Weekend Photo Workshop: New Orleans

From its lovely French-influenced architecture to the jazz bands that fill the streets with swirling rhythms, New Orleans’ lively blend of cultures makes it a fantastic photography destination. Take to the streets of the French Quarter with your camera at the ready, photographing wrought-iron balconies tangled with flowers, the painters and mimes of Jackson Square, and timeless streetcars. Catch the early morning atmosphere at the legendary Café Du Monde, or photograph merchants peddling their wares at the bustling French Market. Venture into a historic cemetery to photograph ornate tombs, and document the city’s legendary nightlife in a jazz club or along Bourbon Street.

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Thursday: New Orleans, Louisiana

Arrive in New Orleans and check into the Hotel Monteleone in the historic French Quarter, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Meet tonight for a welcome dinner and an image presentation by our National Geographic photographer.
Optional Accommodations: Hotel Monteleone
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Day 2 — Friday: Jackson Square/French Quarter

Spend the morning in our classroom learning how to enhance your photos with improved exposure, composition, and supplemental lighting and attending a talk by our National Geographic photographer. This afternoon, set out on your first assignment, photographing the mimes, artists, and architecture of Jackson Square. Later, return to our classroom for an edit-and-critique session with your instructors — and to receive your next assignment. Tonight, if you wish, hit the streets of the French Quarter to capture jazz musicians at play, the blur of beads and neon lights, and the thriving nightlife of the city.
Optional Accommodations: Hotel Monteleone

Day 3 — Saturday: Café Du Monde/French Market

Start the day with a morning photo shoot at the legendary Café Du Monde as it fills with people of all backgrounds seeking coffee and their famous beignets. Or photograph merchants peddling their wares at the bustling French Market. Meet back in our classroom for an afternoon edit-and-critique session with your instructors. This evening, gather for a group dinner followed by a presentation of the best work taken during the workshop.
Optional Accommodations: Hotel Monteleone
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Day 4 — Sunday: New Orleans/Home

Head out on an excursion to one of New Orleans' historic cemeteries to photograph the morning light on elaborate gravestones and memorials that have stood the test of time. The workshop concludes at noon after a final question-and-answer session with your instructors in a classic New Orleans courtyard.