5 Unique New Orleans Family Photo Locations Worth the Venue Fee

If you've already taken family photos in the parks and iconic spots around New Orleans, it may be time to try something new. In this month's blog, we're sharing five unique venues that offer beautiful scenery, added privacy, and a fresh backdrop for your next session. From historic architecture to lush gardens, these locations are well worth considering for families looking to create something a little different.

1. Pitot House

Nestled along Bayou St. John, Pitot House offers one of the most unique backdrops in New Orleans. The historic Creole cottage, wraparound porches, lush grounds, and views of the bayou create a setting that feels both timeless and distinctly New Orleans. Families love the variety of backgrounds available within a relatively small space, making it easy to create a diverse gallery without a lot of walking.

2. New Orleans Botanical Garden

Located within City Park, the Botanical Garden offers beautifully maintained gardens, seasonal blooms, winding pathways, and hidden corners throughout the property. The carefully designed landscape creates a polished look that is difficult to achieve at most public locations. It's especially beautiful during spring and fall when flowers are at their peak.

3. New Orleans Museum of Art

For families looking for something elegant and sophisticated, the grounds surrounding the New Orleans Museum of Art provide beautiful architecture, grand staircases, and a refined atmosphere. The museum's exterior creates a timeless backdrop, while the surrounding oak trees and landscaped grounds offer additional variety throughout the session. It's an excellent choice for families seeking a classic and polished New Orleans look.

4. Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The Besthoff Sculpture Garden combines art, nature, and modern design in a way that no other location in New Orleans can. Tree-lined pathways, reflecting lagoons, stunning sculptures, and beautifully landscaped grounds create endless opportunities for unique family portraits. The variety of scenery makes it one of the most versatile locations in the city while still feeling private and upscale.

5. Longue Vue House & Gardens

Longue Vue feels like stepping onto a private estate hidden in the middle of New Orleans. The historic mansion is surrounded by multiple gardens, fountains, courtyards, and elegant pathways that provide a luxurious backdrop for family portraits. With numerous distinct garden spaces throughout the property, it's one of the most visually diverse locations available for family photography in the city.

Are Venue Fees Worth It?

It's a question we hear often, and for many families, the answer is yes.

While public parks and popular New Orleans landmarks can be beautiful, private venues often offer advantages that make a noticeable difference in your final gallery. Many provide greater privacy, fewer distractions, professionally maintained grounds, and unique backdrops that aren't available elsewhere in the city.

Venue locations also tend to offer more variety within a single session. Rather than competing with crowds or working around other visitors, we can focus on creating natural interactions and genuine moments while taking advantage of multiple beautiful settings throughout the property.

For families celebrating a milestone, updating annual portraits, or simply wanting a more distinctive look, the additional venue fee can be a worthwhile investment that elevates the entire experience and the photographs you'll enjoy for years to come.

Planning Your Family Session

Choosing the right location is one of the most important parts of creating beautiful family portraits. Jillian helps families select the perfect setting based on their style, the age of their children, and the overall look they want to achieve.

Ready to plan your next family photo session? Contact Jillian today to discuss the perfect location for your family's portraits.