How New Orleans Shaped My Photography Career

My love for photography started long before it became a career. In high school, I spent hours wandering around with my grandfather’s old film camera, capturing the world as I saw it.

Living in New Orleans meant I had endless inspiration. I was especially drawn to photographing the city’s streets. The colors, the architecture, and the energy of the people created scenes that felt alive and constantly changing. Those early days taught me to observe carefully and appreciate the story that lives inside a single frame. More importantly, I learned how photography can preserve the feeling of a place and a moment.

That passion led me to study photography at Louisiana State University. During my time there, I deepened my technical skills and developed my style.

Shortly after graduating, I was given an opportunity that would shape the path of my career. I began a three-month internship with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, now known as New Orleans & Co. What started as a short internship quickly grew into something much more. I stayed on as their only contract photographer for the next four and a half years.

The team there became like family to me. During that time, I had the incredible privilege of photographing the city I loved so much. From major events to quiet neighborhood scenes, I was constantly documenting the culture, energy, and beauty that make New Orleans so special. Every assignment pushed me creatively and helped me grow both as a photographer and a storyteller.

Jackson Square

One of my all-time favorite photos. Over the years it has resonated with so many people and has even lived on the city’s tourism website since around 2015. I love how timeless it feels. The carriages, people passing through, and that soft evening light capturing the everyday magic that makes New Orleans what it is.

Even after I eventually moved to Denver, my connection to New Orleans didn’t end. I continued flying back about once a month to photograph for them for quite some time. Being able to return regularly and continue capturing the city was something I never took for granted.

That experience gave me more than just a portfolio. It gave me the confidence to build something of my own. The years I spent documenting New Orleans helped shape my eye, refine my skills, and ultimately inspired me to start the business I have today.

New Orleans will always hold a special place in my heart. Whenever I have the chance to return and photograph events there, it feels like coming home. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and for the people who believed in me early on.

Below are just a few highlights from my time documenting the city.