Place Vendôme
One of Paris's most refined and symmetrical squares, Place Vendôme rewards photographers who take time to study its geometry. The uniform neoclassical facades surrounding the octagonal plaza create strong repeating lines, and the Colonne Vendôme at the center gives you a natural anchor for compositions. Try shooting from ground level at one of the corners to use the converging colonnades as leading lines toward the column. Early morning is ideal, when the square is nearly empty and the pale stone glows in soft directional light; the golden hour before 8am on a clear day can be exceptional. Overcast skies also work well, reducing harsh reflections off the facades. A wide angle lens lets you capture the full sweep of the arcade, while a short telephoto compresses the column against the surrounding architecture. The square is fully pedestrianized and easy to access from Rue de la Paix. (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
