paris france | baby child family engagement portrait photographer | sydney australia

Place de la Concorde | Paris Family Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:37:35 +0000

This morning I was off bright and sparkling to meet two little American girls at Place de la Concorde for some photos in the Tuilleries. We were meeting a little on the early side so there weren’t too many people around which was LOVELY. Of course all the french flags were out for Francois Hollande, who was being sworn in today as the new french President. The first socialist president in France in 17 years.

Although the french capital turned a little chilly today. Actually truth be told it was freezing and whilst it was dry for our photo session the heavens opened not long after we finished. (Thanks to the rain gods for holding out for our session but I have heard Hollande was drenched!!)

I’m looking forward to sharing some images from my Paris Spring Photo Sessions really soon. Especially today’s session as it was FULL of energy. And I have to confess to being completely exhausted afterwards. But all in the name of fun. And fun we certainly had.

Sarah Gardan is having Photography Sessions in Paris during May, July & September so please contact me through the contact page on my website if you are tempted by a photo session for your baby, child or family and would like some more details.

Sacre Coeur in Montmartre | Paris Family Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:24:14 +0000

Well it certainly seems that some stunning weather has joined me from Australia, as Paris has been magic weatherwise over the past few days. I had to laugh as I joked with an Instagram buddy recently that it would be beautiful as soon as I arrived in Paris and sure enough it has been stunning. I always believe if you tell the universe exactly what you want it does it best to provide. And provide wonderful weather the past few days it certainly has.

I’m going to be sharing a few of my favourite spots in Paris over the next few weeks as I just LOVE this city and so want to share a little bit of it’s magic. I know I am terribly lucky to be enjoying Paris in the Springtime and especially as I am taking photos of gorgeous children and families here during May.

So after featuring Places des Vosges yesterday today it’s Sacre Coeur or Sacred Heart. This is one of my favourite spots in Paris ….

Actually I have to confess the area around Sacre Coeur can be pretty grotty and is terribly toursity but if you can put that to the side and avoid all those dreadful tourist shops and people trying to sell you ‘happiness’ wristbands it’s fabulous. I’ve always loved the merry-go-round or manege at the base of Sacre Coeur. And looking up for the first time to the striking basilica church that looks out over Paris is an impressive moment I will never forget.

When we first moved to Paris all those years ago we lived on the other side of Montmartre in Lamarck. It’s a lovely area away from all of the tourists and has a lovely village feel. We lived there for about a year and on reflection I think it was where I had my happiest of times in Paris. Each weekend my hubby and I would walk up the hill, munch on our baguette and sit on the steps of Sacre Coeur looking out over Paris, talking of our dreams and plans for the future. I’ve always felt connected to Sacre Coeur. It is breathtaking and always a great spot for reflection. Today I reflected somewhat differently to how I did in 2003 but once again my thoughts went to my hopes, dreams and vision for the future. I’m hoping to get back to Sacre Coeur a few more times this trip and to do some more thinking. I found it recharging and soul soothing … and after all don’t we all need a little soothing of our souls. And what better place than Paris!

Place des Vosges | Paris Child & Family Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:30:57 +0000

I’m fresh off the plane from Sydney and am very much enjoying being back in Paris again. I’m super lucky that the weather this weekend has been stunning so it’s been a great welcome back to Paris. Once again I have had to pinch myself about having my dream job as a family portrait photographer here in Paris whilst living in Sydney. Yes the 24 hour commute is a bit of a killer but it’s certainly worth it once I am here. I started my 2012 Paris Spring Photography sessions at Place des Vosges in the Marais. It’s a stunning location for family photos and I’ve always LOVED it here.

Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square here in Paris. It was originally known as Place Royale and was built by Henri IV from 1605 -1612. It’s a stunning location and one of the few places in Paris where you are actually allowed to sit on the grass. There is a little playground for the kids, sandpits and wonderful fountains that help keep the little ones amused. And the Marais is a fabulous place for shopping and one of the few places that is open on a Sunday in Paris. It’s certainly worth a looksee if you haven’t been here before. I’m going to be featuring some of the locations and sessions here on the blog so be sure to pop back as much as you like. Especially if you fancy a little taste of Paris.

