I booked a solo photo shoot on my trip to Paris. I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out to be worth every cent.

I've never liked having my picture taken.

I don't consider myself photogenic, and when I do try to pose for a photograph, I end up feeling self-conscious and awkward — giving less model face and more Chandler Bing's engagement shoot.

Still, I've always enjoyed seeing the creative photos of travelers dressed in fancy outfits and posing in eye-catching locales. One style that grabbed my attention is the "flying-dress" shoot.

If you've been anywhere near social media in the past decade, you've probably seen the viral images of influencers in brightly colored silken dresses with long billowing trains that "fly" — as the name implies — in the wind.

Recently, I had a couple of free days in Paris after a work-related trip. I realized that, although I've traveled the world, I have very few pictures of myself in distant destinations to show for it.

It's only been in the last few years, as I've entered my mid-50s, that I've been able to let go of the excuses that I'm too old or not pretty enough.

I decided that I deserve to have some glamorous photos of myself.

I found the perfect photographer for my shoot

A Google search for "Paris photographer" led me to hundreds of options, ranging from individual shutterbugs to large studios with multiple artists.

Their prices varied from about $100 for an hourlong shoot to thousands of dollars for experiences that included hair and makeup, videographers, wardrobes, and even chauffeured transportation.

I reviewed dozens of portfolios, but couldn't find the right fit. Then, I came across Rachel Calvo, who specializes in on-location portrait photography of women.

Her photos, many in black and white, emphasized a sophisticated simplicity — nothing too sexy or too young and trendy, and no excessive use of over-the-top props.

The only thing holding me back from immediately booking, aside from my long-standing camera phobia, was the thought of having to pack additional outfits, especially the voluminous skirts or dresses I had envisioned for my photos.

Calvo, however, offered a VIP Package for 695 euros, or about $800, that would include access to a studio wardrobe filled with evening gowns, party dresses, and fun accessories.

Then I saw it: the flowing red train of a flying dress. I was sold.

The experience was even more fun than I expected

On the morning of the shoot, I met Calvo at a hotel near the Louvre, and we headed to her favorite spot in the museum: an arched limestone corridor that offered plenty of space to run and showcase the dress.

Changing into the flying dress was easy. The simple infinity gown featured an elastic waist and two long straps that could be wrapped and twisted to create a variety of looks from a plunging halter to a full-coverage shawl effect, making it ideal for many different sizes and body shapes.

Calvo helped me arrange the top and unfurl the 15-foot-long train. As she worked, she talked me through the process, making sure that I was comfortable in the dress and assuaging my anxiety about being in front of the camera.

Because I was on my own and didn't hire a photo assistant, we didn't do the viral shot of the train blowing in the wind. That takes two people: one to throw the fabric while the photographer takes photos.

Instead, Calvo would floof the train, and as soon as it began to waft and billow, I would slowly walk or run while she clicked away.

At first, I felt stiff and uncoordinated, unsure how to hold my arms or run forward while simultaneously looking back and smiling naturally. Calvo provided plenty of directions and encouragement, though, and her enthusiasm and positivity bolstered my confidence.

In fact, I wasn't even bothered when we began to attract a crowd. I laughed when I turned around and saw tourists taking photos of us. I felt like a celebrity with my own paparazzi.

My photo package also included a second outfit — a black ballgown skirt and beaded shawl, which felt a little closer to what I wear in my day-to-day life — and multiple location changes.

I didn't want to spend a lot of time traipsing around the city, nor did I want to battle the crowds at the Place du Trocadéro, the city's most popular photo shoot site.

However, I did want at least a couple of photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background, so we headed to the Jardin des Tuileries, which offered gardens, statues, and views of the iconic landmark.

The entire photo shoot took about three and a half hours, including outfit changes and travel time between locations.

I'm so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone

About one week later, I received a link to a gallery of roughly 100 images. My package included 12 high-resolution images, along with the option to purchase additional photos separately.

Looking through the final shots, I could tell that I felt more self-assured in the black outfit. There was a power in my stance, and I was staring confidently at the camera.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I also liked the flying-dress photos, though: More than ordinary photos, they were works of art.

Do I have a future as a model? Absolutely not — but I had a fun time dressing up and pretending to be one.

If the idea of a professional shoot has even crossed your mind, I say, "Do it!" You'll spend a few hours being treated and feeling like a movie star. Most of all, you'll have photographs and memories that will last a lifetime.