BEST NEW ORLEANS PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS
NEW ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTERS
The French Quarters of New Orleans is PERFECT for those wanting to capture the true essence of New Orleans. This part of the city is known as the heart of New Orleans for so many reasons and is located right on the Mississippi River. There’s a bunch of gorgeous architecture, which gives you endless photo opportunities showcasing colorful buildings and houses, wrought-iron balconies, and cobblestone streets. You can take photos capturing the French Quarters at Jackson Square, Pirates Alley, Exchange Place Alley, Bourbon street, Royal street, colorful homes, local bars, and more!
JACKSON SQUARE
700 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 658-3200
https://www.nola.gov/parks-and-parkways/event-rules-regulations/weddings-in-jackson-square/
FQ CAFE DU MONDE
800 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
PIRATES ALLEY
500 Port of New Orleans Pl.
Riverwalk Marketplace, New Orleans, LA 70130
EXCHANGE PLACE
Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK
New Orleans city park is a 1,300 acre picturesque park filled with endless greenery, ponds, live oak trees, moss canopies, bridges and more. This park is fantastic for those who want images that’ll capture New Orleans nature scene. As a plus there’s also the famous Cafe Du Monde located inside the park. You can always grab some delicious beignets and cafe au lait at the end of your session to take some fun photos. :)
CAFE DU MONDE CITY PARK
56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
LANGLES BRIDGE
Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70119
THE SINGING OAK TREE
1701 Wisner Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
THE PERISTYLE
42 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
AUDUBON PARK
Audubon park is an urban oasis that’s great for pictures with large oak trees, fountains, ponds, and lush greenery. We absolutely love Audubon park between November- February for fall/winter photos. Nude and earth tone color pallets are my favorite color schemes at this park due to the parks natural color scheme. Audubon is very close to downtown New Orleans and is located on the Saint Charles Avenue streetcar line which is directly across from Loyola and Tulane University. If you’re taking alumni engagement portraits at either school Audubon is the perfect location to add on to your session since we can just cross the street to get there. ✨
MAIN ENTRANCE
6600 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118
SECOND ENTRANCE
6500 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118
NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART
New Orleans Museum of Art is New Orleans oldest fine art institution and is the perfect location for those looking for a high end look to their photos. We typically do our sessions right at the entrance of NOMA using their beautiful large columns, staircase, and modern and contemporary sculptures. When you book your session at NOMA you’ll also have access to the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. In the sculpture garden you’ll be surrounded by 200 year old live oaks, lagoons, magnolias, camellias, pines, multiple bridges, a walking trail, and sculptures of course! NOMA is also near the terminus of the "Canal Street - City Park" streetcar line so you can walk across the street to catch some streetcar shots as well! ✨
The permit fee for NOMA is $50 for up to a two hour photoshoot. The permit will be paid for by the client but the photographer must contact the venue for availability and booking.
You can also check out NOMA’S museum shop to look at or purchase “CALLED TO THE CAMERA: BLACK AMERICAN STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHERS” which is a book dedicated to the social, political, and artistic impact of black photographers in the United States from the 19th century to the present day. Work from this book was on display at NOMA September 1, 2022-January 8, 2023. NYEJAH BOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY was featured in this book on page 48.
To get your copy check out the link below!
Called to the Camera: Black American Studio Photographers catalogue – New Orleans Museum of Art Shop
LOCATION
1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124
504-658-4100
NEW ORLEANS BOTANICAL GARDENS
The New Orleans Botanical Garden is New Orleans first public classical garden and has been growing and developing since the 1930s. The gardens has over 2000 plant varieties from across the world, large oak trees, greenery, and art. There’s a variety of gardens that can be found here such as the rose, train, butterfly, and Japanese garden which provides a wide variety for picturesque scenery and photos. We love to document couple, family, proposals, and maternity shoots at this location.
