This Fall, the lineup for mini sessions in New Orleans is epic! At Twirl Photography, NOLA mini sessions are elevated so you not only get a quick and easy photo session for your family, but in a location that speaks to the beauty of the crescent city. And the best part is all the planning has been taken care of for you! Where are the best mini sessions in New Orleans? As a seasoned photographer, I have chosen this year’s curated locations carefully to give you an easy photo session with a WOW factor. All you have to do is grab a spot!
From historic homes, stunning courtyards, lush gardens and funky urban neighborhoods, your options are a plenty for family photos that celebrate your love as a family and the incredible city where your kids are growing up.
Many of these locations require a photo permit for family photos and are often closed to the general public. However, I have done the busy work to make some of my favorite hidden gems available to Twirl Photography clients. A unique Nola mini session awaits, all you have to do is show up and spend some quality time with the ones you love the most.
Dates for the best mini sessions in New Orleans are limited, make sure to grab your spot soon!
Table of Contents
Fall Mini Sessions in New Orleans
Historic homes, gardens and courtyards around New Orleans
that are perfect for a Nola Mini Session.
The Derbés Mansion in Bayou St. John/Esplanade Ridge neighborhood has been lovingly restored while keeping its history; creating a venue that looks like a painting. The sweeping grounds include the carriage house, countless balconies and gazebos perfect for an easy mini session in New Orleans.
BOOK YOUR DERBES MANSION MINI SESSION HERE!
The Beauregard Keyes House and Courtyard
One of my favorite secret gardens in the French Quarter is the historic Beauregard-Keyes Home . Your family will be photographed in the wonderful side courtyard complete with a fountain filled with lily pads, well-manicured hedges, and sweeping views of the Ursuline Convent and colorful French Quarter buildings in the neighborhood. This cute little get away from the hustle and bustle of the quarter is perfect for little kids to chase each other and snuggle together. Morning sessions only, street parking usually available.
BOOK YOUR BK HOUSE MINI SESSION HERE!
The Pitot House
Sitting along the banks of Bayou St. John, the Pitot House is a historic West Indies home and a little known gem in the city. Green shutters, wrap-around porch, butterfly garden and that fabulous wood fence! Why I love this location for a unique and easy mini session: Your kids are safe inside the fence to run around and be themselves. Dogs are also allowed on leash to the main yard while we have the house and property to ourselves.
BOOK YOUR PITOT HOUSE MINI SESSION HERE!
Sunflower Farm
About an hour outside of New Orleans in Picayune, Miss., is the lovely sunflower farm, Coastal Ridge Farms Twice a year they fill their fields with 6 foot sunflowers and colorful poppies that make for a stunning photo backdrop. This is a great outing for kids who love picking their own flowers and filling up your bucket for home, included in your entrance fee.
BOOK YOUR SUNFLOWER MINI SESSION HERE!
Longue Vue Gardens
This is a beautiful historic estate located at the edge of Old Metairie and has a minimum of 8 gardens to explore, each one more unique than the last. If you had family pictures taken at Longue Vue before, I promise we can make it different every visit. This house sits on eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens dotted with fountains and brimming with Louisiana plant life. It’s definitely top 5 in the best mini session locations in New Orleans.
BOOK YOUR LONGUE VUE MINI SESSION HERE!
The New Orleans Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens nestled in City Park is an embarrassment of riches. 10-acres of blooms, foliage, bamboo gardens, sculpture gardens and pathways to play in, pose in and wander with your family. We keep the family moving to cover as much ground in this gorgeous landscape that makes for a truly unique location for mini sessions in New Orleans. Additional cost of entry is $12 per adult, children 3-12 are $6 and children under 3 are free.
BOOK YOUR BOTANICAL GARDEN MINI SESSION HERE!
Old Spanish Fort
Old Spanish Fort is a little slip of land that runs along Bayou St. John where it meets Lake Pontchartrain and is often overlooked, but it’s perfect for that unique New Orleans mini session. This area was formerly a fort (the ruins are still visible) and later an amusement park with restaurants, dance halls and rides. Today it’s a quiet, forgotten part of the city with large oaks, a porch swing, and the levee, making it a great spot for a family photo shoot. Especially for boys to run around, pick up sticks and skip some rocks in the water.
BOOK YOUR OLD SPANISH FOR MINI SESSION HERE!
The Terrell House
Only in New Orleans does a wealthy cotton baker build a grand 3-story Italianate stucco-over-brick mansion that stands for over 150 years and still named the Terrell House. The main house features porches, galleries and balconies framed in ornate cast iron and brick. The courtyard will be our playground with it’s fountains and lush foliage.
