Top 10 Lifestyle Photographers in New Orleans

Lifestyle photography is about documenting a moment in time and preserving it forever. It might be focused on an individual or a group of people and tells their story as a visual snapshot so that it will endure for generations to come.

With a lifestyle that’s all its own, it seems fitting that New Orleans is home to so many talented lifestyle photographers who are making waves in the industry. We’ve scoured the internet to find 10 of the best, each of whom has a reputation for their authentic and timeless imagery.

Laura Flannery

Laura Flannery began her photographic career taking headshots and worked in Los Angeles and Austin before returning to New Orleans. She’s skilled at making people look and feel their best through the use of lighting and posing, whether she’s documenting weddings or lifestyle shoots for families. Laura’s images can be described as classic and timeless, with natural, raw energy to them. If you’re worried about being in front of the camera, she’ll take the time to make you feel comfortable and will walk you through the entire photographic process.  

Quaint + Whim

TahJah Harmony is the photographer behind Quaint+Whim, a New Orleans-based photography business that has become highly sought after for its lifestyle images. She has more than 10 years as a professional photographer under her belt and documents stunning images of individuals, couples, and families doing what they love the most. As a videographer, TahJah is skilled at telling beautiful stories using soft lighting and cinematic techniques that make her work stand out from the rest.

Lauren Carroll Photography

Lauren Carroll is a destination and lifestyle photographer who serves clients throughout the New Orleans area and beyond. She’s particularly passionate about documenting love stories through the use of beautiful light and has had her work featured in “New Orleans Weddings”, “Southern Bride” and “Glamour and Grace”. In addition to home lifestyle sessions, she offers wedding and family photography that capture some of life’s most special moments. When she’s not working, she loves sitting on her porch reading with a cup of coffee or watering her garden in the golden light.

Olivia Grey Pritchard

Olivia Grey Pritchard spent five years working as a United Nations photographer in combat zones before settling down in New Orleans in 2012. She’s driven to establish a visual legacy for families and children by creating archival-quality artworks that will be cherished for generations to come. Olivia has a talent for connecting with subjects of all levels, whether they are newborn babies, playful pets, or elderly grandparents. Olivia is a Certified Professional Photographer with the Professional Photographers of America and has won numerous awards for her work at both regional and international levels.

Twirl Photography

Jennifer Zdon is the owner and operator of Twirl Photography, a New Orleans-based photography business that specializes in families. Before establishing her own business, she worked for 14 years at The Times-Picayune newspaper and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for one of her projects. Her work has appeared in several photography books, including “America 24/7,” “Louisiana 24/7” and “America at Home” and she has also self-published the children’s photography book, “New Orleans A to Z.” Jennifer says that when she’s working, she looks for “the visual poetry and subtle beauty in any setting, often working with natural light and iconic New Orleans scenery”.

Catherine Guidry

With a style that is bright and timeless, Catherine Guidry has established a reputation as one of the most in-demand wedding and lifestyle photographers in New Orleans. She believes that life is about making the most of the time spent with the people you love and that documenting those moments gives her great joy. Her goal is to make her clients feel comfortable and to create images that will last a lifetime. When she’s not photographing clients, Catherine is producing her podcast “Mistakes Make Magic”, which offers inspiration to entrepreneurs.

Julia Bailey Photography

Julia Bailey is an award-winning photographer and a member of the Professional Photographers of America, as well as the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. She’s available for lifestyle photography sessions in New Orleans and beyond, with her images highly creative and not like anything we’ve seen before. She received her first SLR film camera in 1987 and has honed her talents ever since, moving with the times as the industry transitioned to digital. She says that processing is “half the art of any photo” and she insists on individually editing every image she captures today.

Elizabeth Dondis

Elizabeth Dondis receives rave reviews from her clients, with the photographer having an ability to capture all the emotions and raw beauty of any moment. She prefers shooting in natural environments using natural light and regularly utilizes the French Quarter in New Orleans for lifestyle shoots. Not only does she have plenty of talent but an easy-going personality and a great sense of humor that makes her a pleasure to work with.

Sarah Mattix

Sarah Mattix describes photography as her “everything” and strives to capture perfection in her images. No matter where she goes, Sarah usually has a camera with her and believes that the photographs we leave behind will define us. She strives to capture photographs that define a moment in time, with an approach that blends fine art and photojournalism. Not only has she won several awards, but she has had her photographs printed in industry publications - a testament to her talent and dedication to the craft.

Brian Crain

Specializing in high-art images of families, weddings, and brands, Brian Crain has worked as a professional photographer for more than 25 years. His images have been described as “emotional” and “captivating”, with the photographer’s experience ensuring he offers outstanding quality again and again. Brian regularly captures fashion and bridal couture, high school and college senior portraits, and events in locations as far afield as Jamaica, Thailand, and Argentina. His work has been featured in several photography magazines, publications, and websites, including “Professional Photographer”, “Studio Design & Photography”, and “Grace Ormonde Wedding Style”.

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