I’m thankful that Imei, my travel partner, has been to Paris a few times before. She knows where all the good photo opportunities are!

1. Eiffel Tower. Two thoughts: at night, and from the Sacre Coeur. Actually, three: kissing under the Eiffel Tower. If you actually go up the Eiffel, take a picture of all the people milling around the bottom, waiting to go up to the top.
2. Take a boat tour on the Seine. You can snap pictures of your favorite bridge, Paris’ skinniest building, and all the houseboats and restaurants on the waterfront.
3. Outside Musee d’Orsay, there is a sort of sculpture park of modern art pieces. Kissy lips, anyone? Blow a kiss at the lips, and you’ll have a picture-perfect shot for Valentine’s Day.
4. Take a seat on the edge of the fountain outside the Musee Louvre, and be surrounded by I.M.Pei’s glass pyramids (there’s an inverted pyramid inside the Louvre entrance). If you are going to defy authority and stand inside the fountain, just know it’s kind of slippery because of the moss.
5. Approach the Arc de Triomphe from a distance to take your picture of this giant structure. If you take a picture at the bottom with yourself in it, it just doesn’t cut it.
6. Though the Sacre Couer is more majestic, I like the facade of the cathedral Notre-Dame. You’ll get more detailed pictures inside if you purchase them, because your flash photography is discouraged.
7. Snap at least one picture from a famous cafe or trendy hotel. I like Mama Shelter, with a menu from Alain Ducasse, and interiors from Philippe Starck. Not only is it photographable, but it’s the place to have your photograph taken with other trendsetters. If you get bored, you can dash across the street to D’Or for a beer and some decent English bands.
8. Don’t forget to take your camera to an outdoor market. The colors, flowers, and artists make wonderful pictures. Of course, you could become one of them and get your face turned into a cartoon.
9. Take a Sunday stroll in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and roll some video of your sweetheart enjoying the open space and the Palais du Luxembourg.
10. Do allow yourself one measly “ugly American” moment. I mean, it is yours, and the French will forgive you because you’re a tourist. Want to wear your shorts instead of long pants and take a picture holding up that ultra expensive Louis Vuitton purse you are so NOT going to buy? Fine. Want to take a picture humping one of the legs of the Eiffel Tower? Be my guest. Only take that picture and send it back to us as proof that you had a good time. We can’t guarantee the French will take you back, but we will know it was worth it.

What about you? Where do you think photo opportunities exist in Paris, France?