Sarah Gardan is a baby, child, maternity & family photographer who regularly holds photo sessions in Paris. Sarah is offering Spring Photography Sessions between May 12th and June 3rd and will be returning to Paris in July and September 2012. Please visit the contact page on the website if you would like any further information.

May the Paris Sessions begin | Paris Family Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:40:07 +0000

It’s official, today is the start of my Paris Photography Sessions. It’s going to be a crazy few weeks of photo taking in the beautiful City of Light. I have lots of baby, children, maternity and family sessions planned and am still including a few additional dates in my diary. I am SUPER excited to be back in the french capital. First stop today is to find the best bakery in Paris which is rumoured to be in the 15th. No doubt it will be an amazing experience after not sampling french food in over six months. And then it’s straight into the first Parisian photo sessions in the afternoon. Here’s to a fabulous few weeks and having the opportunity to meet and photograph lots of fabulous families. i ♥ paris photo sessions

J1 Paris Sessions | Paris Family Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:28:34 +0000

It’s only ONE MORE DAY until I arrive in Paris. I’m just about to set off the airport. The bags are packed. The camera is charged. The props have been gathered. The sessions are scheduled. The apartment is sorted. Now it’s time to say goodbye to my darling munchkins. Breaks my heart to leave them for a few weeks but they are going to have some fun adventures here in Sydney, sleepovers with their cousin, cuddles from their Nana, their Aunty is visiting from Queensland and their going to have loads of fun with their Daddy. (And probably keep him on his toes just a little.) I’m going to miss them tremendously but am feeling very grateful for Skype, international phone cards, emails and fabulous iPhone photography to stay in touch. To my Sydney friends if you see my little munchkins please give them an extra warm hug for me. Miss you loads my darlings …(sniff sniff).

Today’s post comes from Paris in spring a couple of years ago. Isn’t this a great photo of Etienne and his Papa. The family now live in Auckland, New Zealand but had some Parisian keepsake photos in Paris right before they left. Such a great momento of their time in Paris.

If you live in Paris and are leaving this summer and you fancy having some Parisian photos as a keepsake, please feel free to contact me through the contact page on my website. It really is the perfect parting gift!

J2 Paris Sessions | Paris Maternity Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:14:41 +0000

Only TWO DAYS TO GO … and the slight hiccup with my accommodation continues. If you missed yesterday’s post, I have rented an apartment in Paris for a few weeks during my Spring Photography Sessions but there’s a little complication in that the key is currently in London (!!). So the question is will the key get to Paris in time? It’s not the best feeling in the world to know that after a 24 hour flight there is a chance that the key might not be there for my little abode. But what can I do really. Not much from sunny Sydney. (And it certainly is sunny today!) I’m just about done with the packing so today’s Paris countdown features Kate who is the most gorgeous Mummy and doesn’t she have a fabulous baby bump.

One of the things I love about this image is the ’10Bis’ sign in the background. ‘Bis’ is actually an abbreviation for kisses in french. Can’t think of anything more apt than Ten Kisses for a beautiful pregnant Mummy.

Sarah is offering Maternity Photography Sessions in Paris from May 12th until June 3rd so if you are pregnant and interested in a photo sessions please email Sarah for more details through the contact page on the Sarah Gardan Photography website.

J3 Paris Sessions | Paris Child Portrait Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:38:01 +0000

ONLY THREE DAYS TO GO until I arrive in Paris for my Spring Photography Sessions…

And would you believe I have just heard that the keys for the apartment I am renting in Paris are actually in London. Yes that’s right London. Nothing like a little spanner in the works is there. The owner is now trying to work out a way to get them to me in Paris before I arrive at 7am Saturday morning. Needless to say it’s complicated. I have been madly proofing photos and alas not getting to tick off much from my to-do-list. And here I was thinking it would be smooth sailing before this trip. So instead of getting anxious, I am taking a little moment and looking at these two gorgeous little souls that I photographed last year. Aren’t they adorable. This image has become a fave of mine as it captures the bond between a brother and his little sister. So sweet aren’t they. Now I am going to do some deep breathing, relax and hopefully get some sleep with the knowledge that things always have a way of working out and hopefully in three days the keys will have arrived and I will be looking out over the roof tops of Paris.

