For Omar and Anastasia’s creative engagement photoshoot, I brought them to my favorite spots in New Orleans’ French Quarter. We played with the light, color, and architecture on the quiet streets. The result was a beautiful mix of 35mm film, Polaroid, and digital engagement photos.
A Creative Engagement Photoshoot
The late afternoon and early evening are great times for a creative engagement photoshoot in the French Quarter. So many types of light are available. Bold patches of direct light break up shadows. More diffuse light gives photos a softer feeling. I’ve really been loving the dappled shadows cast by the trees lining the French Quarter streets. The wide open space of the levee is perfect for romantic golden hour moments.
The historic French Quarter architecture is part of what makes it possible to have such a creative engagement photoshoot. Ironwork balconies, wooden shutters, and potted plants layer over the cottages. This neighborhood is full of interesting angles and beautiful streets.
New Orleans is famous for its colorful houses, and the French Quarter is no exception. During Omar and Anastasia’s engagement session, we walked past buildings in every combination of pink, green, blue, yellow, and orange. These vibrant backdrops brought such great variety to this session.
The French Quarter on Film and Digital
For their engagement session, Omar and Anastasia opted for a full film session. I primarily photographed on 35mm film and Polaroids. If you know me, you know how much I love film. It’s emotional and authentic. Even the imperfections of an unedited film photo feel meaningful because they give you a sense of what it’s really like to be in that moment. Film does a great job of portraying the nostalgic feeling of the French Quarter with its colonial architecture and tropical plants.
When my clients choose full film sessions, I photograph digital as a backup as well. I’ve noticed that film sessions like this creative engagement photoshoot are producing some of my best digital work.I think it’s because my approach to the session is very different when it’s primarily on film. In Anastasia and Omar’s session, the digital photos really do the bright colors of the French Quarter justice.
I love any chance I get to photograph couples in the French Quarter. It’s the perfect setting for every stage of your engagement and wedding celebrations. If you want to see more film and digital photos in the Quarter, check out these blog posts too:
- Inspiration for French Quarter Engagement Photos
- Heartfelt French Quarter Wedding at Hotel Mazarin
- Honeymoon Photoshoot in the French Quarter
Omar and Anastasia’s Engagement
I feel really lucky that I have clients I really enjoy spending time with, and Omar and Anastasia were no exception. Their creative engagement photoshoot was so much fun for me. They bring a joyful feeling everywhere with them. They’re very natural together, and it shows in their photos.
Both Omar and Anastasia are doctors. They’re originally from California but have been living in New Orleans for a while now. Both are unique individuals with a lot of depth to their individual and collective stories. Their love for New Orleans is infectious. Even though they’re getting married in California, they wanted to honor their time here with a creative engagement photoshoot.
I met up with Omar and Anastasia at MRB, my favorite French Quarter bar. We grabbed some snacks, and I could have stayed there for hours. They were that easy to talk to. The time spent together before bringing the camera out made photographing that much more comfortable for everyone.
Then we walked around the outskirts of the French Quarter to some of my favorite spots. The busy heart of the French Quarter has its own appeal, but I really like photographing in the quieter spots. It gives couples a little more space to breathe and be present with each other. You also end up with fewer passersby in the photos. A few here and there (like the bicyclist riding through one of these photos) gives you a sense of the setting, but it is nice to have a quieter experience.
Would you like to work with me on a creative engagement photoshoot in New Orleans? Let’s connect!
