The 10 Best Portrait Photographers in New Orleans

A vibrant, tangible energy exists in the atmosphere of New Orleans. It’s a city where history itself is resting in the stone buildings, ancient trees, and water that surrounds it on nearly every side. With so many beautiful and atmospheric locations in the Big Easy for photoshoots, New Orleans portrait photographers are in incredibly high demand. We’ve compiled a list of our top faves, listed here in no particular order. So if you’re a NOLA local and in need of anything ranging from senior photos and birth announcements to professional headshots and lifestyle branding, check ‘em out!

1. Maxx Childress

Maxx Childress is a New Orleans street and portrait photographer with a seriously artful approach. The heavily shadowed, dark-contrast style he often employs brings a sense of drama to his work, and his sharp textures allow the essence of his subjects to claim the eye’s full focus. His work capturing the spontaneous outpouring of music that quite often takes place in the cobbled city streets is absolutely stunning, and we’re also especially partial to his wedding candids.

2. Tasha Rae Photography

Tasha Rae Creel enters every session with the intent and purpose of “exceed[ing] your expectations,” and from what we can tell, she always follows through. In addition to her exclusive and highly sought-after wedding photography services, she also offers bridal, engagement, boudoir, and senior portrait sessions. Her top priority is ensuring that her clients enjoy the ultimate personal experience and, at the end, take home gorgeous pieces of art that will be cherished for years to come.

3. Chelcie Marie Photography

With spooky season (i.e., October) in full swing, we were thrilled when we stumbled upon our next featured New Orleans portrait photographer, Chelcie of Chelsie Marie Photography. Her portfolio buzzes with personality, and whether her subjects are whimsical or poised, joyful or grim-faced, their individual natures and inner selves shine through when captured by her lens. Chelcie does some incredibly exciting concert photography as well, and you can see the full range of her skill set by taking just a quick peek at her Instagram. (Though, if we had to guess, you’ll end up scrolling a lot longer than that — her photos just draw you in that way!)

4. Christian Riley Photography

A relatively new name in the New Orleans portrait photography scene, Christian Riley has made quite the name for herself! With her use of natural light and subtle editorial hand, her work effortlessly accentuates the inherent individuality of her clients. She’s learned quite a lot in the few years she’s been working professionally, and we only expect her to continue to flourish and excel in her craft.

5. Dominique Richard Photography

Next up on our list of top New Orleans portrait photographers is Dominique Richard. She’s been featured by the likes of Depop, Jillian Keiffer Clothing, Nude Magazine, and many others. We are absolutely obsessed with her use of color — every single photo she shoots pops with vibrant hues that evoke excitement in those of us who view them! No matter the location or event, her portraits all share a cohesive energy that draws the eye closer and closer.

6. Asha Pierce Photography

Photographer and filmmaker Asha Pierce believes the most important part of being an artist is telling her clients’ stories. Her love for photography originated from her taking photos for family and friends, and her passion for the work organically blossomed as she gained more experience. She loves to collaborate with local creatives, and her ultimate goal is to deliver a gorgeous final product to her clients.

7. TahJah Harmony of Quaint + Whim Photography

After leaving the tech world to pursue her dream of becoming a professional photographer, TahJah Harmony jumped right in, immersing herself in the craft and devoting her energy to documenting the stories and lives of others. Her style is warm and breezy, with expert shadow- and light-work, as well as a perfectly balanced approach to texture and perspective. We absolutely adore the photo we’ve chosen to feature here today: this shot makes us feel as though we’re in the city ourselves, loving the sweetness of springtime in New Orleans.

8. Dani Benton Photography

An Oregon native who’s relocated to the South, Dani Benton has been working as a professional photographer since 2009. Her creative skills are varied, providing lots of room for experimentation and flexibility where shoot location, artistic style, and aesthetic mood are able to change and adapt with each individual client she shoots. Dani’s color palettes are absolutely exquisite — the tone and mood of each session is just as unique as her clients themselves are!

9. Traven Stout Photography

After earning a photography degree from the University of New Orleans in 2015, Traven Stout remained in the New Orleans area to establish himself as a trusted name in the photography industry. Since then, he’s worked with innumerable happy clients and created some seriously impressive pieces of fine art. His family and lifestyle photography, as well as branding and professional headshot portfolios blew us all away, but the shining crown jewel, as far as we were concerned, absolutely has to be his People of Mardi Gras series, one shot of which is featured here today.

10. Avery Leigh White

And rounding out today’s list of the best New Orleans portrait photographers is Avery Leigh White. Avery’s work is poignant and sharp while somehow vulnerable still — it’s honest in a way that can be difficult to articulate. Splitting time between NOLA and Brooklyn, Avery’s caught the attention and business of some of today’s most influential media outlets: Vice, National Geographic, BuzzFeed, and Rolling Stone, among others. If you take a moment to check out her portfolio, you are certain to be blown away!

The Peerspace crew sincerely thanks you for checking out our roundup of our favorite New Orleans portrait photographers. Whatever your personal style or preference is, whatever the event or occasion, if you are in need of portrait services in or around the NOLA area, we hope you’ll consider one of these folks featured here today. Their talent and passion for their work is evident, as is their ability to see through to the inner light of their clients and reflect that brilliant glow in their work. We know they’ll exceed your expectations!

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