leisurely strolls.

2. What inspired you to get into photography?

Paris is what inspired me to get into photography. When I moved here and started discovering the city, I fell in love with it. Everywhere you go in the city, there is something beautiful and interesting to be captured.

Dancing in the square. It is all about capturing memories in Paris.

3. Can you share a memorable experience where your photography played a significant role in enhancing the narrative of a couple's special day?

Every so often, I have the privilege of connecting so deeply with a couple that our initial engagement photoshoot in the romantic city of Paris evolves into a continued collaboration for their wedding. Such was the case with a delightful couple hailing from Southern California. After capturing their engagement in 2016, marked by a photo that fondly resonates with me to this day, they graciously invited me to journey to Laguna Beach, entrusting me with the honor of documenting their stunning wedding.

This experience came with a profound sense of fulfillment for the artist in me.Do you have any unique spots or restaurants for couples visiting Paris to check out?

Movement and the iconic Parisian Streets.

4. Do you have any tips on what couples should bexpect for their engagement in Paris?

Definitely, I love having a coffee and chocolate croissants at Café du Trocadéro before the tourists arrive (before 8AM) and just watch the beautiful early morning light at the Eiffel Tower. It’s so contagious.

5. What makes your experience unique?

For couples who wish to have unforgettable engagement photos, the most important thing is to prepare your shoot: decide on locations, outfits (that match the locations), hire a beauty artist and check the weather so your hairstyle fits the day (windy, rainy, etc) and trust your photographer. At The Paris Photographer we pride ourselves in helping our clients prepare for their Paris photoshoot.

Flowy dresses encapsulate the charm and fashion of Paris.

It’s true that many of our clients talk more about the experience of taking photos than about the photos themselves because it is a unique experience. You get to wake up early and catch the beautiful morning light in a city that is always beautiful. You then get to see the places through the eye of an artist, while you create beautiful photos. Plus, it’s an experience that you spend with your loved one and create a stronger bond in your relationship, by spending time in a romantic way.

6. Do you speak English for Canadians and Americans vacationing in Paris?

All our Paris photographers and London photographers speak English. Some of them even speak additional languages such as Spanish, Portuguese and Russian among other. Communication is key in what we do because a big part in creating amazing images is that our subjects feel comfortable in front of our camera and they only focus on connecting with each other and enjoying the experience.

I personally speak English, French, Romanian and Hungarian too. I can understand German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, as they're latin languages (minus German).

Macaroons and a Tiffany ring make for fun Parisian props.

7. Do you have a makeup and hair artist or have a salon you can recommend for your portrait experience?

We only work with professional beauty artists who have proven their trust throughout the year. I’d suggest checking out our Paris Beauty Artist recommendations on our website.

8. Any tips on what to wear and/or preferences in what looks best with the Paris scenery?

This is such a vast subject, we have an entire guide on our website, that being said I have a personal preference for flowy dresses. You can create such dramatic images with them!

9. What is the most interesting proposal you have had to date?

Miami couple maternity shoot in Paris.

The most interesting proposal was by a gentleman from Miami. He proposed with a Tiffany ring and we took photos in the Tiffany store on the Champs Elysées after the Eiffel Tower proposal. Fun thing is that after their engagement photos, I got the priviledge to photograph their wedding in Miami and then we took pregnancy photos back in Paris. Can’t wait to see them again soon to take their family photos, anywhere in the world with our new photography brand The Now Time.

Interview Conclusion with Fran, The Paris Photographer.

It was truly a pleasure to sit down with Fran. Throughout our conversation, Fran's passion for photography and the vibrant city he calls home was palpable. His deep connection to the streets, the architecture, and the people of Paris emanated through his work, and his dedication to capturing the essence of the city was inspiring.

If you are looking for a destination portrait session in Paris, their work is magical and what a way to capture those vacation memories!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Don't Give Up Photography

Fuel Your Passion: Don't Give Up on Photography!

Hey there, aspiring photographer! I know that the journey through the world of photography can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, with numerous challenges and roadblocks along the way. But don't let those setbacks dull your shine or dim your passion!

You have a unique perspective: Photography is an art form that allows you to capture the essence of a moment in time, enabling you to express your creativity and vision in ways that words cannot. Remember, your perspective is one-of-a-kind! Don't let self-doubt overshadow your ability to share your view of the world with others.

Embrace failure as a stepping stone: It's no secret that success often walks hand in hand with failure. Every great photographer has encountered countless mistakes and disappointments, only to come out stronger on the other side. Embrace those failures as valuable learning opportunities and stepping stones towards your growth and development as an artist.

Celebrate your progress: Take a moment to reflect on how far you've come. Photography is a journey, a continuous process of improvement. Think back to those early days when your photographs were still a work in progress. Celebrate your progress and acknowledge the skills you've acquired along the way. Remember, every great photographer started somewhere.

Seek inspiration and learn continuously: Photography is a craft that constantly evolves. Stay curious and hungry for knowledge. Seek inspiration from prominent photographers, explore different genres, experiment with new techniques, and never stop learning. The world is your classroom, and every photo you take is an opportunity to refine your skills.

Embrace patience: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your photography career. Success rarely comes overnight, and it requires patience and perseverance. Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep pushing yourself even when things get tough. Trust the process, because your dedication and hard work will pay off.

