Teena Whitmore Portraits

Best 5 Locations To Take Your Family Photos in New Orleans

Client Info

February 25, 2023

As a professional photographer my clients always want to know where the best locations for photos are in New Orleans. I’m always on the look out for new and unique locations. A good location is more than just a pretty backdrop. I also have to think about the light, accessibility, and the feel of a place. Also, different locations may work for one type of session, but not another. There are so many details that I take into consideration to make sure my clients get exactly the look they are going for.

Here are my top 5 favorite places (in no particular order) to take your family photos in Nola, along with some pros and cons of each location.

Contact Teena at 504-273-9294 for pictures of you and/or your family in any of these places.

1: The French Quarter

Black woman and white man with red hair standing in front of a brick building in the French Quarter. The building has green shutters and the couple is holding a baby with curly black hair. The woman is wearing a white dress and brown boots, and the man is wearing a black shirt and gray pants.
Little girl with blond hair wearing a poufy rainbow dress and shiny high tops. She is leaning against an orange building in the French Quarter.
Hispanic female teenager sitting on some steps in front of a green shuttered door in the French Quarter. She has brown curly hair and is wearing a floral romper. She is smiling.

701 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116,
www.neworleans.com

If you are looking for photos that are quintessentially New Orleans and postcard perfect, this is it! That’s also why it is one of the best locations for family photos. New Orleans (or NOLA as we call it), was founded in 1718, making it one of the oldest cities in America. The historic architecture, with French and Spanish Creole influences, as well as the historic colorful cottages, make for a perfect backdrop. French Quarter sessions make GORGEOUS photo albums. This location gives you lots of variety while still feeling cohesive.

Wander the streets around St. Louis Cathedral, duck into Pirate’s Alley, pose at the gates of Jackson Square, or even stroll past Cafe Du Monde up to the riverfront. You can hit all of these spots within a few blocks while soaking in the ambiance and romance of New Orleans.

Pros: Lots of locations, unique and identifiable, tons of character

Cons: Traffic and parking issues, crowds, lighting can be tricky; permit required to shoot in Jackson Square

2: Audubon Park

Asian brother and sister in sitting in the grass in Audubon Park. The girl is wearing fairy wings and smiling. The boy is sitting on top of a mushroom.
A family smiling under the Spanish Moss in Audubon Park. The dad has graying hair, the mom has long, brown hair, and the teenage daughter has long brown hair. They are all smiling and looking at the camera.
Pregnant mom with short brown hair is standing in the park under the oak trees. She is wearing a pink, sequin dress that shows off her belly. Her toddler girl is hugging her legs and smiling.

6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-park

This 350 acre park has been part of New Orleans since the 1870s and provides a stunning background for your portraits. Named for John James Audubon, who began living in New Orleans in 1821, it is a great location for outdoor photos because of the diverse scenery you can find here. From towering Live oak trees with dripping Spanish moss to the bayou filled with native birds, there is something here for everyone. If you are looking for soft light and green trees, this is your place. Kids love to climb the gigantic limbs of the trees and even splash in the fountains. This is the “go-to” spot for family photos.

Pros: Variety of locations, beautiful oak trees, lots of room to roam, no permits needed

Cons: Crowded, especially on fall weekends, popular with lots of photographers so less unique than other locations

3: City Park

Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, and Dog on the bridge in City Park. THey are sitting under the fall leaves and smiling at the camera.
5 year old girl with long, curly brown hair and olive skin, wearing a mauve star dress and holding onto an oak limb in City Park.
Female high school senior wearing her gown and holding her graduation cap while standing on a bridge in City Park.

1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
https://neworleanscitypark.org

City Park is NOLA’s largest public park and is almost two times the size of New York’s Central Park. There are so many locations and activities to choose from here., making it one of the best location options (and super popular for families) for your New Orleans photos. Be careful of permit requirements – all photographers are required to have a permit no matter what part of the park they are photographing in . There is no photography allowed in Carousel Gardens or Storyland. My favorite parts of City Park are Couturie Forest, the wild areas of Harrison Avenue, the Great Lawn, and the bayou under the oak trees near the front. Everyone loves the stone bridges as well. Don’t miss the wildflowers in the Spring, either!

Pros: Tons of locations, big and open areas

Cons: Parking, crowds, permits/fees are required and can be confusing

4: Longue Vue House and Gardens

Beautiful black man and woman dressed formally, posing in front of a brick wall in Longue Vue gardens. The woman is wearing a pink flowy dress and is sitting on a chair. The man has his arm on her shoulder and is wearing a tan linen suit.
A small blonde girl in a vintage style white dress is standing among white blooming flowers in the gardens. She has two braids and is looking at the camera. Her dress is white with pink bows.
Two boys and a girl and sitting on the ground in between plants giggling and laughing. The boys are both wearing white shirts and blue shorts. The girl is the youngest and is wearing a flower crown and pale blue dress with white lace.

7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124; (504) 488-5488
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; Closed Sunday
https://longuevue.com

Located off the beaten path, this historic estate and gardens is the place to go if you want flowers. There is always something blooming here. With 8 acres that are very well maintained, there are endless possibilities. From oak trees to fountains, ponds to gardens, you could spend an entire afternoon here. This is one of the best locations for family photos in New Orleans if you want lots of blooms. My favorites places are the wild garden, koi pond, and the gates that are found through the property. This property gives the “Secret Garden” feel. It’s a great space for families as kids can move around without worry. There is even a child’s garden!

While this used to be my first choice for sessions, they have revised their policies and photography permitting as of late making it less photographer-friendly and more difficult for clients as well. If you choose this option, make sure you follow all the rules and regulations, end your session on time (or you will be charged additional), and plan for lighting issues. Also, come dressed for your session as they now restrict changing of clothes in the public restrooms.

Pros: Flowers, flowers, and flowers! Parking lot; well maintained; quiet

Cons: Permits are expensive and must be reserved in advance; permit fees do not include a house tour and there are no inside photos; no place to change; lighting can be harsh here due to limited hours and available times for photo sessions

5: The New Orleans Botanical Garden

Hispanic woman who is 8 months pregnant is wearing a red and black floral and velvet dress. She is also wearing a red jeweled crown. She has long, dark curly hair and is looking over her shoulder. Her belly is exposed.
Man, woman, and child sitting on a brick bench in City Park. The girl is wearing a navy dress and a pink floral headbank. The mom is wearing a print shirt and navy pants. The man has a moustache and goatee and is wearing a burgundy gingham shirt, navy blazer, and burgundy slacks.
Maternity photo of a woman with shoulder length light brown hair, wearing a purple mermaid style dress and a very long train. She is holding her belly and standing under a mossy oak tree. The sun is setting and the sky is lavender.

5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124; (504) 483-9402
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
https://neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/botanical-garden

If you want a more formal look without the hefty price of a permit at Longue Vue, try the Botanical Gardens! It is definitely one of the best locations in the city of New Orleans for family, maternity, or really, any type of photos. Located in City Park on 10 acres, these gardens are less groomed than Longue Vue but still lovely. You can wander through the rose garden or past the pond (filled with amazing lily pads). The hedge walls make a lovely backdrop as well. This is a nice spot with built in seating and is relatively accessible to all. Hours are short and permits are required.

Pros: Uncrowded most of the time; lots of location options; built in seating

Cons: Permits required; there is not always something in bloom; not a good choice during the holidays because of Celebration in the Oaks decorations; short hours and tricky lighting

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