As one of the trusted New Orleans family photographers, I specialize in capturing meaningful, emotive moments that reflect the heart of your family. At Payne & Co. Photography, my work focuses on storytelling—highlighting the honest, unscripted beauty of real life.
Family Photography New Orleans | Intentional storytelling
NEW ORLEANS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Whether we’re documenting a cozy in-home session or golden light outdoors, each gallery is filled with warmth, intention, and timeless emotion. If you're looking for a family photographer in New Orleans who offers a relaxed, personal experience and imagery that feels like you, I’d be honored to capture this season of your story, with the deepest intention.
Authentic family photography with a warm, honest touch.
This portfolio features lifestyle family photography, tender motherhood sessions, and heartfelt newborn images that celebrate connection and love. Based in New Orleans, I serve families who value genuine moments over posed perfection.
I'm honored to be featured on Eventective, a trusted resource for families planning meaningful gatherings and celebrations in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. It’s just one more way to connect with those looking for heartfelt, honest photography that captures the beauty of everyday moments.
New Orleans Family Photographer
I’m so excited to be listed as one of the best family photographers in New Orleans by Photographers.Org— You can view my photography profile here.
I’m Ashley Payne. Believer, wife, boy mom, former pediatric nurse, & New Orleans family photographer. A visual storyteller.
Photographing honest & tender moments—documenting the fleeting, the in-between, and the deeply felt—setting your photos apart.
My own life deeply influences my work. For 11 years, I was a nurse, caring for people in their most tender and vulnerable moments. That experience taught me how fleeting time can be, and how important it is to hold on to the small details—the gestures, the connections, the quiet in-betweens.
Motherhood has only deepened that perspective. Life isn’t perfect, but there’s so much beauty in the chaos, and it deserves to be documented with intention—and I want to share that with everyone who comes my way.
At Payne & Co. Photography, I specialize in capturing natural, heart-led moments that reflect the beauty of real family life. Based in New Orleans, I work with families who value connection over perfection, emotion over posing, and storytelling over stiff smiles. My sessions are thoughtfully guided but never forced, allowing space for your unique story to unfold. Whether you’re cuddled up at home or wandering under oak trees at golden hour, I’m there to document the in-between—the quiet glances, the little hands, the laughter, the chaos, and the calm.
My portfolio reflects my heart as a family photographer: soft, intentional, and deeply personal. With experience as a pediatric nurse and a mother myself, I bring a calm and nurturing presence to each session, ensuring you feel safe, seen, and celebrated just as you are. I photograph families, babies, and motherhood moments with care and artistry, creating timeless images you’ll cherish for a lifetime
Family Photographer in New Orleans, Louisiana
At Payne & Co. Photography, we believe that family photography should be more than just posed smiles—it should tell your story. As a photographer in New Orleans, Louisiana, I’m passionate about capturing the real, fleeting moments. From the chaos of toddler giggles to the quiet tenderness between a mother and child, each session is rooted in storytelling and connection.
MY WORK HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS...
AUTHENTIC
JOYFUL
HEARTFELT
INTENTIONAL
ARTFUL
Offering emotive, intentional, photography for families who cherish the little moments.
As a New Orleans photographer and a former pediatric nurse, I bring a deep care and intentionality to every session.
‘‘From the first moment we connected, I knew I had found someone special.”
“Ashley is an absolute dream to work with. She’s not just a photographer, she’s a true artist — going above & beyond to make sure every detail of your session is perfect. She’s got an eye for the little details & she can take what might seem like a simple moment & turn it into something truly special.”
-Taylor Vu
DOCUMENTING THE MOMENTS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE DISAPPEAR.