A behind-the-scenes look at real New Orleans family, maternity, newborn, and couples photography. Featuring tips & honest stories for families across the greater New Orleans area.
The Payne & Co. Journal | New Orleans Family & Maternity Photography
Sentimental In-Home Family Session in New Orleans
In-home family photography sessions with Payne and Co. Photography are available year-round throughout the greater New Orleans area. Sessions are unhurried, and designed to feel exactly like a regular morning at home, because that is the whole point.
Candid Family Photography in New Orleans | Why Real Moments Make the Best Photos
Candid lifestyle photography is exactly what it sounds like. Photographs taken of your family as you actually are, doing things you actually do, in places that actually mean something to you.
Those are the photos you'll keep forever.
Audubon Park Maternity Session | New Orleans Maternity Photographer
A dreamy Audubon Park maternity session for a New Orleans couple expecting their baby girl. Ultrasound photos, golden light, and all the joy that comes with it.
Beignets After Family Photos in New Orleans
Planning family photos in New Orleans? See why ending your City Park session with fresh beignets at Morning Call creates unforgettable memories and authentic family photographs.
Authentic In-Home Newborn Photography in New Orleans
As a New Orleans in-home newborn photographer, these are the moments I’m always looking for. Not perfection, but connection.
This beautiful lifestyle newborn session reminded me why I continue choosing homes over studios. The photographs feel less like portraits and more like memories that happened to be documented.
Why In-Home Family Photos Might Be the Most Meaningful Family Photos You’ll Ever Have
When most people think about family photos, they picture a beautiful outdoor location somewhere around New Orleans. But some of the most meaningful family photographs happen right at home. As a New Orleans family photographer, I’ve found that in-home family photos preserve something outdoor locations never can.
Cozy In-Home Family Photos in New Orleans | A Slow Morning at Home
Cozy in-home family photos in New Orleans featuring a slow morning with natural light, genuine connection, and meaningful moments documented at home by Payne & Co. Photography
Maternity Session in New Orleans City Park
This maternity session in New Orleans City Park felt soft, intimate, and deeply connected from beginning to end. Instead of focusing on overly posed moments, we leaned into movement, natural interaction, and documenting this season honestly as it unfolded.
Choosing A Family Photographer in New Orleans
Finding the right family photographer in New Orleans can feel overwhelming. There are many talented options, many different styles, and countless galleries to scroll through. But when you are choosing someone to photograph the people you love most, it often comes down to more than pretty pictures.
Common Questions About Family, Newborn, and Couples Photography in New Orleans
Booking a photography session often comes with a few questions, especially for families welcoming a new baby, celebrating a milestone, or simply wanting to document life as it is right now.
Over time, I’ve noticed many New Orleans families & couples ask similar questions about sessions, timing, locations, and what to expect. I’ve gathered some of the most common questions here to help guide you as you plan your own photography experience.
Fresh 48 Photos in New Orleans | What to Expect in the First 48 Hours
There is something sacred about the first 48 hours after your baby is born. Fresh 48 photos take place within the first 24–48 hours at your hospital or birth center in New Orleans. Unlike posed studio newborn sessions, these sessions capture real connection, skin-to-skin moments, tiny hospital bracelets, and the quiet emotion that only exists in those early hours.
Why I Photograph Newborns at Home: A Quiet Morning Session in New Orleans
This in-home newborn session took place in the morning. When the house was still quiet, the light soft, and the pace unhurried.
Prep For Your In-Home Newborn Session
The early days with a newborn are beautifully foggy, so your session shouldn’t add pressure. I keep things slow, simple, and real. Documenting your life exactly as it’s unfolding.
Soft & Romantic Couples Session at the City Park Botanical Garden in New Orleans
A soft and romantic couples session at the City Park Botanical Garden in New Orleans. Warm, cinematic storytelling photography filled with movement, emotion, and quiet, intimate moments.
Cinematic New Orleans couples photos with J&K
A romantic New Orleans couples session in the French Quarter, captured at sunset. Authentic, cinematic moments that reflect the heart and soul of the city.
How to Plan a Surprise Proposal in New Orleans Without Giving It Away
New Orleans family and couples photographer shares expert tips for planning a surprise proposal that feels natural and unforgettable—without spoiling the secret.
Dreamy Downtown New Orleans Proposal
Dreamy surprise proposal in downtown New Orleans, captured with emotion and joy. A romantic New Orleans proposal photography session filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Don’t Forget to Take the Photos | New Orleans Family & Couples Photographer
Life moves fast, but photographs help us hold on. Whether you're a couple building a life together or a family growing through the everyday chaos, the quiet moments matter. As a New Orleans family and couples photographer, I believe the most meaningful photos aren't always posed—they’re real, honest, and full of heart. Don’t wait for a milestone. Take the photo now. You’ll be glad you did.
Why I Offer Proposal & Engagement Sessions
From “Will you marry me?” to the beautifully ordinary days of family life—proposal and engagement photography are simply the first chapter of the story I love to tell. Here’s why I offer proposal and engagement sessions in New Orleans, and how they connect to the heart of my family work.
When to Take Newborn Photos | NOLA Newborn Photographer’s Guide
Wondering when to schedule newborn photos? This guide from a New Orleans in-home newborn photographer explains the best timing, what to expect, and why lifestyle sessions offer more flexibility for your growing family.
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.
‘‘We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer.”
“We had such an amazing experience! The photographer was absolutely wonderful to work with professional, kind, and made us feel completely comfortable the entire time. The photos turned out stunning! My fiancé and I absolutely love every single picture. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer.”
-Gabe Vogel
cannot adequately express how pleased I am not only with our photos, but also with the entire process and experience in setting the appointment and doing the photo shoot with Ashley. First and foremost, I so highly recommend! She gave me options for locations, and she had a beautiful, unique location picked out if my 6 year old and I were up for it. We went with the adventure, and my son and I had a legitimately wonderful time. He felt like he was exploring and in his own element having fun, and I felt extremely comfortable like I was just hanging out with my son and a friend. That’s the personable and experienced character Ashley exuded nonstop. She had her work boots on and was climbing all over those rocks on the lakefront
cannot adequately express how pleased I am not only with our photos, but also with the entire process and experience in setting the appointment and doing the photo shoot with Ashley. First and foremost, I so highly recommend! She gave me options for locations, and she had a beautiful, unique location picked out if my 6 year old and I were up for it. We went with the adventure, and my son and I had a legitimately wonderful time. He felt like he was exploring and in his own element having fun, and I felt extremely comfortable like I was just hanging out with my son and a friend. That’s the personable and experienced character.
Payne and Co. Photography is one the best family photographers in New Orleans and nearby areas including Lakeview, Lakeshore, Metairie, Bucktown, Uptown, Mid-City and the Northshore. Offering authentic and emotive New Orleans family portraits you can feel.