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Katie D. I Voted Best Paris Photographer I Joyful Photo Shoots

@katiedonnelly_

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Bringing Paris to You Through Photography + Joy
🇫🇷 Paris, Art & Life Abroad
Founded @katiedonnellystudio for Art Full of Love
👇 Photo Shoot Inquiry👇

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FLEURS came out 3 months ago but the love story started nearly 2 years ago with a call from @adrienneryser asking me to photograph her bouquet “recipe” book. I told her I’m not a flower photographer and she said she just knew it was meant to be me working with her on this book. To have someone believe in you more than yourself for such a big project is rare and beautiful. It was only just the start.

Over the year it took to photograph Fleurs and create the 100+ photographs inside, we grew as a team, and grew a friendship. I had the absolute luck of working with @staffordmyra when she came on board quickly after I did.

Each of these moments pictured here were off the cuff, in betweens, never meant for “publication”, simply meant for preservation. Preservation of a project of many dimensions, a project that brought artists together, that challenged me, that made be a better artist, that made me laugh, that brought me not only into a world of flowers but also the world of whimsy that @larrosoirparis flourishes in.

I’m so glad I have these moments to remember outside of the physical book of Fleurs (pick up your copy from any major US bookseller or online!). I’m so glad that I decided years ago to shoot my personal life on film. To make me slow down and throw perfection out the window. To be present in the good ole days and yet still document them while I’m here.

Comment FLEURS and I’ll send you the link to the book!

🌹

Topics -> flowers, photo shoot bts, photographer life, Paris photographer, fleurs, book photographer, flower shop, floral artist, document your life, woman, entrepreneurship, mom life, working mom. by @katiedonnelly_

Hey! I’m Katie, creator of Katie Donnelly Photography and it has been WAY TOO LONG since I introduced myself. Since 2021, KDP is not only me, it is an incredible team of hard working people who spend their days making our clients artwork the best it can be.

Ten years ago I moved to France. I moved for love and adventure. I married that same French guy who I came over for. Pyk is the best partner and we have two adorable, smart, and very silly kids. (Swipe for proof) Life, is normal but in 2020 everything was so clearly put into perspective when simultaneously the world shut down, I was told I had stage 4 cancer (you can see all about this in my saved stories if you are going through this and want my experience), and my dad was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The world came through, I lived, my dad died. It was everything you could imagine: mostly awful, filled with gratitude for surviving, yet feeling the unfairness of it all. What got me through? Well, modern medicine and luck first off. But also, my family.

I know what is most important in life: time and memories with the ones you love. Our work, making family portraits, has a real meaning and why behind it all. It’s important to have portraits and art with your loved ones. I know it deeply.

In 2021 after chemo ended I gave myself 2 options:
1. Quit. Close down shop.
Or
2. Build a team. I couldn’t/can’t physically do it alone. Doesn’t a dream just get bigger when it’s shared?

I started building.

It’s been, so much work.

Building on your own is easy, building something for others to grow with is so much more complex. And always, always with the client centered in it all.

Truthfully I’m just a woman who came to Paris with big dreams never knowing what was really in store.. Every day we are lucky enough to meet new people and make joyful and emotional art that lives on walls around the world. Thank you for trusting us with your legacy portraits. I know how much it means, and to the hundreds of clients that come through our studio doors every year, we are deeply humbled and grateful to make art for you.

#parisphotographer

First two photos of me by darling @katiemitchellphotography by @katiedonnelly_

Paris photographer and artist at your service ❤️ comment INQUIRE to get more information or book a Paris photo shoot.

#parisphotographer #photographerinparis #makeart #takethetrip #printyourphotos by @katiedonnelly_

Maetiques and Katie Donnelly Photography are coming together in support of Heidi Saint James for a very special fundraiser, and one of you will win a complimentary photoshoot with Katie in Paris + a $300 gift card to Maetiques!

COMMENT “PARIS” for more info 🫶🏻

This fundraiser holds an especially tender place in our hearts as we honor Katie’s sweet daughter, Rose, while supporting the mission of Heidi Saint James and the families they serve.

