Choosing a location is one of the most fun parts of planning a session and one of the questions I get asked constantly. The New Orleans area has no shortage of gorgeous backdrops, from oak-lined parks to colorful streets to quiet waterfronts. Here are some of my favorite spots, along with a few tips on getting the most out of each one.
1. City Park
City Park is a go-to for a reason. The live oaks dripping with Spanish moss create a soft, romantic backdrop in every season, and there’s enough variety open fields, bridges, the Botanical Garden, the Sculpture Garden that we can create a whole gallery of different looks in one visit. Mornings and late afternoons give us that warm, golden light that makes everything feel a little magical.
2. The French Quarter
If you want photos with character and color, the French Quarter delivers. Wrought-iron balconies, colorful shutters, and cobblestone streets give your photos a sense of place you simply can’t get anywhere else. This spot works especially well for engagement sessions, couples, and families who want something a little more vibrant and editorial.
3. Audubon Park
Right across from the zoo, Audubon Park offers wide open lawns, oak trees, and a peaceful, less crowded feel than City Park. It’s a great option for sessions with active toddlers who need room to run before we get them to sit still for a few minutes.
4. The Fly (Audubon Riverview)
For families who love a relaxed, candid feel, the Fly along the Mississippi River gives us open green space with the river and passing ships in the background. It has a laid-back, local feel that’s perfect for casual family or newborn sibling sessions.
5. Longue Vue House and Gardens
If you’re looking for something a little more formal and polished, Longue Vue’s manicured gardens and architecture create a timeless, elegant backdrop wonderful for milestone sessions, seniors, and family portraits you plan to frame for years to come.
6. Your Own Backyard or Home
Some of my favorite sessions happen right at home especially newborn and lifestyle sessions. There’s something irreplaceable about photos taken in the nursery you decorated or the kitchen where the kids actually grew up. It doesn’t have to be a “destination” to be meaningful.
7. Local Neighborhood Streets
Algiers Point, the Garden District, and other historic neighborhoods offer charming front porches, pastel houses, and quiet sidewalks that make for relaxed, walkable sessions, especially great for golden-hour family photos close to home.
How to Choose the Right Spot for You
When clients ask me to help pick a location, I usually ask:
- What feeling do you want playful, elegant, candid, colorful?
- How active are your kids? (Some locations are better for the wiggly ones.)
- What time of day works for your family’s schedule and the best light?
- Do you want something timeless or something more “this is so us” personal?
There’s no wrong answer just the right fit for your family and your story.
Have a location in mind that’s not on this list? I love exploring new spots, so bring your ideas. Let’s plan your session and find the perfect backdrop for your family’s photos.