First in a series of travel photography guides to New Orleans and more cities around the world.

Anyone who has ever walked through the French Quarter at dusk realizes that New Orleans is a beautiful, picturesque town. There’s a reason tourists walk around town with cameras hanging off their necks and snapping pictures of the incredible scenes and experiences that New Orleans gives us everyday. But to truly take advantage of the opportunity to take great pictures, it’s important to put oneself in the right place first. New Orleans offers so many opportunities for a wide range of photographers, but here’s three places every photographer should explore.

Over, New Orleans, Louisiana

Everyone visits the Garden District and tours the homes. But what do you take pictures of? Look beyond the beautiful homes and Lafayette Cemetery and let your eye wander the streets and the grandiose trees, looking down and up the entire time you walk through the area.

Through, Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana

Jackson Square and the near-by alleys offers many opportunities to take a good picture. If you’re interested in the street performers and the crowds, check out the performance and seating area across Decatur Street, catching the crowd’s reactions to the performers and
enjoying the beautiful backdrop of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.

Lines, New Orleans, Louisiana

While you’re wandering the French Quarter, head away from Bourbon Street and check out the more residential area of the Quarter towards Esplanade and away from the river. Wander block-to-block while checking out the details of the homes: the shutters, doors, railings, and balconies all create opportunities for interesting compositions. And if you explore in the early morning or dusk you can catch the light right for great shadows and soft lights that will bring out the beauty that everyone in New Orleans sees everyday.