Quick Answer
The best New Orleans family photo session feels less like an appointment and more like a slow morning together. Choose a neighborhood that fits your family, book morning or late afternoon light, and plan a treat nearby for after: beignets in the French Quarter, po-boys by Bayou St. John, gelato in Mid-City, or ice cream Uptown. The photos are the bonus, and the outing is what everyone remembers.
At its heart, a New Orleans family photo session is just quality time with your whole family, and the photos are the bonus. After years of photographing families all over New Orleans, I’ve noticed that the sessions people remember most are the ones that turn into a little outing.
Picture the French Quarter at 9am on a Saturday, on the quiet side of the Quarter, far from Bourbon Street. The light is soft, the sidewalks are nearly empty, and there’s nowhere you need to be.
Now picture strolling those streets hand in hand with your kids, someone swinging between you and your partner while someone else stops to point at every painted door. Nobody is checking a phone or rushing off to practice. You’re simply together, and I’m quietly catching it all as it happens.
When the session wraps up, you’re just a block from Croissant D’Or, where coffee and beignets are waiting and powdered sugar is about to land on everyone’s good clothes. It’s completely worth it.
One of my favorite moms took this idea a step further and booked her family session on her birthday, knowing full well that nobody is allowed to complain on Mom’s birthday. Everyone showed up dressed, on time, and in a great mood, and she got exactly the gift she wanted: all of them in one frame, smiling at her. I think it’s brilliant, and you should absolutely steal it.
That’s the idea behind this guide to planning your New Orleans family photo session. Pick the neighborhood that feels most like your family, and I’ll share why I love photographing there and where to go once the camera is put away. If you’re still deciding where to shoot, my guide to the best photo locations in New Orleans has even more ideas.
Table of Contents
French Quarter Family Photos
The residential side of the Quarter is pure New Orleans: pastel shutters, iron balconies, hanging ferns, and courtyards tucked behind old wooden gates. Early mornings are the secret to a French Quarter New Orleans family photo session, because the streets are quiet and your kids get to explore without dodging crowds.
After your session: Walk a block to Croissant D’Or on Ursulines for coffee, beignets, and a pastry case your kids will press their noses against. For more on shooting here, take a look at my post on family photography in the French Quarter.
Bayou St. John Family Photos
Big oaks, the slow-moving bayou, and the green shutters and wraparound porch of the historic Pitot House make this one of my favorite spots in the city. It feels peaceful even on a busy weekend, and it’s one of the easiest places for a relaxed New Orleans family photo session with little ones who love to run.
After your session: Stroll along the water and see how many turtles your kids can count, then head a few blocks over to Parkway Bakery for po-boys that are worth every napkin.
Lower Garden District Family Photos
Tree-lined streets, cornstalk fences, and grand old homes like the Terrell House give this neighborhood a classic, timeless feel. It’s a lovely choice for families who want photos that look elegant without feeling stiff.
After your session: Let the kids run off their wiggles in Coliseum Square, then wander over to Magazine Street for a sweet treat at Sucré for everyone who held it together.
Bywater Family Photos
Colorful Creole cottages, murals, and quirky corners on nearly every block make the Bywater perfect for families with a playful, artsy streak. Every street seems to offer a new backdrop.
After your session: Take a walk through Crescent Park for wide views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline, then stop by Bywater Bakery for pastries and coffee.
Uptown and Audubon Park Family Photos
From the front garden with its fountain and curved benches to the giant climbing branches of the Tree of Life, Audubon Park has something for every age. With a little luck, a streetcar will roll past on St. Charles Avenue right on cue.
After your session: Spend a few minutes at the playground or watching the ducks along the lagoon, then head to Creole Creamery on Prytania Street for an ice cream cone.
City Park and Mid-City Family Photos
City Park’s ancient oaks, Spanish moss, and quiet lagoons are New Orleans at its most enchanting. Between the Botanical Garden, Couturie Forest, and the wide open fields, there’s a look for every family.
After your session: Grab beignets at Café du Monde in City Park, or drive a few minutes to Angelo Brocato for gelato and cannoli. Looking for more ideas? Here are my favorite New Orleans fall activities for kids.
Lakeview and Old Metairie Family Photos
Longue Vue House and Gardens feels like stepping into another world, with fountains, manicured gardens, and paths that seem made for little explorers. It’s a wonderful choice for a New Orleans family photo session that feels a little dressed up.
After your session: Let the kids loose in Longue Vue’s Discovery Garden while you finally exhale, then head to Harrison Avenue in Lakeview for an easy family lunch.
Tips for Turning Your New Orleans Family Photo Session Into a Little Outing
- Save the treat for after. It gives your kids something to look forward to and keeps the powdered sugar off the good clothes until the photos are done.
- Pick morning or late afternoon. The light is softer, the temperatures are kinder, and everyone is in a better mood than they are at noon.
- Keep the rest of the day open. Keep the rest of the day open. A New Orleans family photo session feels so much more relaxed when nobody has to rush off to a game or a party afterward.
- Think about a special occasion. Like a birthday, anniversary, or the first weekend after school starts can make the morning feel like a celebration.
How long is a New Orleans family photo session?
Curated mini sessions are 30 minutes, Flexible Date Minis are 30 minutes, and Full Sessions are 45 minutes. If grandparents, aunts, and cousins are joining in, plan on about an hour so everyone gets their moment.
What is the best time of day for family photos in New Orleans?
Early morning and late afternoon give you the softest light and the kindest temperatures. Midday sun in New Orleans is harsh on faces and hard on little ones’ moods, so I avoid it whenever I can.
When should I book if I want photos for holiday cards?
Aim for a session by mid-November. Your gallery arrives within two weeks, which leaves plenty of time to order cards right after Thanksgiving and have them in mailboxes by mid-December.
Do I need a permit to take photos at these locations?
Some spots, like historic homes and parts of City Park, require a photo permit. For my curated mini sessions, the permit is already taken care of. For other sessions, I’ll let you know ahead of time if your location needs one.
What happens if it rains?
New Orleans weather loves a surprise. If rain rolls in, I’ll simply reschedule your session for another day so you’re not stuck with soggy shoes and frizzy hair.
What should my family wear?
Coordinate instead of matching. Pick two or three colors that work together and let everyone wear their own version. My guide to what to wear for fall photos in New Orleans has plenty of ideas.
How much does a New Orleans family photo session cost?
Every family is a little different, so I share full pricing and collection details personally. Email me at mail@twirlphotography.com and I’ll walk you through the options.
Ready to Plan Your New Orleans Family Photo Session?
My curated mini sessions are set at some of my favorite permitted locations on specific dates, while Flexible Date Minis let you choose the day and neighborhood that work for your family. If your little ones need extra time to warm up, a full Session gives everyone room to relax and settle in.
I would love to hear which neighborhood feels like your family. Email me at mail@twirlphotography.com for full pricing and details, and let’s plan a morning you’ll want to remember.