✨ HOW TO ENTER

• Follow @maetiques + @katiedonnellystudio
• Donate through the official Katie + Maetiques Fundraiser on the Heidi Saint James website

Every $10 donated = 1 entry.

$10 = 1 entry
$50 = 5 entries
$100 = 10 entries
$250 = 25 entries

Entries close November 10th at 12:00 PM CST.

One winner will be selected at random to receive a complimentary Paris photoshoot with Katie Donnelly Photography + a $300 gift card to Maetiques!

Every donation made through this fundraiser goes directly to Heidi Saint James, supporting its mission of caring for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

The winner will be selected at random after the fundraiser closes and contacted directly by the official Katie Donnelly Photography team.

In Heidi’s memory. In Rose’s honor. And for every family who deserves more time. 🤍

Prize includes the photography session only. Airfare, lodging, transportation, and all other travel-related expenses are not included. by @katiedonnelly_

Ah, Paris, you were the multifaceted, delicious, beauty you’ve always been and we loved you thoroughly! I’m back from my second Baking & Pastry Tour in Paris and I’m sharing my lists of what was magical and memorable about the trip.

Comment “PARIS” and I will DM you a link to my paid “Extras” newsletter, where you will find Part 1 of my recommendations. The list is too long to squeeze into one, so I focused on pastry shops, baking moments, sips and stays. Part 2 will come soon!

Many thanks to the incredible team at @piquetravel & @bacchusandclio who made all my dreams come true and created beauty & calm in the moments of chaos. We were so honored to visit local shops, small businesses and homes of Paris, to have a front row view of history! 💙🤍❤️🙏🏽 and to my co-host and chief enabler, @stephaniemarch, we’ll always have wine bars in Paris.😘

📸 All of the beautiful images in this reel were taken by @katiedonnellystudio @katiedonnelly_ during our day in Montmartre. So grateful for the memories you captured. 🙌🏽 by @katiedonnelly_

☔️ **What if rain is actually the best thing that could happen to your Paris photoshoot?**

We know what you’re thinking. You’ve planned your outfits, dreamed about those Eiffel Tower photos, and then… the forecast says rain.

But here’s a little secret: some of our favorite Paris photoshoots have happened on rainy days.

✨ Soft, flattering light from overcast skies
✨ Beautiful reflections on the cobblestone streets
✨ Romantic moments under transparent umbrellas
✨ Quieter, more atmospheric Parisian backdrops
✨ Genuine laughter, spontaneous moments, and images that feel like a scene from a movie

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. We know the covered spots, the beautiful locations, and how to adapt our route to make the most of the weather.

Our advice? Don’t panic when you see those raindrops in the forecast. A little rain might just give you a gallery that’s even more magical than you imagined. 🤍

**Planning a trip to Paris?** Save this post for inspiration, share it with someone dreaming of Paris, and get in touch to plan your own unforgettable photoshoot with Katie Donnelly Photography.

🔗 For the full article, comment RAIN

#ParisPhotographer #ParisPhotoshoot by @katiedonnelly_

In April of this year, FLEURS was published by @hachetteus in the USA. It’s a totally new concept: A recipe book for bouquets. For an entire year, I worked on Fleurs with author @adrienneryser photographing the most beautiful blooms each season. Photographing over 50 different bouquets and arrangements, there are over 100 photographs in the book and all of them are mine (minus a few oldies!).

It’s a project that I’m extremely proud of as it pushed me creatively and professionally in a way I hadn’t been pushed in years. What an absolute joy to be an artist and discover new things ❤️❤️

Fleurs is celebrating its 6 month anniversary and Adrienne is book touring currently in California. It’s amazing to look back and see where we started, all of the work we put into each bouquet, running around like maniacs at Rungis, photographing all over Paris, in antique shops, outside, in metro stations, and of course at @larrosoirparis . This is the sort of project that I would love to have again.

If you comment FLEURS I’ll send you the link to it. Fleurs is available in the US through every major bookstore, and in France at L’Arrosoir (Paris, 11ème), the oldest flower shop in Paris.

Happy half-birthday Fleurs!

PS Here are a few of my favorite shots in the book, enjoy!