J4 Paris Sessions | Paris Family Portrait Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:41:06 +0000

FOUR MORE DAYS to go until I arrive in Paris for my Spring Photography Sessions and only three more sleeps until I leave Sydney! The kids are still coughing and spluttering, my throat is still burning and my cough is quickly turning into a bark. There’s been an exciting little project in the mix today which has once again thrown my plans out. But if it all comes to fruition I will be one happy little camper. Hopefully I’ll be sharing some good news over the next few months. (Feel free to pop over and ‘like’ my Facebook page. Social media is so the place right now isn’t it! Crazy!)

Today I’m going to share an image from the Louvre during one of my photo sessions last fall with a French / Canadian family. Don’t you just LOVE the door. So typically french!

It’s always a rare treat to photograph older kids, as somehow once children get a bit bigger often families don’t have photos taken anymore. It’s a shame as I have to say I LOVE the North American tradition of taking photos every year. For some reason here in Australia it’s not such a done thing. Which is crazy. Why wouldn’t you want to document your kids each and every year? Then again I guess I am a little biased as I LOVE PHOTOS!!

I have a few remaining sessions for my upcoming May Photography Sessions in Paris so please feel free to email me through the contact page on my website if you’d like some more information.

J5 Paris Sessions | Paris Couple Portrait Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:10:00 +0000

FIVE DAYS TO GO until the start of my Paris Spring Photography sessions in May and June. 2012. It’s been a bumpy few days as I haven’t achieved much as my babies have been sick with the flu and I have to say I have been feeling somewhat unwell too. But I am pumping us all up with multi-vitamins and loads of vitamins c. The eucalyptus vapour is going at night and we are having lots of homemade soup so I think we are on the mend. A speedy recovery is a good thing as I am now a little behind on the trip preparations, c’est la vie! Think I am going to be having a few late nights before I set off on Friday. But realistically doesn’t everyone before a big trip.

I can’t do a post without an image so here is a gorgeous american couple I photographed a couple of years ago at the Eiffel Tower. There’s something really special about getting to meet people from far away places and stepping into their lives for a few hours and capturing a moment in time with them. Have I told you how much I LOVE my job and how much I looking forward to returning to Paris for photo sessions. Seriously, it’s my DREAM job!!

Sarah Gardan is offering spring, summer and fall photography sessions in Paris to capture the magic of your baby, child or family. Feel free to contact Sarah through the contact page on the website if you would like more information.

J6 Paris Sessions | Paris Family Portrait Photographer | Sarah Gardan Photography

~SarahInParis~ — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:15:16 +0000

SIX DAYS TO GO until Paris Spring Photo Sessions. And it’s kind of inevitable as a parent isn’t it. You think you have your week mapped and are feeling charged to get through the to-do list before an international flight and then of course nature throws a curve ball at you. My two darling girls have been fighting off a cold all week and today my 4yo was completely knocked over by the flu. Watery eyes, sore throat, runny nose, cough & spluttering and now no voice. The poor darling. I think it’s going to be a long night (and week) ahead. I too woke up with a sore throat this morning so have been dosing up on vitamin c and my 7yo son was a little sniffly tonight too. Yikes but kind of inevitable at this time of year as Sydney starts to turn somewhat chilly!

So of course my vision of powering through work whilst the girls are at daycare over the next few days has been thrown out the window and no doubt I will now be playing nurse to my little angels instead. Here’s hoping that tonight is a good one and they are feeling better tomorrow. I felt like some cheering up so thought I’d post this fun image from Palais Royale a few years back. Aren’t those balloons just awesome!! Hard not to love a family photography session with balloons in Paris.

It’s not too late to book a Spring Photography Session so if you are interested please contact me through the contact page on my website. Sarah will also be offering photo sessions in Paris during July & September 2012.