Surround yourself with a supportive community: Photography can be a solitary pursuit at times, but having a supportive community of fellow photographers can make all the difference. Engage with like-minded individuals, join photography clubs or online communities, and seek constructive feedback. Remember, iron sharpens iron, and surrounding yourself with passionate individuals will push you towards excellence.

Capture moments that matter: Lastly, don't forget the power that photography holds. Your photographs can freeze a moment in time, evoke emotions, and tell meaningful stories. Whether you're capturing an incredible sunset, a candid moment shared between loved ones, or the extraordinary beauty in the most ordinary things, your work has the potential to touch hearts and inspire others.
So, don't give up on photography! Fuel your passion, embrace the challenges, and keep capturing the world through your unique lens. Remember, the beauty of photography lies not just in the final image, but in the journey itself. Keep chasing your dreams, and let your love for this art form drive you towards greatness!

You've got this! Now go out there and show the world what you're capable of!
P.S. Remember to always respect copyright laws and obtain necessary permissions when sharing or publishing your work.

A Cinderella… fairytale ending taken at Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA.

Raggedy Ann baby. Take on my Woodstown, NJ property. I really don’t know what I was thinking here.

I write this blog for mainly other photographers (but I do write for clients from time to time) and I like to share  my insight sometimes into this crazy field... So here it goes because I know a lot of others go through, or are currently going through, what I'm about to write below.There's a time when a lot of photographers are faced with a difficult decision... and it's no matter if you have been in this industry for 20 years, or are a freshy (as photographers like to call, new photographers).  Guess what? I'm a freshy and quite proud of that fact!  I haven't even been in business for a year. It's only been 6 months since I became a legal business..

 With photography, You are will eventually want to give up. Throw in that fluffy soft towel. Kick the curb...These are the particulars of emotions and thoughts that you may go through at any given moment...You will want to sell all your gear.

You will want to give up because you aren't booking enough sessions or any sessions.You will want to give up because you are facing frustration, whether it be you seeing others out there that are making a successful career out of this and they are putting out some incredible work (you have to admit, there is a TON of talent out there)... And you will feel deflated because of this.Jealousy.  Yup, you will at the receiving and other end at some point... it is a given!Inadequacy.You can't find "your style" or are having trouble "finding it."Not good enough.Your gear isn't good enough. You don't have enough props. You don't have a studio

.You hate editing because it takes up virtually your entire life.You're new and don't have the education.

You have trouble editing something, or see things in your head in how you want your image to look like  and it's just not coming out the way you want it to... not even close.You may even have a bad customer experience and it just left a bad taste in your mouth and you never want to be in that particular type of situation ever again....  because it was a nightmare.Whatever the reason is for you giving up... Don't.  Don't do it.When you do this, you allow others to win, to see you fail, to be laughed at, and by giving up it destroys your passion and your soul. I find photography to be that for me.. my passion and my soul.I'm learning some things along my journey and yes, at times I have wanted to give up. Just the other day, I felt that I lost my passion. That it was starting to feel like a chore. Not something of my soul, as it has been this entire journey from the start... I felt my soul was being eaten alive or chipped away at the jagged surface.

I've been taking  on too many jobs and it has taken me away from spending valuable time with my husband and two young and beautiful children.Hang on here.. I am getting somewhere with all of this..Everyone has been where you are at this particular moment. Every photographer, has wanted to give up at some point in their career.. and they are lying if they haven't.

The one key advice you need to do (if you start to feel this way.)Make friends with other photographers. I think the most valuable asset I have had in this business are my cohorts. Yup, other photographers. I have many photographer friends that have gone, or will be going through the same trials and tribulations... ups and downs as we all will eventually go through.  They are my mentors. They are my true guiding light.  My true supporters of my craft and have been my light at the end of this crazy tunnel. Through all this... And guess what?  That friendship is mutual.  I am also here for them. I have made some really wonderful and life-lasting friendships in this business with photographers of all levels and I honestly believe I'd have given in the towel if I did not have them in my life.

Where to find these friend photographers? Anywhere. Honestly. Look to someone you admire in your area. I know some photographers have egos the size of Texas, but honestly about 95% don't.  Reach out! Join a local club!  That's always a great place to meet folks!  I bet you meetup.com has a ton of groups in your area too. There are also local PPA chapters usually by state!  

Yup, I am a member of PPA... and will be joining my local chapter soon.What has actually worked for my personal experience is facebook groups. Yup, good ol' facebook.  I've gotten to meet local folks and folks from all over the country and world... and I've even gotten to meet some of these folks in person and some I will be meeting soon!  They are my rock!So... I told you that I wanted to give up the other day because I felt overwhelmed and was extremely exhausted and taking too much on... I talked to my husband and he obviously thought I was nuts because he knows I love photography with my life and that he said it would be talent wasted, but I was actually serious.  Well, I went with this to my friends.  They gave me that good kick in the rear that I really needed!

 My hiney has been hurting ever since! Ouchie Wowie!  But honestly that's what friends are for.  And I wouldn't want it anyway!Now, my passion has been sparked, yet again.. and it has been all because of them! I have my well-thought out plan and vision for what's ahead and what I can do here, in the present!  Woo hoo! Now, bring it on! I'm ready for it! For now... but will know I'll once again need that nice kick in the future... Don't we all?

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee