One of the things I love about living in New Orleans, Louisiana and being a New Orleans photographer is that there are so many different backdrops for outdoor photos. Finding the best location for your senior portraits is an important piece in scheduling your session, it will help you figure out what to wear, what time of day to do pictures and if your favorite pet can come along. Here my Top New Orleans Locations for Senior Photos to help get inspire you for your big photoshoot as a senior!
French Quarter
- Why I love this location – If you have grown up in Southeast Louisiana, chances are that the French Quarter has been a place you consider a part of your heritage. And what a heritage it is, with in just a few blocks are stunning buildings, iron balconies, weathered walls and one of the most unique backdrops in the world. This is a great place to combine a casual outfit with a dressy one, in fact go big! Senior portraits in the French Quarter is high on everyone’s list.
- Key Details – For photos there are two areas we can choose from, both are beautiful but one has challenges. The most iconic area of Jackson Square, Pirate’s Alley and Café du Monde are stunning in photos. The earlier in the day we can start the better as it also get’s very busy with visitors. Parking can be a little harder in this section of the French Quarter, but usually available in the mornings. I also love the quieter more residential area of the French Quarter near Cabrini Park. From there we can wander around a few blocks for some weathered and brightly colored backdrops. Mornings are again best with plenty of street parking on most days.
- Best Time to Shoot – Mornings only. French Quarter senior photos are best in the morning before visitors are wandering around the streets. The streets have usually also been cleaned which makes for a beautiful reflection of light in the early mornings.
Garden District
- Why I love this location – You really get it all with this neighborhood. Big beautiful Magnolia trees surrounded by iron fences that wrap around the most gorgeous mansions. Bright colored houses and that blue from Commander’s Palace. Just a few blocks around this neighborhood offers a wealth of backdrops to make you stand out and one of the top spots for senior photos.
- Key Details Easy to park and maneuver around, the Garden District is also centrally located. Because of all of the trees, we can take pictures there most time of the day, however early morning or late afternoon is best. There will be walking tour groups in the area most weekends in the late morning or early afternoons.
- Best Time to Shoot – Mornings are best. The Garden District has some flexibility on the best time to
Bywater + Marigny Opera House
- Why I love this location – This is the perfect location for a senior who wants to be a little different than everyone else and loves a funky more urban backdrop. Starting at the Marigny Opera House in the Bywater, you have the gorgeous blue and grey weathered doors to pose in front of. Just a few blocks around, however, are brightly colored houses, fun murals on large warehouses and even a shaded park to stop at for photos. Funky and fun senior portraits shine in the Bywater.
- Key Details – Located just up from NOCCA, a few blocks around the Bywater can be easy to park and get around. We also have no tourists walking around making it easier to keep people out of the background. The Marigny Opera House is a working performing arts center and can have scheduled events.
- Best Time to Shoot – Early evenings are best. The light around the neighborhood about an hour before sunset is gorgeous. Mornings can work too, but there is no shade on some of the key buildings.
City Park
- Why I love this location – City Park’s sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss create a timeless and enchanting atmosphere, while the vibrant flowers and bridges over serene bayous offer picturesque settings. The park’s combination of nature and architecture, such as the Peristyle and Café Du Monde, ensures unique and memorable photos. There’s also the more wild area of City Park if you prefer a little less manicured look. This is such a classic location for senior photos in New Orleans.
- Key Details – Easy to park and walk around to various areas that are lovely for photos. Depending on the season, certain areas have more flowers and blooms than others. There can be crowds on the weekends in the main sections, but the park is so large it’s easy to avoid them. It’s also a great place to include dogs.
- Best Time to Shoot – Early mornings or late afternoons. Both morning and afternoons have gorgeous light throughout the park.
West End Park – Lakeview
- Why I love this location – This is a little off the beaten path, perfect for a different look and guys. West End Park and the Lakeview area in New Orleans offers a unique and scenic setting blending the natural beauty of the park, open green spaces, the charm of the brightly colored boat houses and the waterfront views. Because of my years as a New Orleans photographer, I know all the hidden spots that make for great senior photos a little different than everyone else’s portraits.
- Key Details – Easy to park and move around, starting at West End Park is usually best. We can capture both the greenery of the park and the neighborhood before moving over to the docks and waterfront views from the yacht club.
- Best Time to Shoot – Sunset is best. The light is best an hour or so before the sun goes down.
Best Extravagant Location
Race + Religious
- Why I love this location – Race + Religious is a stunning venue in New Orleans that offers a blend of history, architecture and artistic flair. This 19th-century compound, featuring two historic homes and a courtyard, is full of character with its weathered brick walls, wrap around balconies and vintage decor. If you want fun senior portraits with a flare, this is one of my top spots for senior photos by far!
- Key Details – Race + Religious is available during the week only for a private photo permit that gives us the whole place to our selves for an hour. There are so many options inside and outside for good photos, definitely bring a change of clothes. Changing rooms available. the only downside is it’s only available during the week as weekends are reserved for weddings.
- Best Time to Shoot – Mornings or late afternoons are best.
Top New Orleans Locations for Senior Photos
There are so many locations for senior photos in New Orleans that offer a fun and vibrant location that matches your personality. Whether it’s in an iconic location such as the French Quarter or under the stately great oaks and moss of City Park, your senior photo session should be a fun experience to commemorate this time in your life with pictures that you will look back on for years to come.
If you are looking to book a session in one of these top spots for senior photos in New Orleans, reach out so we can start planning! And just as important as location, what you wear will be a big part of the success of your final senior photos. Take a look at this guide to finding the Perfect Outfit for your Senior Portraits.
