The 9 Best Engagement Photographers in New Orleans

Looking for the very best New Orleans engagement photographers? Well then, look no further than right here. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we at Peerspace can provide you with a one-of-a-kind engagement space, while also helping you find your perfect shutterbug to shoot your once-in-a-lifetime engagement. We searched high and lo for our favorite photographers in New Orleans who snap soulful engagements and subsequently, stunning weddings as well.

There are dozens of locations across New Orleans ripe for a fabulous engagement session. In a city that thrives on music and romance, there’s plenty to do for a couple in love. From a secret proposal onboard the authentic Steamboat Natchez to a handheld stroll around the French Quarter, it’s not a wonder couples flock to the city to document their lives. Luckily, there’s a slew of New Orleans engagement photographers primed to do that and then some.

1. Nyejah Bolds

Sometimes photography follows you through life until you admit you just might be a photographer. This was the case for New Orleans engagement photographer Nyejah Bolds, a wedding and lifestyle shutterbug local to New Orleans. When shooting engagements, Bolds wants her subjects to feel relaxed and free. Taking portraits often requires putting people at ease, which she achieves every time. Additionally, her photographs make great use of NOLA’s natural colors, mixing desaturated tones with bright pops of red, blue, and orange in a refreshing way. Nyejah also lists her favorite engagement shoot spots on her website, just to get those wheels turning.

2. Nae Ducote of Nae Yao Photography

Nae Ducote is an adventure-seeker in both life and photography. Although her parents were always sure she’d wind up as a doctor, biology major Nae couldn’t escape her passion for the lens. Now running her own business, Nae Yao Photography, focusing on lifestyle and couples, she aims to document what it is that makes her couples unique. Her shots are as cinematographic as they are candid, bringing a special eye to your most special occasion.

3. Quinton Charles

Quinton Charles has been capturing the madly-in-love for the last several years. A photographer for much longer, it wasn’t until he met the love of his life that he realized wedding and engagement photography was his passion. Charles uses moody, muted, and earthy tones, giving his photographs an air of grounding. After all, what’s more natural on this earth than two people finding one another? That’s what Quinton Charles is all about.

Be sure to check out his glowing testimonials on his website to see how other couples feel about working with him. This one is our favorite: “Quinton has taken my family’s pictures for almost every milestone you can think of: Maternity pics, newborn pics, family pics, engagement, bridals, and most recently wedding. Our photos turned out better than I could’ve dreamed of and deserve to be featured in every wedding magazine available. If you are looking for the best photographer with a unique style and eye for detail, look no further 😊”

4. Matt Diaz of Mateo & Co.

Lead photographer and owner of Mateo & Co., Matt Diaz has experimented with photography since he was eight years old. For more than a decade, Diaz has shot his photographs professionally. It was in 2012 that he shot his first wedding, which then opened his eyes to his enthusiasm for weddings, engagements, and love. Diaz recently shot the wedding of Reagan Charleston of Southern Charm New Orleans fame, appearing on the same episode of the Bravo show. As a result, his photographs were featured in the People magazine article that covered the event. His work is fun-loving but romantic and easygoing, glamorous without trying too hard — we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.

5. Vanessa Rivas of Miss Meow Studios

Vanessa Rivas loves photography as much as she loves cats. Having named her company Miss Meow Studios, you’ll be able to tell her love for felines is endless. Although based in Louisiana, Rivas is always up for a destination engagement or wedding. Her sessions get to the heart of the couples, making as much use of candid, intimate close-ups as wider shots that bring New Orleans into the shot, too. There are so many locations around the French Quarter and beyond that appear in Rivas’ photography. In fact, one might say the city was made for her, which is why she’s making a name for herself among New Orleans engagement photographers.

6. Ashley Biltz

Ashley Biltz knows an engagement session is more than two people sharing one frame. She knows it’s also about those moments in between; those passing looks when walking from location to location, the hugs and kisses you don’t realize you’re doing. Biltz’s love of photography started in high school. It was there she learned the importance of making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, something she prides herself on to this day. Making subjects feel at ease when they’re getting their photographs taken can be the difference between the engagement session of a lifetime and pictures you never want to look at. Shooting with Ashley means that the second scenario will never come to pass.

7. Kristen Soileau

Kristen Soileau really digs human beings. It’s why she became a photographer. Obsessed with learning what makes people tick, Soileau has an eye for her subjects’ stories. Her photographs — which have been featured in People magazine, Rock N Roll Bride, and Junebug Weddings — are candid, and she takes a fly-on-the-wall approach to each session. The tools of her trade? A Canon Mark III, 35mm and 50mm lenses, and the deep desire to capture your love with them.

In the words of one of her couples: “Kristen brings out the best in everyone. She directs you and helps you in the process so you don’t have to think or worry about anything. Kristen and her camera are pure MAGIC.”

8. Jen Menard

Jen Menard has something unique, with clients willing to drive across the country to work with her in New Orleans. Menard approaches wedding and engagement photography on a personable level. While she appreciates a great location, there’s nothing quite like a couple’s chemistry that keeps her going. It’s these solid connections that inspire her to continue following her passion, ditching “Pinterest-perfect” locations for one-on-one moments that bring out the subjects’ personalities.

9. Cameron Johnson of Silver Loop Studios

Silver Loop Studios is the wedding photography and cinematography outlet operated by Cameron Johnson (lead photographer) and Shainna Miles (filmmaker). This NOLA duo covers engagements and weddings with a style that is distinctly classic, romantic, and captivating. They make you feel like you’re right there with the couple of the hour, holding your breath in anticipation of a kiss, a longing look, and the world’s biggest smiles. Book Silver Loop Studios to capture your engagement and wedding through treasured photos and video.

Bonus: Sarah Mattix

Sarah Mattix of Sarah Mattix Photography has been snapping treasured moments in the lives of her couples for over a decade. Her style stands out amongst other New Orleans engagement photographers thanks to its vibrancy. She snaps photos that really draw you into the moment. In fact, after looking through her portfolio, it may not surprise you to learn she has been published in The Knot, Brides, and more. Check out the weddings blog of her website for helpful information and stunning images from her couples’ wedding and engagement shoots.

New Orleans egagement photographers + Peerspace = magic

Whether you’re local or have simply always dreamed of finding true love in the magical NOLA, there are plenty of New Orleans engagement photographers who want to capture all those special moments. Be sure to choose your favorite and have them help plan your engagement if you like. And more than anything, nab a stunning venue through Peerspace that is private, elegant, and utterly photogenic!

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