New Orleans Wedding Photographer - Chad Populis
Candid, timeless wedding coverage with clear communication, guided posing, and consistent editing.
Serving New Orleans and South Louisiana.
Why Couples Hire Chad Populis
Couples book me because they want images that feel real—without feeling lost in front of the camera. My approach is calm, efficient, and story-driven, with just enough direction to keep portraits flattering and timelines on track.
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Candid storytelling + guided posing: natural moments with polished portrait structure
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Timeline support: efficient family photos and portraits without sacrificing reception time
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Consistent edits: clean color, natural skin tones, and a cohesive final gallery
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Fast communication: clear planning, quick answers, and smooth coordination with vendors
Featured coverage across NOPSI Hotel, Hilton Riverside, French Quarter, City Park, and the Greater New Orleans area.
Wedding Photography in New Orleans That Feels Effortless
If you want wedding photos that feel real—not stiff—my approach blends candid storytelling with simple direction so you look your best without spending the day posing. From getting ready through the reception, I focus on clean light, flattering angles, and the moments your friends and family will remember. Expect a clear timeline, fast communication, and a final gallery that’s consistent from start to finish.
Recent New Orleans Weddings
NOPSI Hotel Wedding Photography (CBD)
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NOPSI is one of the best venues for clean, bright wedding portraits in the CBD—especially if you want a modern, polished look without visual clutter. The outdoor courtyard gives you negative space and even light, while the interior window areas and brick textures add warmth and depth. We typically plan portraits around late afternoon for the best natural light, then transition into reception coverage without pulling you away from guests for long.
Treme Market Branch Wedding Photography (Historic Treme)
Treme Market Branch photographs beautifully for couples who want character and atmosphere—elegant backdrops with vintage texture. The stage and piano create a refined focal point, and the chandelier, staircase, and balcony lines add depth for wide establishing shots and intimate moments. We’ll build a portrait flow that uses the strongest indoor angles quickly, then step outside nearby for New Orleans energy (Treme streets or Louis Armstrong Park) if your timeline allows.
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Sully Mansion Wedding Photography (Garden District)
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Sully Mansion is a Garden District favorite for couples who want classic New Orleans charm. The checkerboard courtyard and pergola provide a clean, editorial backdrop, while the covered porch and detailed trim photograph beautifully for quiet, timeless portraits. Indoors, the winding staircase and furnished rooms are perfect for getting-ready and first-look moments. We usually recommend golden hour portraits in the courtyard or nearby ivy-covered streets to keep the gallery cohesive and romantic.
Algiers Auditorium Wedding Photography (West Bank / Algiers)
Algiers Auditorium works well for couples who want a contemporary venue with space to breathe—tall ceilings, a stage, and a bright interior with large windows. The private outdoor courtyard is a strong option for greenery-forward portraits without crowds, and the nearby river trail gives you levee views for quick sunset photos. If you’re doing a larger guest count, the layout supports an efficient family-photo flow and clean ceremony coverage.
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NOLA Skyline Event Center Wedding Photography (New Orleans East)
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NOLA Skyline is a modern venue with two distinct looks—one room with downtown views and another facing the lake—so your gallery can feel varied without leaving the property. The marble-style floors and floor-to-ceiling tinted windows create clean, high-end images, and the connected bridal suite/makeup area is excellent for getting-ready coverage. For couples portraits, we can also step out to Joe Brown Park nearby for natural backdrops and water features if timing allows.
Best New Orleans Photo Locations for Wedding Portraits
New Orleans has a wide range of looks within a short drive—classic, modern, and nature-forward. I’ll help you choose locations based on timing, crowds, and the style you want.
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French Quarter: iconic architecture, courtyards, old-world texture
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Garden District: clean, timeless streets, greenery, and classic homes
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CBD / Downtown: modern lines, city energy, clean backgrounds
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City Park: spacious natural portraits with variety and privacy
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Lakefront: open sky + sunset-driven romance (wind can be a factor)
How to Choose Your Wedding Photography Package
Most couples don’t need “more hours”—they need the right coverage plan. Here’s the simplest way to choose a package that fits your day and priorities.
1) Start with your timeline
If your day includes getting ready, a first look, a full ceremony, and a reception with key moments, you’ll want coverage that follows the story without rushing. Shorter timelines work best for intimate weddings or streamlined schedules.
2) Consider your guest count and logistics
More guests and more moving parts usually means more time for family photos, wedding party portraits, and transitions. If you’re planning multiple locations, build in travel time so your portraits stay relaxed.
3) Decide what matters most: coverage, products, or both
Some couples prioritize full-story coverage. Others care most about keepsakes like albums and wall art. If you want both, choose a package that includes print options so your images live beyond the screen.
4) Think about a second photographer
A second photographer helps capture both sides of the story—especially during getting ready, ceremony coverage, and reception moments—while keeping your timeline efficient.
Next step: Compare packages and print options here → Wedding Photography Packages & Pricing
How Wedding Coverage Works
Wedding coverage is built around your timeline and priorities—so you get a complete story without feeling rushed. Before the wedding, we’ll align on your must-have moments, portrait preferences, and any venue/location logistics.
