Photography in Paris: Practical Information

Photography in Paris: Practical Information

Now that you’ve read all about where and when to take amazing photos in Paris, you probably need some practical information. Paris is a photographer’s dream, but finding camera stores, repair shops, or places to print your pictures can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look.

I’ve created this easy guide with all the practical information you need for photography in Paris. From camera supply shops to repair centers, to printing and even film photography, I’ve got you covered!

Photo by Robert Doisneau – Sourced from filmisnotdead.com

In case you haven’t read the first part of this series all about photography in Paris, and have no idea what I’m talking about, you can check it out here!

Camera and Photo Supply Shops in Paris

When it comes to photo supply shops in Paris, there are a couple different brick and mortar stores catering to photography. Most of them have moved online these days, but I’ve listed my favorites below.

Prophot

As the name suggests, this photo store in the Marais is geared towards pros, or at least those with larger budgets. Featuring an extensive range of DSLR cameras, lenses, stabilizers, drones, tripods, studio lights, flashbulbs, special photo printers.. Basically anything you can think of related to digital photography, and Prophot has got it.

I mentioned this earlier, but they target professionals and stock pretty high-end stuff. So this place is considerably more expensive than some of the other photo stores listed.

prophot – 103 boulevard beaumarchais 75003

open monday through friday 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00-18:30

Objectif Bastille

Obejectif Bastille is by far one of the biggest photo supply stores in Paris! Seriously, the place is huge! You’ll need a few hours to see everything.

Located in the Bastille neighborhood, it’s easy to get to and there’s lots to see (and photograph) in the surrounding areas.

Objectif has a wide selection of cameras, lenses, and accessories. They sell both new and certified pre-used items, so if you’re looking for a good deal this place is worth a shot. I like this place because they cater to smaller budgets and offer products at a wider range of price points than Prophot.

objectif bastille – 11 rue jules césar 75012

open monday through friday 9:30-18:30

Camera Repair in Paris

So you’re eager to take start taking awesome photos in Paris, but something’s gone wrong with your camera. Well, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! There are actually some excellent camera repair shops in Paris. Here are the best ones in my opinion.

l’Instantané

Also located on Boulevard Beaumarchais in the Marais is l’instantané. They offer a different range of products and are less expensive than their neighbor. I love that this place is so multi functional, they do a bit of everything, really!

You can get your camera repaired here, but the shop also sells an impressive range of amateur, semi-pro and pro camera supplies and accessories. You’ll find the owners to be friendly, knowledgeable and super helpful, they really do care about their customers. Again, here you’ve got the option of buying new or used, and they actually buy old cameras/parts too. If you have any issues with your camera in Paris, or just need a specific part, l’instantané is totally worth a visit.

l’instantané – 40 boulevard beaumarchais 75003

open Tuesday through saturday 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00

Atelier Images Services

Again located on the “photographer’s boulevard” is Atelier Images Services. They do all kinds of camera repair and upkeep, on both film and digital. The team is professional and prices are up there, but fair, especially considering the competition down the street.

The Atelier also buys and sells used cameras and equipment, and there’s a pretty good selection of brands and models for all skill levels. One of the best parts is that they offer image sensor cleaning for your camera, which can be done on-site without an appointment. It takes around 45 minutes, but is definitely worth it. A spanking-clean sensor can make all the difference in your photos!

atelier images services – 79 boulevard beaumarchais 75003

open monday through saturday 10:00-18:00

Where to Print Your Photos in Paris

Now you have a camera full of great photos from Paris and you want to print them! Well, where can you do that? You have a lot more options available to print your digital photos than you do film ones. Though I will say, you generally get what you pay for in terms of quality. In any case, I think it’s worth it to shell out a few extra euros for a professional job.

Picto

This photo lab in the middle of Paris’ 11th arrondissement is one of the best. You can print your digital photos here, in exceptional quality. Though they also do film and enlargements. It’s a family-run business and works with some huge commercial clients as well as individuals. Ever wondered who prints the huge ads in the metro? Some of that is done here at Picto!

picto – 53bis rue de la roquette 75011

open monday through friday 9:00-19:30

Arka Photo Lab

With an exceptional location right next to the Jardin du Luxembourg, Arka Photo Lab offers both digital and film printing services for your photos. It’s a bit more expensive to print your photos here, but the quality is really there. I would especially recommend this place if you want to print out large photos, restore old photos, or simply have a nice digital retouch.

arka photo lab – 52 rue notre-dame des champs 75006

open monday through friday 9:00-12:30 and 13:30-19:00

Film Photography in Paris

I do a lot of film photography in Paris, and while it can be a little more costly, nothing compares to the versatility and artistic feel you can get from a film camera. A ton of people have asked me for advice about shooting on and developing film in Paris. And there’s only a few places I really trust with my film. The following spots have delivered exceptional quality every time I’ve used them, so here you go!

L’Artista

This little store in the Latin Quarter is one of my favorite places to shop for film and accessories. This family-run spot has been around since 1888, and has been a local favorite ever since. L’Artista specializes in film, and they have everything!

From large-format, to instant/Polaroid to the classic 35mm, you can find it here. They have a number of brands including Cinestill, Ilford and Fuji Pro and offer the best range of film I’ve seen in Paris.

l’artista – 72 rue mouffetard 75005

open monday through friday 10:00-17:00

Négatif+

Negatif+ is a professional photo development studio and print lab in the 10th. There are several boutiques dotted along the Rue Lafayette, each with their own specialty. From developing film, to framing, to artistic prints, enlargements, to creating books or murals, they do it all.

For developing film, you’ll want to head to the lab argentique . In my opinion, the quality here is unmatched anywhere else in Paris. They offer services to develop even the rarest films, and large-format styles, which can be hard to find! If you don’t want prints right away, they’ll scan your film to a CD so you can view them digitally first.

Négatif+ is more geared towards professionals, but their costs aren’t prohibitive if you’re just starting out and want to give them a try. The only drawback is that there’s often a longer wait time due to its popularity. You can plan on waiting about two weeks for your photos.

négatif+ – 100 rue lafayette 75010

open monday through saturday 10:00-19:00

Nation Photo

Nation Photo is a great film development lab with two locations in Paris. One at Nation in the 11th, and one in the city center at Chatelet. Nation photo specializes in film development, and have the most options available of any lab I’ve been to.

From disposable cameras to medium and large format film, to toy cameras, they will pretty much develop any film you’ve got. They offer a bunch of different development options for your photos, so you can choose the effect you like best, or keep it natural.

The quality at Nation Photo is truly excellent! I’ve always been satisfied with how my photos turned out here, no light leaks, or traces from the machine, ever.  And my favorite part is that they offer mail-order processing! Yes, it’s super easy to send your film to be developed, their English website guides you through step by step.

If you’re in need of digitization, framing, enlargements, contact sheets or camera supplies you can find them here! And if you’re lucky enough to have a darkroom, they sell all the supplies you need to develop your own pictures! So if you’re a film photographer, I really recommend that you check this place out.

nation photo chatelet – 39 rue des lombards 75001

nation photo nation – 26 place de la nation 75012

open monday through saturday 10:00-20:00

So now you’ve got all the practical information about photography in Paris. And you have all the tools you need to make your photography adventure in Paris a successful one!

If you have any questions or would like to continue improving your photography skills, I highly recommend our photography workshop. You’ll tour Paris with a pro and learn in depth how make the most out of your photos!