Photo locations · Graduation · New Orleans

Best places for graduation photos in New Orleans

Planning graduation photos in New Orleans? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.

graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
graduation photos by a Snappr photographer
Where to shoot

8 places to shoot graduation photos & videos in New Orleans

01

Jackson Square

Iconic
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 · French Quarter · Outdoor

The historic heart of the French Quarter, framed by St. Louis Cathedral, wrought-iron fences, and manicured gardens. The landmark architecture gives engagement, couples, and portrait sessions unmistakable New Orleans character.

For graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.

Best lightEarly morning before crowds; golden hour on the cathedral
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessStreet parking and nearby garages; fully paved, very walkable
Group sizeBest for couples and small groups; the square draws heavy foot traffic
02

Longue Vue House & Gardens

7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, LA 70124 · Lakewood · Outdoor

A 1940s estate with a Classical-style house and eight acres of formal gardens, fountains, and terraces. The refined grounds are ideal for engagement, maternity, and elegant portrait sessions.

For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.

Best lightMorning and golden hour across the formal gardens
PermitPaid admission or entry; arrange professional sessions with the venue in advance.
AccessOn-site parking; paved and gravel garden paths
Group sizeBest for couples and small family groups
03

New Orleans Botanical Garden

5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124 · City Park / Mid-City · Outdoor

A historic garden within City Park featuring formal beds, fountains, a conservatory, and Art Deco statuary. The manicured, colorful settings suit maternity, engagement, and family portraits.

For graduation photos: a proud spot to mark the achievement.

Best lightMorning light in the outdoor beds; even light in the conservatory
PermitPaid admission or entry; arrange professional sessions with the venue in advance.
AccessCity Park parking nearby; paved garden paths
SeasonSpring and fall for peak blooms; year-round conservatory color
04

Tulane University

Campus
6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 · Uptown · Outdoor

Tulane's Uptown campus opens with Gibson Hall, an 1894 Romanesque landmark facing the St. Charles streetcar line and Audubon Park. Behind it, oak-shaded quads and warm stone facades give graduation and senior photos a classic collegiate frame. Golden hour throws long light across the lawns and archways.

For graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.

Best lightLate afternoon to golden hour across the quad
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOn the St. Charles streetcar line; street parking nearby. Confirm campus access rules with the university.
Good to knowBusiest around class changes and graduation weekends; early mornings are calmest.
05

Loyola University New Orleans

Campus
6363 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 · Uptown · Outdoor

Loyola sits along St. Charles Avenue across from Audubon Park, anchored by the Tudor-Gothic Marquette Hall and the adjoining Holy Name of Jesus Church. The brick towers, arched doorways, and tidy green make a stately backdrop for graduation and senior sessions. Soft afternoon light warms the red brick beautifully.

For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.

Best lightAfternoon, when the brick facades glow
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessSt. Charles streetcar stops at the gate; limited street parking. Confirm campus access with the university.
Good to knowThe church steps and quad are the signature spots for cap-and-gown photos.
06

Dillard University

Avenue of Oaks
2601 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122 · Gentilly · Outdoor

Dillard's campus is famous for its Avenue of the Oaks, a long allee of mature live oaks leading between gleaming white, columned buildings. The symmetry and quiet green make graduation and senior photos feel grand and unhurried. Morning light filters through the oak canopy for soft, even portraits.

For graduation photos: a proud spot to mark the achievement.

Best lightMorning light filtered through the oak canopy
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOn-site and street parking; confirm campus access rules with the university.
Good to knowThe oak avenue is the standout backdrop; it stays peaceful outside of events.
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07

Xavier University of Louisiana

Campus
1 Drexel Dr, New Orleans, LA 70125 · Gert Town · Outdoor

Xavier's compact campus centers on its landmark Gothic Administration building, with pale stone spires and green courtyards tucked just off the Mid-City edge. The architecture gives cap-and-gown and senior photos a distinctive, historic feel. Late-day sun catches the towers for warm portraits.

For graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.

Best lightLate afternoon on the stone facades
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessCampus and street parking nearby; confirm access rules with the university.
Good to knowThe Administration building and central courtyard are the most photographed spots.
08

Gallier Hall

Civic landmark
545 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 · Central Business District · Outdoor

The former city hall is a Greek Revival landmark fronted by two rows of tall fluted Ionic columns in pale marble. The grand facade and broad steps along St. Charles Avenue make a formal, striking backdrop for graduation and engagement photos. Late-day light rakes across the columns for real depth.

For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.

Best lightLate afternoon raking across the columns
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOn the St. Charles streetcar line; parking in nearby CBD lots. Confirm any event use with the venue.
Good to knowThe columned steps are the signature shot; the facade faces Lafayette Square across the street.

Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.

From the Snappr network

Snappr graduation photos from cities across the world

A look at graduation photos our photographers have delivered, so you know the standard before you book.

Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
A sample of graduation photos from the Snappr network

Still need a photographer?

Snappr photographers are available in New Orleans to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.

Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Shooting graduation photos in New Orleans

It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.

Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.

Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in New Orleans. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.

Related pages

More places to shoot

Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.