Street photography in New Orleans is a captivating way to capture the unique energy and cultural richness of the city. The city, known for its blend of French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences, offers a visually dynamic environment, making it an ideal location for street photographers. When my friend from Canon invited me to do some street photography in New Orleans, I couldn’t resist. So, if you plan to visit, here are some interesting things to include on your visit to New Orleans!
French Quarter
We stayed in the French Quarter which put us right in the middle of all the activities. The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana. It serves as the cultural and historical heart of the city, offering a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences that make it one of the most vibrant and iconic areas in the United States. St. Louis Cathedral is a classic photo spot, especially at sunrise or sunset, with the cathedral and the surrounding Jackson Square.
Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras is one of the most famous and vibrant celebrations in the world, particularly associated with New Orleans. It is a festival filled with parades, parties, colourful costumes, music, and revelry, culminating in the final day of festivities known as Fat Tuesday, usually held in February. We visited later in the year, yet many people were still wearing their Mardi Gras attire.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is one of the most famous streets in New Orleans, Louisiana, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic significance, and its central role in the city’s cultural identity. It runs through the heart of the French Quarter, one of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods. New Orleans’ nightlife is full of neon signs, vibrant bars, and late-night energy. Capturing this dynamic nightlife in a moody, atmospheric way can add an exciting touch to your photo collection.
Historic Architecture
New Orleans is renowned for its distinctive architecture, which reflects the city’s rich cultural history and diverse influences. Two of the most iconic architectural styles you’ll encounter are the Creole Cottages and French Colonial Buildings. These styles are integral to the charm and character of New Orleans, especially in historic neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny.
Music and Culture
New Orleans is undeniably the birthplace of jazz and the vibrant soul of American music, and its music scene is as dynamic and lively as the city itself. The heart of New Orleans’ music scene is a blend of history, improvisation, and raw energy, and it pulses through the streets, clubs, and bars of the city. Whether it’s the iconic sounds of street musicians playing jazz on bustling corners or the performances in world-renowned venues like Frenchmen Street, the music is an ever-present, essential part of the New Orleans experience.
Historic Cemeteries
Among its most fascinating and hidden gem attractions are the cemeteries, which provide a unique insight into the history, culture, and spirituality of New Orleans. Established in 1854, St. Louis Cemetery has a diverse collection of tombs and monuments representing various architectural styles. The unique, above-ground tombs are both eerie and photogenic, offering a glimpse into the city’s historic practices.
Louisiana’s Swamplands
The swamplands of Louisiana are among the most iconic and biologically rich ecosystems in the United States. They are characterized by their unique combination of freshwater marshes, cypress-tupelo forests, and slow-moving waterways. The quiet, peaceful water surrounded by nature can provide stunning, atmospheric shots. Beyond the swamps, photographing local wildlife like pelicans, alligators, egrets, or even the occasional street cat can be a fun addition to your photo collection.
Sunset Over The City
We rode the ferry across the Mississippi River to capture the sunset over the city. The sunsets along the river create dramatic lighting, perfect for serene and stunning landscape shots. The ferry ride from New Orleans across the Mississippi River is operated by the New Orleans Ferry and travels between the French Quarter and the Algiers Point neighborhood on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. The fare was $2 per adult for a one-way ride. Well worth it!
New Orleans Streetcars
New Orleans streetcars are iconic vehicles that have been an essential part of the city’s history and transportation network for over a century. They are known for their charming, historic design and provide a scenic way to experience the city. We took the red line to get up to the cemeteries and the city park.
The City Park
City Park in New Orleans is one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the United States, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for both locals and visitors. Covering over 1,300 acres, City Park is an oasis of greenery and natural beauty in the heart of New Orleans. Great spot for nature photography.
Conclusion
A big thanks to Amplis and Think Tank for giving me the opportunity to test out the Think Tank PressPass 20 camera bag during my recent trip to New Orleans. I wanted to downsize my camera kit for easier travel and shooting, and I’m happy to say the bag exceeded my expectations. Below, you can see everything I was able to pack into it. I particularly appreciated the versatility of the bag, (External Dimensions: 13” W x 4.75” D x 9” H ) allowing me to wear it as a sling bag or a belt pack. If you’re looking to streamline your gear, this bag is definitely worth considering!
Happy Shooting!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Dulis is a Canadian photographer and visual storyteller living in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been published in a number of magazines such as Graphic Arts Magazine, Visual Wilderness, Luminous Landscape, Photo News and has been recognized for photography excellence. Peter offers photo workshops in southern Ontario and can be reached at info@photographyAdventures.ca
Peter shares many of his tips and techniques in his monthly newsletter – PhotographyAdventures.ca and PeterDulisPhotography.com
