New Orleans is honestly a photographer’s dream!

 

What’s not to love?

 

There’s the French-inspired architecture, the cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, vibrant people, street music, and the general sense of merriment and romance that lingers in the air. 

 

I could spend the entire day with a camera in hand just capturing all of the beautiful moments that New Orleans inspires. 

 

For the fellow photography lovers out there, I have put together my favorite New Orleans photography spots that I know you will love. Enjoy!

 

New Orleans Photography: New Orleans’ Most Photographic Spots

 

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is an iconic spot to photograph New Orleans! The beautiful spires of St. Louis Cathedral is recognized the world-over. 

 

However, the problem is this beautiful photography spot is usually overrun with tourists. 

 

The trick?

 

You have to wake up early. I crawled out of bed at the unsightly hour of 5:30am (while on vacation!) to capture some beautiful photos of Jackson Square.

 

Needless to say? Worth it. 

 

 

 

 

Royal Street

Wandering down Royal Street is a fantastic street to capture some beautiful photos of New Orleans. 

 

Royal Street showcases the creme de la creme of New Orleans with the most gorgeous hotels (looking at you Hotel Monteleone ☺️), boutique shops, and architecture. 

 

It’s the kind of street that you could have walked down 100 times before, and yet, every time you go you see things from a brand new perspective. 

 

Read more: 10 Things you Must Do in the French Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

Pirate’s Alley

Stumbling upon Pirate’s Alley was a complete accident – in the best possible way. 

 

I was wandering around New Orleans (remember, at 6am) photographing this beautiful city when I found Pirate’s Alley. 

 

It was such a gorgeous location, I immediately started photographing this little corner’s effortless romance and charm. 

 

As I was leaving I saw a couple doing an engagement photoshoot coming, and we chatted for a bit. The photographer said Pirate’s Alley is one of New Orlean’s best kept photography secrets. So basically, I am SUPER glad I stumbled upon it. 🙂

 

I returned later in the day, maybe 9am at that point, and the alley looked completely different. Little chairs were places outside by the cafe and the alley looked completely transformed from its 6am beauty. 

 

So I definitely recommend the early wake up call to get it before the businesses start opening up. 

 

 

 

Exchange Place

Another unique little New Orleans photography find is the alley called Exchange Place. It’s located in the French Quarter between Conti Street and Bienville Street. 

 

I honestly could have stayed all day! It was a picture perfect New Orleans photography spot with shockingly few other visitors. 

 

I fell in love with the lush plants and greenery that seemed to sprout out from every direction.

 

To make this quaint alley even more perfect were the elegantly arched windows on the yellow building that perfectly complimented the iconic New Orleans French Quarter lanterns.

 

This is what photography dreams are made of my friends. 😉 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Garden District Mansions

I will always have a soft spot for photographing the French Quarter, but I do find the Garden District to be incredibly alluring as well. 

 

These gorgeous (yet almost eery) mansions are mesmerizing. They are beautifully designed with an almost “it’s too beautiful to ever live in” kind of perfection. 

 

I definitely recommend spending some time here. Strolling down Magazine Street perusing boutiques and tasty cafes is one of my favorite New Orleans past times. 

 

I highly recommend taking a Garden District tour. This Garden District walking tour is a great option because they transport you to the Garden District, plus show you all of the best mansions and homes to photograph. It also includes a tour of Lafayette Cemetery, so that’s a win. 😉

 

You can purchase your ticket in advance here. 

 

 

 

Get Lost in the French Quarter

No photography trip to New Orleans is complete unless you’ve spent some time wandering down random alleyways and getting lost in this beautiful city. 

 

Most of my favorite New Orleans photos were taken this way. I can honestly say, sometimes I had no clue where I was.

 

Like a moth to a flame I just saw a beautiful window, building, or balcony that struck me and literally begged to be photographed. 

 

That’s part of the charm of New Orleans. It’s a mysterious city afterall. 

 

Half the fun is exploring it’s little nooks and cranies for some hidden gems. 

 

 

 

Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without indulging in some beignets at Cafe du Monde. ?

 

My advice?

 

Wake up early and take your time photographing the enchanting streets of New Orleans. 

 

When you’re done, make a bee-line to Cafe du Monde for some well deserved beignets and coffee. 

 

Morning well spent in my opinion. 😉

 

Another one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans is to book some fun tours! There’s so much history buried in these cobblestone streets, taking a tour is by far the best way to go! Here are some of my favorites:

 

 

 

For some more inspo on what to do in New Orleans, my lovely friend Veronica has a great post on the top 7 things to do!

 

 

 

It can probably go without saying, but New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in America and definitely my favorite city to photograph. I hope I have given you some inspiration on New Orleans photography, and helped you with where to go, and where to just explore and roam. 

 

It might surprise you that I was traveling solo on this trip to New Orleans, so all photos taken of me were also taken by me.

 

Hello trusty tripod. ;)

 

If you struggle with taking great photos while traveling solo, check out my post on my best tips for taking great photos every time. 

 

Are you new to photography and unsure of what camera to buy? Check out my post on why I switched from a chunky DSLR to a snazzy new mirrorless camera!

Shop My FAV Photography Gear:

Camera, Lens, Tripod

 

Read More:

10 Things You Must Do in the French Quarter (one of my most popular posts!)

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting New Orleans

 

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