Behind-the-Scenes of a New Orleans Family Portrait Session: What Really Happens During Your Photo Adventure

Two sisters hugging each other and looking at a New Orleans photographer in the French Quarter.

Ever wonder why your New Orleans family photographer shows up 30 minutes early with a whole arsenal of equipment? There’s actually so much more happening behind the scenes than just ‘say cheese.’ Here’s a Behind-the-Scenes of a New Orleans Family Portrait Session: What Really Happens During Your Photo Adventure.

I have a confession. One of my favorite questions from families is about what really happens behind the camera during our sessions. Just last week, while we were walking around for some French Quarter family photos, a mom asked me, “Jennifer, how do you make it look so easy when my kids are bouncing off the walls and my toddler is having a meltdown?”

The truth is, it’s not magic—though New Orleans certainly provides plenty of that. It’s preparation, patience, and a few tried-and-true strategies I’ve perfected over the years. If you’re feeling a little nervous about your upcoming family portrait session or wondering what to expect during your New Orleans photo adventure, let me pull back the curtain and show you exactly what goes into creating those gorgeous family portraits.

Pre-Session Planning: The Foundation of Great Photos

A family dancing in front of a big old building for a story about Behind-the-Scenes of a New Orleans Family Portrait Session: What Really Happens During Your Photo Adventure

Before we ever meet at City Park or that gorgeous Garden District location, I’m already working behind the scenes to make sure your session is absolutely fabulous. This starts with getting to know your family’s personality during our phone chat before your session, or as we walk around during your session. Are your kids the type who love to run around and explore, or do they prefer quieter activities? Does someone have a favorite color they absolutely must wear?

As a New Orleans family photographer, I spend time location scouting to find the perfect spots around New Orleans—whether that’s finding the most beautiful light filtering through the Spanish moss for City Park family photos or discovering a quiet street in the Marigny , starting in front of the Marigny Opera House, where your toddler can safely wander. Timing is everything in our city, especially when we’re working around afternoon thunderstorms or that gorgeous golden hour light.

The wardrobe guidance piece is huge too. I want your family to look cohesive and beautiful, but more importantly, I want everyone to feel comfortable and confident. And yes, I always have weather backup plans because this is New Orleans—we know better than to trust the forecast completely!

The Setup: Creating the Perfect Photo Environment

You know how I always arrive early? There’s a method to that madness. I’m assessing the light conditions at our Longue Vue location, checking for any unexpected crowds at our French Quarter spot, and making sure everything is safe for your little ones to explore.

I’m wandering the neighborhood to make sure I know the backdrops that shine. If we’re shooting at multiple spots in the Garden District, often starting near the fabulous turquoise of Commander’s Palace, I’m planning our route so we can capture different looks without wearing everyone out. I’m also creating that welcoming, comfortable atmosphere from the moment I arrive—because let’s be honest, family photos can feel a little intimidating at first.

Just last month, I had a session planned at a beautiful Uptown location, but when I arrived for setup, there was unexpected construction. Because I always scout backup spots, we moved to an equally gorgeous street just two blocks away, and the family never even knew about the last-minute change. As a New Orleans Family Photographer it’s my job to no only make you look great, but know which location will help you shine.

Photographing Different Family Members: The Human Element

A family laughing as they play with bubbles in the park. For a story about the Behind-the-scenes of a New Orleans portrait session.

Here’s where things get really interesting. Every family has its own unique dynamic, and I’ve learned to read those personalities quickly. Some kids need time to warm up to me and the camera, while others are ready to perform from minute one. I might spend extra time with a shy child, showing them how my camera works or letting them help me “direct” their siblings.

Managing different age groups during a New Orleans family session is like conducting a small orchestra. Your teenager might be mortified about photos, your toddler wants to chase pigeons in Jackson Square, and your middle schooler just wants to know how much longer this will take as we wander around for City Park family photos. I’ve learned when to provide gentle direction and when to step back and let those authentic family moments unfold naturally.

I absolutely love when families start interacting with each other instead of just looking at my camera. Some of my most treasured shots happen when dad starts tickling the kids or mom whispers something silly in her daughter’s ear, and everyone dissolves into genuine laughter.

Technical Challenges: Problem-Solving in Real-Time

Two kids huddled under an ubrella in a garden posing for a New Orleans Photographer.

New Orleans throws some unique challenges at family photographers. We’ve got gorgeous dappled light under those massive oak trees in City Park, but that means I’m constantly adjusting for changing shadows. The historic architecture in the French Quarter creates stunning backdrops, but sometimes the lighting can be tricky between buildings.

I’m always balancing lighting and exposure for different skin tones and clothing colors, especially when we’re moving from the bright courtyards in the Marigny to shadier spots along Magazine Street. And let’s talk about capturing sharp, well-exposed images with active subjects—especially those adorable little ones who definitely didn’t get the memo about holding still!

The key is making all these technical adjustments while keeping everyone engaged and comfortable. Your family shouldn’t have to think about f-stops or ISO settings—that’s my job.

The Art of Direction: Guiding Without Controlling

This might be my favorite part of the whole process. I’m not interested in making your family look like everyone else’s family. Instead, I’m using gentle prompts and activities to encourage those genuine expressions and connections that make your family uniquely yours.

Sometimes that means asking dad to dance with his daughter, or suggesting mom show her toddler the pretty flowers while I capture that sweet, natural interaction. Other times, it means recognizing when to completely step back and let your family just be themselves while I document those spontaneous moments.

I’ve learned that the magic often happens in between the “official” shots—when your preschooler decides to hug their big sister, or when parents share a quiet moment while watching their kids explore a Bywater garden.

And if your child just isn’t feeling it, here are a few tips: Toddlers Misbehaving and That’s Okay!

Getting the Image: Capturing Every Family Dynamic

During our New Orleans photo adventure, we’re creating a complete story of your family. We’ll start with those important full family portraits that showcase everyone together against our beautiful city backdrops. Then we’ll move into smaller groupings—those sweet moments between mom and the kids, the special bond between dad and his children, individual shots that highlight each child’s personality.

Don’t forget, parents need photos together too! I always make sure to capture some beautiful couples shots because I know how rare it is for busy parents to be in front of the camera together.

Sibling relationships are pure gold to photograph. Whether it’s your teenagers being goofy together or your toddler trying to copy everything their big brother does, these connections tell such an important part of your family’s story.

And if grandparents or extended family are joining us, we’ll make sure to include those precious multi-generational shots. There’s something magical about capturing three generations together against the backdrop of New Orleans’ timeless beauty.

The Magic Behind the Memory-Making

Here’s what I want you to know: while our family portrait sessions might look effortless and fun (and they absolutely are!), there’s so much thoughtful preparation and professional expertise happening behind the scenes. From the initial planning and location scouting around New Orleans, to the technical problem-solving during our session, to reading your family’s unique dynamic and capturing those authentic connections—every element is carefully orchestrated to create those seemingly spontaneous, beautiful moments.

What I love most about this behind-the-scenes work is that it allows your family to simply show up and be yourselves. You don’t have to worry about the lighting or the posing or whether everyone looks good—that’s all on me. Your job is to enjoy this time together and let me capture the love, laughter, and connections that make your family special.

This is a fabulous place for unforgettable images of your family, and every single session reminds me why I’m so passionate about family photography in New Orleans. There’s something about our city’s magic combined with your family’s unique story that creates photographs you’ll treasure forever.