Fashion in France: A Branding Session in Champagne

Last September, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a branding session in one of the most charming and iconic regions of France—the Champagne region. Known for its rolling vineyards, elegant architecture, and (of course) world-renowned sparkling wine, this area has a timeless allure that makes it the perfect backdrop for a stylish and elevated branding session.

Rachel, the woman I photographed, is an influencer and fashion content creator based in Reims. She has an effortlessly chic style and a strong personal brand that blends French elegance with modern sophistication. Her goal was to refresh her content with images that truly reflected her personality, her work in fashion, and the charm of the city she calls home.

We started our morning in the heart of Reims, one of the most historically rich cities in the region. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time. There’s a kind of quiet beauty to the city—grand yet inviting. The creamy limestone buildings, ornate balconies, and winding cobblestone streets gave us endless inspiration to work with. Everywhere we turned was another moment begging to be photographed.

Our first location was just outside the Reims Cathedral—an architectural marvel that has stood for centuries and crowned kings. While we didn’t shoot directly in front of the cathedral (out of respect for the space and to avoid the tourist buzz), we used the surrounding buildings with their gothic arches and stately facades to bring that sense of historical grandeur into the session. The early morning light streamed through the arches, adding warmth and depth to each shot. We ended up going to the famous Fossier store which has the most famous biscuits. You must try them next time you are in France.

Rachel wore a tailored cream blazer and wide-leg trousers paired with strappy sandals—simple, elegant, and totally on-brand. Her outfit mirrored the architecture: structured yet soft, refined yet approachable. Every detail was intentional, from the way she held her bag to how she leaned effortlessly against a column, exuding confidence and calm. Found at the best French online store Sezane.

From there, we wandered into the quieter parts of town, where the buildings are lower and the streets feel more residential. The shutters were painted soft blues and greens, the doors tall and stately, the ironwork on balconies intricate and expressive. These corners of the city felt intimate and honest, which brought a beautiful contrast to the more formal first location.

Rachel changed into a flowing printed dress in a pink color that moved with the breeze. It felt so romantic and effortless—perfect for the more relaxed part of our session. We shot in front of a charming cottage in Reims near her home. These moments felt less posed and more personal—like flipping through someone’s European travel diary.

This session reminded me of why I love branding photography so much. It’s not just about a headshot or outfit photo—it’s about storytelling. It’s about showcasing who someone is, what they value, and the beautiful surrounding locations. And doing that in a place like Champagne? Pure magic.

As I’ve been revisiting these galleries from last year, I’m reminded how meaningful these shoots are—not just to my clients, but to me. They’re a reflection of a shared moment in time. A collaboration. A celebration of beauty, confidence, and the little details that make someone’s brand theirs.

If you’re dreaming of a branding session in a place that inspires you—whether that’s a cobblestone street in France, a Parisian café, or somewhere closer to home—I’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.

Checkout my most recent post about what I wish I knew before starting my photography business.

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