The permit fee to shoot at this location is $75 and can be purchased by the client directly at the front counter. You should get your permit at least 15 minutes before your session so that if there’s a line it won’t cut into your session time. You do have the option to purchase your permit ahead of time but due to potential weather related issues it’s best to get one on the day of or the day before your session. There’s also two bathroom’s at this location which makes getting dressed/undressed for your photoshoot a breeze! You’ll be able to see yourself in a mirror and retouch your makeup and hair. :)
LOCATION
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
504- 483-9488
www.neworleanscitypark.com/garden
LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS
Longue Vue house and Gardens is a multifaceted estate with over 6 acres of stunning gardens. There’s a gorgeous oak tree filled path, fountains, greenery walls, iron chairs, wrap stairwells, plus more! We think Longue Vue House and Gardens is perfect for those wanting a private session. There’s a $125 fee to take photos on their premises for an hour and we believe it’s so so worth it! There’s four facades of the house with four different appearances and on each of the four sides there is a different garden. To get the most variety on the property it’s best to do a two hour or more photoshoot. No worries though, in just a 30 minute session you can capture at least three iconic spots on the property!
LOCATION
7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124
504.488.5488
THE NEW ORLEANS SERAPHIM HOUSE
The Seraphim house was built by Seraphim Maspereau in the 1860's and thoroughly renovated from 2012-2015. The house is located just outside of the French Quarter, in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. When photographing we are inspired by the venues colors, lovely textures, furniture, greenery, piano, outdoors, magnolia tree surrounded pool, and sparking chandeliers. We absolutely love the rustic, vintage, and fairytale vibes of this historical masterpiece.
This location is not onto available for your photoshoot but also for intimate events with the option to stay in two of the adjoining suites on property. Clients that book a room at this property will have the option to take photos in their room as well, which makes your album even more unique. ✨
LOCATION
1476 Marais Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
seraphimhousenola@gmail.com
https://www.theseraphimhouse.com/contact
MAGAZINE STREET
Magazine street stretches six miles parallel to the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Audubon Park, traveling from the Central Business District through the Garden District and into Uptown. This location is perfect for those who want images in a residential and commercial area that represent New Orleans neighborhoods and architecture. Magazine street reminds me of the French Quarters but with less noise and crowds. There’s restaurants, bars, murals, tiled street names, and shopping along Magazine street which all make great backgrounds. If you love coffee shops, food dates, and more of a candid vibe magazine street would be perfect to stroll and take photos.
Our top two photoshoot locations on Magazine street is Mercato II, outside of Krew, and Birdys on the Bower.
IL MERCATO
FREE
1911 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504- 827-2400
ilmercatoevents.com
BYWATER/MARIGNY
The Marigny area is right in between the Bywater and the French Quarters. Marigny is a hip neighborhood with neighborhood cafes, businesses, historic architecture, and more. The Marigny is home to Creole cottages, ornamented shotgun houses, 2‐story mixed use corner buildings, and fine Queen Anne or Eastlake style Victorian 2‐story residences.
The Bywater is a historic neighborhood known for its street art, colorful shotgun houses, cottages, and lively music scene. This area is described as “contemporary bohemianism” and is only a 5 minute drive from the French Quarters. The architecture of the houses are low level buildings with Spanish or French styles. There’s so much vibrancy in this area when the sun is out.
This location is perfect for those wanting more of a relaxed and candid vibe for your session.
CRESCENT PARK
Crescent park is located on the riverfront in the Bywater and is easily recognizable because of its rust colored rainbow bridge. Throughout the park there’s beautiful greenery, flowers, open space, and great views of the Mississippi River and crescent city Crescent park is a great spot for pictures if you want more of an industrial feel to your photos. If sunset photo shoots are your thing, this is the perfect spot to capture the sunset over the New Orleans skyline!
LOCATION
Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St,
New Orleans, LA 70117
LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK
Louis Armstrong Park is located directly across from the residential side of the French Quarters and is named after the great jazz artist, Louis Armstrong. You truly can’t miss the parks entrance as it has the iconic Louis Armstrong arch that is beautifully lit at night time! During the day you’ll have options to take photos near lush greenery areas, ponds, bridges, and sculptures. Congo square is also an amazing spot for photos with granite tiles that form a plaza for gatherings. This area used to be a historic meeting place for slaves in the 1800’s, now people gather to dance, sing, and play musical instruments. As a bonus you’ll be able to walk across the street to the French Quarters for even more variety of shots! If you’re lucky the streetcar will stop for a photo opportunity. ✨
There’s street parking available and can be paid for using the meter or the Park Mobile app.
