CBD / Downtown Photo Locations in New Orleans

This area is strong for crisp architecture, minimal visual clutter (when routed well), and a modern “city” aesthetic that pairs beautifully with formal styling.

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Vibe: modern, editorial, upscale
Crowds: Low–Medium
Privacy: Medium
Walking required: Light–Moderate (high variety within short distances)

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If you like crisp architecture, upscale streetscapes, and a more contemporary “city” aesthetic, CBD/Downtown is one of the strongest options in New Orleans. It’s also efficient: you can get a lot of variety with minimal walking.

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​CBD/Downtown is ideal for engagements, elopements, and wedding portraits when you want a polished, modern look—without the constant foot traffic of the French Quarter.​

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Best for

• Engagements: modern + elevated, great for a sharp “save-the-date” look

• Elopements: stylish portraits before/after a simple ceremony plan

• Wedding portraits: a polished city look that complements formal attire well

 

Best time of day (light strategy)

• Late afternoon is usually best for softer light and less harsh shadowing

• Midday can be high-contrast downtown; we’ll prioritize:

  • open shade

  • side streets

  • reflective, bright areas that keep skin tones clean

 

Suggested two-location pairings

• CBD/Downtown + French Quarter: modern + iconic (high variety, short travel)

• CBD/Downtown + Riverfront: clean city + open skyline/sunset

• CBD/Downtown + Warehouse District: modern + industrial editorial

 

Outfit guidance for a modern environment

• Solid colors and clean silhouettes perform best

• One elevated look is especially effective here

• Minimal accessories and uncluttered styling keeps it editorial

 

Rain plan

CBD/Downtown is workable in light rain. We’ll use sheltered blocks and clean open shade, and adjust the route to avoid harsh reflections.

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Quick planning tips

• Outfits: solids and classic silhouettes photograph best in modern environments

• Footwear: comfortable shoes if you want movement-based candids

• Crowds/traffic: we’ll pick specific pockets that minimize background clutter

 

• Engagement Shoots — $1,000 (3 hours, 2 locations, 50–75 edits, 16×24 canvas)

• Elopements — $1,500 (4 hours, gallery + 8×8 album)

• Wedding Photography