While it can seem as though engagement photos are either a) yet another task to be checked off the wedding planning list or b) a potentially frivolous expense, there are a few great reasons to book a session. First, it’s an opportunity to work with the photographer you are considering for your wedding day photos. Second — and this is especially important if you aren’t comfortable in front of a camera — it’s a great way to practice and learn your best angles and poses. Third, the session will produce lots of material for your save the dates and wedding website. Finally, it’ll be fun.
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Photographer Greer Gattuso says she likes to keep it classic when it comes to locations. Longue Vue House and Gardens is one of her go-tos. “It has the beautiful gardens, but it also has the buildings and the brick you could use in the background that makes it look more like a European garden,” says Gattuso. She says she often suggests Longue Vue as one of several locales featured in a gallery of photos she shares with the couple. But the photographer says she doesn’t identify the places featured in the images. “The clients don’t know which location is which, unless they’re from here,” she says. “And I tell them to pick what resonates with their personalities most.”
City Park
It’s not unusual to see couples clad in casual attire or full wedding regalia traipsing around City Park with a photographer in tow. Photographer Ryan Gray of Shades of Gray Photography says it’s his top spot for variety. “You’ve got the classic oak trees, the peristyle’s romantic architecture, the wildflower field — which is an absolute showstopper, but only in spring when it’s really in bloom — the Botanical Gardens, and even the Sculpture Garden if your couple’s into something a little more artsy.” Within City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art is part of that visual variety. Matt “Mateo” Diaz of Mateo & Co. favors the museum for its classic and timeless appeal. “The architecture alone gives such a sophisticated vibe,” says Diaz. “If you’re going for something classic, elegant and super versatile, NOMA really checks all the boxes.”
Uptown
While there are a lot of specific spots in Uptown couples could visit for a session, Gattuso loves to amble through the neighborhoods and shoot spontaneously. “I really treat it like they’re on a date and I’m kind of just following them around,” says Gattuso. The lush and varied landscape, stately homes, cobblestone sidewalks and wrought iron fences in Uptown make for the perfect backdrop. “A lot of people think of the streetcar, but I do think you can get the beautiful trees and architecture.” Bonus: Gattuso says there’s less foot traffic to fight through.
French Quarter
Countless couples choose the French Quarter for their engagement photos and for good reason. It’s simply iconic and no two photos are ever going to be the same, even if they are shot in front of the same building. “It’s got that timeless New Orleans charm,” says Gray. “Color, texture, history, all wrapped up in one place. I suggest doing a session earlier in the day or first thing in the morning if you can pull it off. It’s quieter and the lighting is more neutral [and] soft.” For his French Quarter shoots, Diaz schedules time for a stop on Canal. “Canal Street is pure New Orleans energy,” says Diaz. “It’s lively, iconic and always gives you that little rush when you shoot there. I love sneaking into the middle of the street and catching a streetcar in the background — it’s just so classic. Whether you’re a local or just love the city, Canal gives you those perfectly candid, city-loving vibes every time.”
Creole Creamery
Speaking of icons, there are certain bars and eateries that lend themselves to photo sessions. Think the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, Café du Monde or Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. The number of places in New Orleans with photo potential is seemingly limitless, whether it’s because a location is photogenic, historically important or meaningful to the couple. The latter was the case for one of Gattuso’s client couples. “They lived close to Creole Creamery, loved the ice cream and they would go there on dates,” says Gattuso. “I met them there with their dog and it’s just this really cool building. It was really fun. I do like it when couples give me that kind of information.”
Audubon Park
City Park isn’t the only game in town for couples who want a natural, romantic setting. “If City Park feels a bit overwhelming with all the options, Audubon keeps it simple,” says Gray. “That golden hour light near the Magazine [Street] side is always beautiful, quieter, and the park has this subtle rural feel — like you’ve driven out to the country, but you’re still right here in the city.”
The Marigny or The Central Business District
The French Quarter and Uptown aren’t the only neighborhoods with signature flair. “If a couple is looking for something with personality, I’ll usually suggest the Marigny,” says Gray. “It’s fun, colorful, a little funky — and the textures are amazing.” Gray takes couples to busy, festive Frenchmen Street, as well as Crescent Park. “Crescent Park [is] just a few blocks away [with] a completely different look with skyline and river views,” says Gray. The Central Business District is a great option for couples who want urban vibes. Gray notes that it’s a lock for sleek, clean architecture and a vibrant city backdrop.
Windsor Court Hotel
Perhaps because it’s a bit tucked away amid the hustle-and-bustle of the CBD, the Windsor Court is one of Diaz’s favorite under-the-radar gems. “Whether it’s pouring or sunshine, this place delivers,” says Diaz. “You’ve got everything from moody lounges — hi, Polo Club vibes — to soft, romantic corners. The terrace upstairs is amazing too, if it’s available. It’s luxe but never over-the-top, and gives you that polished, editorial feel in every frame.”
Magic Moments
While there is no shortage of stunning backdrops in New Orleans, as each photographer has shared, the best photos are those that are taken in places with meaning to the couple. “Your first date spot, the street you walked your dogs, your neighborhood park; that’s where the magic happens,” says Diaz. “Years from now, when those engagement photos are framed in your house, it’s those places that bring the feels flooding back. They ground you in a moment in time and tell your story way better than any trendy spot ever could.”
CONTACTS
Greer Gattuso, info@greerg.com
Shades of Gray Photography
Ryan Gray, ryan@shadesofgrayphotos.com
Mateo & Co.
Matt ‘Mateo’ Diaz, matt@mateoco.com
