New Orleans Photography: Unveiling the City's Most Photogenic Locations
Key takeaways
- St. Louis Cathedral's white facade and Jackson Square give New Orleans its most iconic backdrop for engagement or family portraits.
- Head to Frenchmen Street after dark, when the jazz clubs light up, for the liveliest street photography.
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, makes an eerie, elegant photo backdrop.
- Shoot the Crescent City Connection at sunset or after dark to catch the river and city lights together.
- Every New Orleans package costs the same fixed worldwide price, Bronze $280 to Platinum $630, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Your online gallery lands within days of the shoot, with 2 years of photo backup included.
Table of contents
New Orleans photography captures the city’s rich culture, history, and stunning scenery. Whether it's a romantic couple’s session, a stylish solo shoot, or a fun family portrait, the city offers endless photogenic locations. From lively streets to historic cemeteries and scenic bridges, every corner is a picture-perfect backdrop.
A local photographer knows the best spots, ideal lighting, and how to highlight New Orleans' unique charm. This guide will help you discover the most stunning locations for an unforgettable photoshoot.
Where to Take the Best Street Photos in New Orleans
New Orleans street photography is all about vibrancy, culture, and movement. The city is alive with street musicians, performers, and artists, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes for stunning photos. Whether you want an editorial-style portrait or a casual lifestyle shoot, the streets of New Orleans provide the perfect urban setting.Spot #1: The French Quarter
This historic district is a must for any photographer. The lively Bourbon Street, colorful facades, and wrought-iron balconies create an iconic New Orleans look.
Friends photoshoot by Katie, Localgrapher in New Orleans
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Find Your PhotographerSpot #2: Frenchmen Street
Known for its live music and local art, Frenchmen Street is a vibrant spot for street photography, especially at night when the jazz clubs light up.
Friends photoshoot by Gabriel, Localgrapher in New Orleans
Spot #3: Piazza d'Italia
This public plaza features a mix of modern and classical influences, with beautiful tile work, fountains, and a distinctive Italian-style design that makes it a unique backdrop for portraits.
Solo photoshoot by Hope, Localgrapher in New Orleans
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Browse DestinationsSpot #4: The Marigny District
This neighborhood, located just outside the French Quarter, is known for its beautifully preserved Creole cottages and historic homes that make for a stylish and timeless photoshoot backdrop.
Friends photoshoot by Katie, Localgrapher in New Orleans
Spot #5: Lafayette Square
Located in the Central Business District, this picturesque green space offers a perfect mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it an excellent location for portrait photography.
Solo photoshoot by Hope, Localgrapher in New Orleans
Spot #6: St. Louis Cathedral
The cathedral is an iconic and breathtaking backdrop for a photoshoot, offering a mix of historic charm and architectural elegance. Its striking white façade, towering spires, and scenic Jackson Square surroundings create a timeless and romantic setting, perfect for engagement, family, or solo portraits.
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Browse PhotographersIf you’re looking to capture the spirit of the city, a New Orleans street photography session is the perfect choice. A local photographer can help you find the best angles, frame your shots, and bring out the unique essence of the city in your photos. Whether you want a spontaneous, documentary-style shoot or more structured portraits, the streets of New Orleans provide endless creative opportunities.
The Most Photogenic Cemeteries in New Orleans
One of the most unique aspects of New Orleans photography is the opportunity to shoot in its iconic cemeteries. These hauntingly beautiful locations offer a blend of history, architecture, and artistic atmosphere that can give your photos a striking and mysterious feel.If you want something truly different, a professional photoshoot in one of these cemeteries will make your images stand out.
Spot #1: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
The most famous cemetery in the city, home to the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s tomb. It offers an eerie yet elegant backdrop for photography.
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Located in the Garden District, this cemetery is known for its overgrown beauty and historic tombs, making it a favorite among photographers.
Spot #3: Metairie Cemetery
While a bit different in style, this cemetery features elaborate monuments and sculptures, creating a grand and cinematic setting.
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Find Your PackageNew Orleans cemetery photos have a way of transporting you back in time, capturing both the history and artistry of these locations. A professional photographer will ensure the setting is used tastefully, creating images that feel both respectful and visually stunning.
Whether you prefer an editorial, gothic, or timeless look, these cemeteries provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop that adds depth and drama to any shoot.
3 Photo Spots for Stunning New Orleans Bridge Photos
For those who love sweeping views and dramatic landscapes, New Orleans bridge photos provide the perfect setting. Whether you’re capturing a romantic sunset, an engagement session, or a striking solo portrait, the city’s bridges offer a stunning vantage point for breathtaking images.Spot #1: Crescent City Connection
This massive twin bridge provides incredible shots of the river and city lights, especially at sunset or nighttime.
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See Our Gift CardsSpot #2: Big Lake Bridge in City Park
A charming pedestrian bridge surrounded by nature, perfect for serene and romantic photos.
Spot #3: Huey P. Long Bridge
Its massive steel truss design and towering structure create a dramatic setting, especially for edgy, urban-inspired portraits or engagement sessions with a unique twist.
Ready for a professional photoshoot in New Orleans?
Find Your PhotographerNew Orleans photography goes beyond stunning locations—it captures memories, emotions, and the city's unique essence. Whether you're drawn to vibrant streets, historic cemeteries, or scenic bridges, a professional photographer ensures the best results.
A skilled local photographer knows the most photogenic spots, helps you pose naturally, and brings out your personality in every shot. For a solo session, a romantic shoot, or a fun family experience, booking a professional will make your New Orleans photos unforgettable.
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Frequently asked questions
Where are the best photo spots in New Orleans?
The French Quarter's Bourbon Street and wrought-iron balconies, St. Louis Cathedral overlooking Jackson Square, and Frenchmen Street's jazz clubs are top picks for street-style shots. For something different, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and the Garden District's Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 add a hauntingly elegant backdrop, while the Crescent City Connection and Huey P. Long Bridge deliver dramatic river and skyline views.
What's the best time of day for a New Orleans photoshoot?
Frenchmen Street comes alive at night once the jazz clubs light up, making evening the best time for lively street shots there. The Crescent City Connection is also best photographed at sunset or after dark, when the river reflects the city lights. For the French Quarter and the cemeteries, daytime light shows off the architecture and tombstone detail best.
Is it okay to take photos in a New Orleans cemetery?
Yes - St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, home to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau's tomb, plus Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District and Metairie Cemetery, are popular, photogenic settings. A local photographer knows how to shoot these locations tastefully, so the images feel respectful as well as visually striking.
How much does a New Orleans photoshoot cost?
Localgrapher charges the same fixed price everywhere in the world, so a New Orleans session costs the same as anywhere else: Bronze at $280, Silver at $390, Gold at $550, or Platinum at $630. Every package is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
How do I book a photographer and get my photos afterward?
You book your New Orleans photographer online and choose the package and locations, whether that's the French Quarter, a cemetery, or a bridge, that suit your shoot. Your finished photos are delivered through an online gallery within a few days, with 2 years of photo backup included.
What should I wear for photos in New Orleans?
Match your outfit to the setting: bring bold, colorful clothing for the French Quarter's balconies and painted facades, and something more polished or gothic-toned for a cemetery shoot at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. For a bridge session at the Crescent City Connection or Huey P. Long Bridge, simple, timeless outfits let the dramatic steel and skyline stand out.
Michelle· Localgrapher editorial
Every Localgrapher guide is written by our editorial team together with our local photographers around the world — the people who actually shoot in these spots every week.