Topics: flower book, photographer in Paris, book photographer, French floral design by @katiedonnelly_

18 month update post-losing our daughter Rose.

I honestly hate when people cry on the internet but some things you can’t talk about without crying, this is one of them. Stillbirth and infant loss is often taboo. People who know are scared to ask, they don’t want to bring up sad feelings, but the thing is… it IS sad. But I still want to talk about my Rose. Every day we talk about her at home. This is our life, we are Rose’s family. I have a family of 6, but one of our kids is in heaven.

I’m 18 months in and so much therapy later, and while I have moved through grief, it has shifted. I am able to live a full life. I am able to feel other things than sad. But every good thing I wish I could share with her. I desperately wish for the crazy that Irish twins would have brought. Our life is good and beautiful and so wonderfully full. But living with a heart in pieces is my reality.

When I was pregnant with Lucie I was crying to my OB telling him I was convinced I was making my growing baby depressed by crying non stop through my pregnancy. I wish I could hug myself then. 7 months out of the belly and Lucie spends 95% of her time awake smiling and laughing and the other part eating or yelling at her siblings to help her get a toy.

Still birth, grief, loss, it’s a subject with a spectrum. I don’t claim the only story of survival during this time. There’s no one way to move through this and learn to live with your new reality. But for anyone who might be going through this too and having a hard time. You’re not alone.

If you want me to help you remember your baby or your loved one, please don’t hesitate to message me privately or comment here if you feel inclined.

All my love to you,
Katie

Topics: stillbirth, life after loss, grief, love, living life to the fullest, honest motherhood by @katiedonnelly_

A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO PARIS

Our Paris Resource Guide includes our favorite food and drink spots, the best transport apps & a ton of tips to make your Paris trip easier.

Think of it as your Little Black Book to the City of Light

Paris is best explored on foot, but we recommend the following apps to make navigating the city super simple:

1. Bonjour RATP
2. CityMapper
3. G7

Your Paris Food Itinerary Starts Here:

In our Local’s Guide, we have a carefully curated Paris map with all of our favorite places to eat and drink in the city.

Once you’ve decided where you want to eat, here are a few smart moves for finding a table in Paris:

1. Use the Reserve Option on Google Maps
2. Try TheFork to make online bookings
3. Check menus and read reviews before you commit
4. If you need to call, ask a hotel concierge for help!

A few super handy tips you’ll find in our Guide:

- Use Google Translate to translate menus and texts from photos

- download WhatsApp to communicate with local businesses

Traveling with Kids?

Our guide has you covered with tried and tested family friendly transport options as well as babysitting services.

Want to go beyond the Obvious Tourist Stops?

Explore neighborhood streets around St Germain des Pres, the Latin Quarter and the Marais.

Add the Canal St Martin to your list.

Comment GUIDE to receive our complete Local’s Guide to Paris with interactive map

Planning a Paris Photoshoot while you’re visiting ? Contact the team at KDP!

Don’t forget to follow @katiedonnelly_ and @katiedonnellystudio for more Paris and photography tips ! by @katiedonnelly_

Happy Friday from Paris 🫶

Topics: slow morning Paris video, Paris dreaming, Francophile, dreaming of Paris, Paris photographer by @katiedonnelly_

90s Rom Com Paris photo shoot unlocked 🙌

We love our clients so much and the way they trust us to make their dream photo shoot come true!! @hannahmanila @geoffreychopin you two were a dream.

Want more info? Comment INQUIRE and I’ll dm you with a link to fill out for more info for a Paris photo shoot with us

This amazing photo session was photographed by @katiedonnellystudio team photographer Magda

Topics: Paris photographer, 90s rom com inspired photo shoot, engagement couples photographer in Paris by @katiedonnelly_

18.4k friends here and so many new faces! Buckle up lol, I don’t have it all together ok? 🫠 I’m just trying my best between running a business, making art, living in a foreign country, doing my best to raise healthy and happy kids, and spending as much time as possible offline with people we love.

Topics: American in Paris, photographer in Paris, art, life abroad, cancer survivor, infant loss, stillbirth, make art, real by @katiedonnelly_