What to expect
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Coverage is planned from your timeline (not a rigid shot count)
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Most galleries average 50–100 images per hour, depending on the pace of the day
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Family photos are organized and completed efficiently
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Portraits are guided and relaxed—so you look natural without guessing what to do
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Final delivery includes an online gallery to download, share, and order prints
Sample Timeline: 8 Hours (Most Common)
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Getting ready details + key moments
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First look (optional) + wedding party portraits
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Ceremony
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Family photos (planned + efficient)
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Couples portraits (golden hour if possible)
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Reception highlights (entrances, toasts, dances, open dancing)
Sample Timeline: 10 Hours (Full Story)
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Extended getting ready coverage (both partners)
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First look + more portrait time (or multiple locations)
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Ceremony + full family photo plan
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Cocktail hour details + guest candids
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Full reception story (toasts, dancing, exit)
Elevate Your Reception with a Wedding Photo Booth
Add a photo booth or cold sparks to elevate the guest experience—ideal for receptions and corporate weddings.
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Booth options: 360 booth, iPad booth, selfie mirror (availability varies by date/venue)
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Sharing + prints: instant sharing via text/email/QR, with optional print upgrades through the gallery
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Footprint + timing: typically 6'×6'–10'×10' space, standard outlet power, ~30–45 min setup and ~15–30 min breakdown
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ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS $1000
Engagement photography sessions are a great way for you and your photographer to get to know one another and create photos for your "save the dates", and announcements, and add variety to your wedding portfolio. It makes for a better wedding day experience as you will be more comfortable with posing and able to get through the day's events more timely.
Your 3-hour session will include 2 general locations, 2 outfit changes, a 50-75 image online gallery, and a 16"x24" canvas print.
MANY OF OUR WEDDING PACKAGES INCLUDE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION!
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New Orleans Wedding Photography FAQ
Q. What’s included in each package?
Every wedding package includes a minimum of 8 hours of coverage, two photographers, an online gallery for sharing high-resolution downloads, and a print album. Package upgrades add enhanced print products and additional sessions, such as:
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Album size upgrades: 8.5×11", 11×14", 12×16"
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Cover options: standard hardcover with premium upgrades available (leather, linen, and velvet)
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Engagement session with a framed print
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Bridal/boudoir session with a mini album
Q: How much does a New Orleans wedding photographer cost?
Most couples invest based on coverage hours, number of photographers, and print products. My wedding photography packages start at $2500, and I’ll help you choose a level of coverage that fits your timeline and priorities.
Q. Do you offer payment plans / retainers?
Yes. A non-refundable 25%–35% retainer is required to reserve your date. The remaining balance can be paid through a flexible payment plan, with the final payment due on the wedding day.
Q. How many photos do we receive?
Final image counts vary based on the schedule, traditions, and pace of the day. As a general guideline, most weddings yield approximately 50–100 finished images per hour. We prioritize your must-have shot list first, then document the full story with comprehensive, candid coverage
Q. What is your turnaround time?
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Preview gallery: 72 hours to 1 week
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Final gallery delivery: 2 to 4 weeks
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Additional edits/retouching (if requested): up to 6 weeks
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Print products: typically 2 to 8 weeks from design through proofing and final delivery
Q: Do you recommend a first look?
Yes—first looks usually make the timeline smoother, give you more portrait time, and help you enjoy cocktail hour and reception without feeling pulled away.
Q. Can we add video / a second shooter / a photo booth?
Yes—video, additional shooters, and photo booth services are available. When services are bundled, a 5% discount applies.
Q: How long do family photos take?
Most family photo blocks take 15–30 minutes depending on the number of combinations. We’ll plan a simple list ahead of time to keep it fast and stress-free.
Q: What happens if it rains?
No problem—we’ll pivot to covered spaces, indoor window light, and venue-friendly portrait spots. I also build timeline buffer so weather changes don’t derail the day.
Q: Can we do portraits in more than one location?
Yes. If locations are close and the timeline supports it, we can plan a two-location portrait flow (for example, venue + nearby neighborhood).
Q: Do you photograph outside of New Orleans?
Yes. I cover the New Orleans metro and South Louisiana, and travel is available for destination weddings.
Q: When will we receive our photos?
You’ll receive a preview quickly, with the full edited gallery delivered after final processing. If you have a specific deadline, let me know and we’ll plan accordingly.
Q: Do you offer wedding videography too?
Yes—wedding videography coverage is available, including highlight films and full ceremony/reception edits depending on the package.
Q: Can we add a photo booth or cold sparks?
Yes. Photo booth rentals and event upgrades are available for weddings and receptions, and I’ll recommend options based on space and timeline.
Quick Tip Guides for Wedding Photography
Master Posing: Discover techniques to create natural, dynamic poses, capturing authentic emotions against New Orleans' vibrant backdrop.
Explore a NOLA Wedding Blog: Dive into stories and insights from local weddings, incorporating the city's unique culture into your narratives.
Wedding Shots Checklist: Use this comprehensive checklist to capture all key moments, from pre-ceremony details to lively receptions, showcasing the essence of a New Orleans wedding.
Ready to plan your photo and video coverage? Start here:
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Wedding Photography Packages — compare coverage hours and print options
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Wedding Videography Packages — highlight film + add-ons
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Engagement Sessions — relaxed, modern portraits before the wedding day
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Bridal Boudoir — an elevated pre-wedding experience and gift option
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Venues & Locations — recommended spots that photograph clean and consistently
Primary service area (New Orleans metro)
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New Orleans (French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown, Bywater, Marigny, Mid‑City, City Park, Lakeview, Warehouse District)
