The Best Locations for Family Photography | 2019 | New Orleans Photogaphy
“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans.
Everywhere else is Cleveland.” ― Tennessee Williams
Your children are growing up in an iconic city. Southeast Louisiana is a culture onto itself, filled with nooks and crannies of extraordinary architecture, lush green spaces and an urban spirit unlike anywhere else.
Finding that perfect location for family photos in New Orleans as you document your children growth year-to-year can be pretty fun in this city! From the big Oak trees of City Park, artistic murals of the Bywater, iron fences of the Lower Garden District and the distinct views of the Mississippi River – there is a wealth of scenery.
My previous years as a photojournalist for the Times-Picayune has led me to almost every corner of this city and I’ve been mentally archiving great locations for decades. Each year, I compile my list of favorites for inspiration to new and returning families looking for that perfect spot to tell the story of their family.
And as fabulous as this city is, my favorite place to photograph families is still your home. There is no place like home.
Contact me today to book your Fall Family Session! mail@twirlphotography.com
Bonnabel Boat Launch. Long wood fishing docks, endless views of Lake Pontchartrain, rocks to climb and a large hill to run down. The lakefront access is easy to get to, easy to park and fun to explore- especially at sunset.
Algiers Point. Breathtaking views of the New Orleans cityscape, St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River are one thing, but this quaint New Orleans neighborhood filled with brightly covered houses offer a wonderful location to play and run around with your kids. It’s just a quick trip over the bridge and we might even be able to take a ferry ride.
Bay St. Louis. White sandy beaches with soft colored sunsets are a quick 45 minute drive from New Orleans and offer a different approach to the New Orleans locations. Beach sessions require a little more planning, but can be so rewarding as a family trip ending in splashing around in waves and searching for shells with your little ones.
Audubon Park’s front garden. Curved benches, beautiful fountain, large oak trees and a stunning garden of wild flowers surrounding the entrance are just a few reasons this little area of Audubon Park is one of my favorites. It gets beautiful light in both the early morning and late afternoon. Plus, you are right next to the St. Charles streetcar line so if we can get a streetcar going by.
Wild City Park. Tall grass, winding paths and big open fields perfect for those sunset pictures. This once well-groomed golf course is now mowed scarcely and offers a sense of the great outdoors nestled in the big city. The only catch: Bring bug spray. Check it out:Here
Bywater. Let’s just start with the Marigny Opera House; what a backdrop! Each street in this neighborhood is a mix of traditional New Orleans and urban cool. Walking a block or two can reveal a unique setting that appeals to the the inner artist in all of us. Take a look for yourself: HERE
West End Park. No less than four swings hang from Oak trees in this rarely used park nestled near the lakefront. Perfect for your wild child. And an easy location for chasing after little ones. The boats make for a nice background, too. This is a great place to let your kids chase dad. Take a look: HERE
Beauregard-Keyes House and Garden. The manicured side-garden of The Beauregard-Keyes home is truly a secret garden. It’s a great place to be part of the French Quarter without having to pose for pictures in the middle of a street teeming with tourists. Permit required. Preview this setting:HERE
Old Spanish Fort. This historic location was formerly a fort (ruins 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 oak trees, a porch swing, and the levee where Bayou St. John meets Lake Pontchartrain. See some favorite moments: HERE
City Park. This 1,300-acre urban park is one of the oldest parks in the country. The beauty here speaks for itself. It’s got ancient, haunting oak trees, as well as vast green spaces and bucolic bodies of water. Permit required. Take a look: HERE
French Quarter. The Vieux Carré is filled with culture and vibrant colors that are emblems of the architecture and historic core of New Orleans. Early morning sessions are best in the quieter residential side of the quarter. Look at the photographic possibilities: HERE
Streetcar. What an amazing city to grow up in, and nothing speaks to that experience more than a ride on a New Orleans streetcar. Mornings are best for a short ride for a few blocks on St. Charles Avenue or Canal Street. See more: HERE
The Tree of Life at Audubon Park. One of the largest Oaks in New Orleans, this tree is perfect for climbing. From this field opposite the giraffes in Audubon Zoo, you can sometimes spot pointy ears over the fence. During the fall, the mystical tree’s leaves turn and drop, adding to its beauty. Take a peek: HERE
Longue Vue House and Gardens.This is a beautiful historic estate located at the edge of Old Metairie. This house sits on 8 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens dotted with fountains and brimming with Louisiana plant life. Permit required. Get a look: HERE
Lower Garden District.This neighborhood is often overlooked for family photos. The unique architecture spreads across beautiful tree-lined streets that capture the spirit of New Orleans. Cornstalk fences, weathered walls and those Commander’s Palace awnings are just a few favorites. We can also jump into the cemeteries for something really unique. Take a visual tour: HERE
Crescent Park. This is a 20-acre urban park stretches along the Mississippi River in the Bywater neighborhood. It has breathtaking views of the city and plenty of safe spaces for kids to run around! The foliage-lined bike path is complimented by the clean, urban and modern landscape architecture. Take a look: HERE
Pitot House. Green shutters, wrap-around porch, butterfly garden and that fabulous wood fence. An original French Colonial house on the banks of Bayou St. John. It was home to one of the early New Orleans mayors. Permit required and limited hours. See for yourself: HERE
Bayou St. John.This ancient, natural body of water is the only bayou that flows through a fully developed New Orleans neighborhood. It defines the Faubourg St. John neighborhood around it and provides an oasis of serenity in the middle of the city. The green space and the distinctive houses provide a wonderful backdrop. See bayou photos: HERE
In your own home. No place is more unique to you than yourhome. Being able to photograph children in the house where they’re growing up is priceless. It offers a comfortable and intimate space for the entire family. Some of the greatest memories happen naturally within your home. See some examples: HERE
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The Tree of Life at Audubon Park. One of the largest Oaks in New Orleans, this tree is perfect for climbing. From this field opposite the giraffes in Audubon Zoo, you can sometimes spot pointy ears over the fence. During the fall, the mystical tree’s leaves turn and drop, adding to its beauty. Take a peek: HERE.jpg)
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