LOCATION
901 North Rampart Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
NEW ORLEANS CBD/DOWNTOWN
The Downtown & CBD area of New Orleans developed in the 1800’s and is a great mix of newly constructed and restored buildings. There’s varies parks, high rises, squares, court houses, rooftops, hotels, historic churches, industrial skyline, and American townhouses dating back to the 1800’s in the CBD/Downtown area. The variety of the areas architecture allows your images to display modern and historical aspects. This is a great area for professionals to take photos as well as couples and family.
The Canal streetcar is a famous high end- shopping street right in the CBD closer to the French Quarters. This is a perfect background for those wanting palms trees and vibrant red streetcar shots. Directly across from the end of the Canal streetcar line is the Saks Fifth Avenue entrance which has the iconic “with love from NOLA” mural right inside the entrance, this is a great Instagram shot!
LAFAYETTE SQUARE | US COURT OF APPEALS
600 Camp St
New Orleans, LA 70130
THE BEACON
1000 Girod St
New Orleans, LA 70113
ROOFTOP
601 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
SAINT CHARLES STREET
Often seen as the contrast to the French Quarter, Uptown, where most of the street and its streetcar line run, St.Charles Avenue provides some of the most grand photo opportunities in New Orleans. Lined with live oak trees and historic mansions on both sides and the oldest continuously running streetcar line in the world in the middle of it all, St.Charles Avenue has a beautiful mix of history and scenery! While St.Charles Avenue isn’t the only area in New Orleans to experience the streetcar, it is often considered the best as the original cars are still in use today allowing that same charm to be captured in your photos! When people see that iconic dark green streetcar they’ll know exactly where you are! Other noteworthy areas along the Avenue include both Tulane and Loyola Universities, as well as Audubon Park!
THE MELROSE MANSION
Located in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans, the Melrose Mansion Hotel is a historic gem built in the 19th century. Its elegant architecture and interiors make it a top choice for photoshoots. With charming details both inside and out, photographers have the perfect canvas to capture a range of styles and emotions. The hotel’s timeless appeal and picturesque surroundings create an inspiring atmosphere for crafting captivating images. To book a photoshoot here please contact the property manager.
LOCATION
937 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
ELMS MANSION
The Elms Mansion, situated in the Garden District of New Orleans, is a stunning historical mansion built in 1869. Its timeless architecture and elegant interior make it a perfect backdrop for photoshoots. The mansion’s intricate details and grandeur offer a captivating atmosphere for capturing memorable moments. The Elms Mansion does require a permit fee to shoot on their property and availability is limited. Nevertheless, the mansion’s enchanting beauty and rich history make it an ideal choice for creating breathtaking photographs.
LOCATION
3029 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
HENRY HOWARD HOTEL
The Henry Howard Hotel in New Orleans seamlessly combines classic architecture with modern comfort. This boutique hotel, located in the Lower Garden District, is known for its historic charm and unique ambiance. It’s a favored spot for photoshoots, allowing you to access its premises simply by booking a room. This innovative arrangement provides photographers with the opportunity to experience the hotel’s distinctive atmosphere firsthand while capturing their creative vision in an intimate setting.
LOCATION
2041 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
HOTEL PETER AND PAUL
Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans is a captivating blend of history and modern charm. Its beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, including a former church and schoolhouse, make it an ideal location for photoshoots. The hotel offers a diverse range of indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a unique backdrop for creative visions. The usage fee for photoshoots is $500, granting access to these captivating settings and preserving the property’s distinctive atmosphere.
LOCATION
2317 Burgundy St,
New Orleans, LA 70117
info@hotelpeterandpaul.com
RACE AND RELIGIOUS
“Race and Religious” is a renowned wedding venue in New Orleans, celebrated for its historical significance and unique architectural blend of race and religion. Originally built in the 1830s, the property has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical charm. With captivating courtyards, elegant interiors, and a rich cultural heritage, it has become a highly sought-after location for weddings and events. The venue’s captivating aesthetics and ambiance make it a popular choice for photoshoots. Please note that the venue charges a usage fee of $200 per hour for its enchanting spaces, providing both an exquisite backdrop and a glimpse into the city’s past for those seeking to capture timeless moments.
LOCATION
510 Race St.,New Orleans, LA 70130
504-523-0890
