It is that time of year when many families are planning their fall portraits and holiday photo sessions. Living in the greater New Orleans area, we have a plethora of unique and gorgeous locations to choose to capture these special family memories. Whether you are behind the camera yourself or hiring a professional, these are the best spots for taking family pictures that the greater New Orleans area has to offer.
{If you’re looking for a photographer, be sure to check out our Guide to Greater New Orleans Photographers!}
New Orleans
I am pretty sure that nearly everyone from our area is familiar with City Park and all that it has to offer. The park is large, and there is lots of room everywhere for photographs. The Peristyle/Playground area is popular, but if you are looking for something a little more natural, you can drive throughout the park and find many green, neutral areas as well. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden and Botanical Gardens are all also great locations for photos as well. If you have a toddler or older child, the promise of playground time or beignets at Cafe Du Monde might entice them to give better smiles.
Please note: Make sure to check the City Park Photo Policy for permit requirements before making plans for photos in the park. If you are booking professional portraits at City Park, please make sure to clarify this with your photographer.
To the right of the Audubon Golf Clubhouse, there is a great lagoon area, bandstand, and lots of beautiful oak trees that provide beautiful light for family and children’s portraits. There are also lots of ducks and squirrels, which can be very entertaining for little ones.
French Quarter
The bright colors and scenery of the French Quarter make the perfect backdrop for any photo shoot. Keep in mind that children may do better in the French Quarter during the very early morning hours because it gets so busy down there after 9 or 10 am. A great area in the French Quarter for kids is behind the French Market where there are some fun statues and fountains and it’s not as busy.
A school campus may seem like an odd spot for a photo session, but Holy Cross’ picturesque campus had gorgeous scenery for portraits. At the front of the campus that faces Paris Ave. there is a large fountain with lush gardens and the stately red brick administration building behind it. The heart of the campus has grand oak trees, a gazebo, and a grotto. During the holidays, the campus is beautifully decorated. Obviously, weekends and school holidays would be the best time to plan your session. Please contact the school office to let them know you are coming (504) 942-3100.
Near the Jefferson/Orleans Parish Line, Longue Vue House & Gardens boasts acres of many beautiful trees, perennials and other natural elements, along with a historic home for portraits. There is a fee for professional photographers to shoot portraits there, but moms with cameras are welcome at this beautiful local treasure with an admission fee. Or you can join for $75 annually.
Jefferson Parish/Metairie
The largest park in Jefferson Parish, Lafreniere is home to a bird sanctuary and an abundance of ducks, egrets, herons and other fowl. The wooden deck over the lagoon, as well as lots of shady trees and benches, provide great light and fun activities for portraits. There is also a carousel, play ground, and sno ball stand to reward the kiddos for cooperating.
Kenner Rivertown Heritage Park
If you like whimsy and a vintage inspired location, this park is right for you. Kenner Heritage Park, in the heart of Rivertown, is home to a mini village of fun antique setups that are great for some fun pictures of your kiddos. Equipped with a mini-chapel, general store, old time gas station, and even a stable, there are lots of fun picture opportunities. Also in Rivertown there are several fun museums for kids you can check out! You may want to call or check the website for events before planning your trip.
St. Bernard Parish
If you are looking for a beautiful setting in nature, the woodlands meets wetlands scenery in St. Bernard State Park are perfect for you. The peaceful park contains lagoons, fields of wildflowers, and nature trails for various photo opportunities. There is a small entrance fee.
If you are looking for a rustic setting, Los Islenos is the place for you. A Creole cottage houses the museum, and there several other buildings on the property with porches perfect for posing your little ones. Or you could pose them in the field on bales of hay. Make sure to check business hours and contact before arriving to take pictures. They allow professional photographers to shoot on the grounds as well.
Northshore
One of Louisiana’s many beautiful state parks, Fountainbleau is not only a beautiful place to go camping or have a picnic, but it is also great for taking portraits! There are oodles of hundred year old oaks draped in Spanish moss, a very unique beach laced with cypress trees, and even a fun pier overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. There is a small entrance fee per person.
A smaller state park nestled on Highway 22 in Madisonville, Fairview Riverside is also a nice location for capturing some great family portraits. There is a beautiful old home, lots of cypress and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and a fun playground for the kids. A small entrance fee is charged per person.
All along Lakefront Drive in Mandeville, you have amazing views of Lake Ponchartrain, beautiful ages-old oak trees and lots of benches for classic family and kids’ portraits.
The 130 acre park in Slidell offers an array of floral and fauna that sets the perfect stage for family pictures. Pack a picnic to enjoy after you take pictures. There are many hiking trails and a playground to explore while you are there.
Destrehan
One of two historic antebellum homes on the River Road in Destrehan, Ormond Plantation is another great location to capture some great images of your family or little ones. On Saturdays, Ormond Plantation is also home to the German Coast Farmers Market where you can grab a snack or two after taking photos. There are lots of beautiful old oaks, a classic plantation veranda, and lots of open grass for some fun pictures.
Tip: Be sure to call first to make sure gates and property is open for photos.
In front of our shiny black Yamaha piano, sitting on a old low oak branch, on the stage or bridge at audubon park, (where we got married) are all good spots for a family photo! Lovely photos, thanks for sharing!
headed home in October to take family pics (and visit family)…can’t wait to take my daughter’s photo in city park and jackson square!
We’d love to get our pics taken at the state park
I love the Botanical Gardens in City Park for photos!
Amy has taken pics for my family and does a fantastic job! I love her work
Love all of these ideas!! I want to take Addison’s pictures in a pile of leaves this fall. If we can’t do it in our own yard, I’m going to keep some of these places in mind.
I would love to try out City Park for my xmas cards!!
We love Fountainbleu State Park. The trees and beach are beautiful!
Amy does beautiful work! I love children/family photos at city park and storyland. My daughter is 7 months and I look forward to using those venues for her pictures!
What great places, have only taken pictures at just a few, would love to take family Pix’s at any of the places u mentioned..