BOOK YOUR TERRELL HOUSE MINI SESSION HERE!
Preservation Hall + Pirate’s Alley
Of all the weathered and colorful buildings in the French Quarter to photograph a family, my favorite area is the Preservation Hall block. It sits just down from St. Louis Cathedral and Pirate’s Alley (two beautiful backdrops we can wander to as well). This is a great place for you to gather your family band and pose for a unique New Orleans mini session. Early morning sessions are best to avoid the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.
BOOK YOUR PRESERVATION HALL MINI SESSION HERE!
The Marginy Opera House + Bywater
The Marigny Opera House located in the Bywater/Marigny neighborhood was once a former Catholic Church that has been renovated as a wonderful performing arts center. But for our purposes, this unique building is a beacon for photos because it still retains its original facade of light blue and gray arches and weathered wood. It makes for a great backdrop for a family session. And bonus, this area truly shines as a Nola mini session for the funky Bywater neighborhood filled with colorful homes and large murals just a few blocks around the Opera House. If you have tweens or older, this can be a fun alternative to the park.
BOOK YOUR SESSION AT THE MARIGNY OPERA HOUSE HERE!
The best mini sessions in New Orleans are right here with Twirl Photography. Check out a few common questions below and reach out with any other questions you might have before booking. I hope to photograph your family this Fall!
How Does a Mini Session Work?
Once you book your mini session there is not much you need to do but get your outfits together! Check out my Fall Outfit guide for some inspiration HERE!
I’ll be in touch as your date approaches to go over where we will be meeting, your time spot, and any details you need to know. On the day of, you can arrive about 5- 10minutes early than your designated time slot. Since this is a shorter session (25-minutes) it’s important to be on time and ready to go. Let me know if there are any family dynamics that help to ease things along (such as competitive siblings). I’ll be leading you along through your photos to flattering poses and emotive moments that speak to the joy and love you have in your family for an easy photo session.
What’s included in our mini session?
Your booking fee reserves your session date, location photo-permit, and my expertise as your photographer. All digital images, prints, albums and framed art work are available for purchase through your private online gallery no more than 2-weeks after your session. Collections (digitals and print) begin at $575 for 3 digital images. Please reach out for a full pricing catalog.
How do we know what to do during our lifestyle mini session?
That’s a great question, you don’t have to know how to pose or even stand still for that matter (I’m talking to you 3-year-old!). We will often start with a very simple family photo to break the ice and get that out of the way. From there, it’s about keeping your kids interested in our outing by letting them run, jump, attack-hug and maybe ride on dad’s shoulders. I will lead the way and in the end, your kids are going to remember the amazing time you all had playing together. Nervous about your littlest not standing still, check out this blog post about what to expect HERE!
How many images will we get from our mini session?
I underpromise and over-deliver. I promise a minimum of 20 images in your gallery but typically deliver well over that. When your gallery is ready no more than 2-weeks after your session, you will receive a link so you can review your images and purchase a collection. And I’m here to help your find your favorite photos that make your heart sing. Your gallery will be open for 7 days when you can place your final order.
What if we have to cancel our mini session because of bad weather?
For indoor sessions we will proceed as planned. In the event severe and prolonged weather prevents us from having your session we will look for an opportunity to move your session indoors or reschedule on a mutually available date. We will not cancel a session days before because our weather may completely change up until the day of the session. Additionally even if it rains on the session date, our weather is fickle and usually dissipates quickly. BONUS: the skies after a storm are AMAZING.
Additionally, I understand kids (and parents) get sick. If you feel like your child is not in the best place to be photographed, please reach out asap and we can find another date or location for pictures. Your booking fee is non-refundable, but can be rescheduled for up to 3 months from your original date.
Should I book a mini session or a full custom photo session?
- Different events have September, October and November dates; make sure to check each month.
- If the location you want is fully booked, contact me. With enough interest, I will add dates.
- Each curated location chosen is filled with opportunities for pictures, don’t be afraid to try a location for a second or third time.
If you have any specific questions fill out my contact form HERE and I will be happy to reach out.
Jennifer Zdon is an award-winning photographer based in New Orleans, LA, and specializes in capturing the beauty of maternity, newborn and family moments. With a focus on lifestyle photography, she creates relaxed, natural and joyful images that resonate with her clients. Clients invest in digital images and beautiful artwork for their home to showcase these cherished memories.
