I’ve been in the family photography business working with kids and families all over Bergen County for 9+ years.   Not to sound cocky but I do believe that I know my stuff – I know how to create technically solid images images, connect with people and capture connections and moments people want to preserve; I have lots of tricks on how to bring out kids personalities and make sessions fun.  Yet I firmly believe that no matter how much you think you know there is always room to grow and learn more..

I’ve been taking photography workshops for years and I try to go to one photography related conference/workshop at least once a year.  This year my love of learning took me down to New Orleans to the Family Narrative conference – designed specifically for family photographers.  If you are part of the photography world you know that while there are a whole lot of events dedicated to wedding photographers, family photography does not get that great representation.  So I was thrilled to be going to a conference specifically designed for family photographer.  And as if that was not enough, I was going to spend  almost a whole week with one of my photog besties in one of the coolest cities with amazing food and even better music.  I signed up for it back in May 2017 and was waiting eagerly for March 2018 when all this exciting stuff was scheduled to take place.

The Family Narrative did not disappoint: I’ve met many super talented ladies (and a few gents) and watched great photographers do their magic; I’ve was inspired by people’s stories (tears were shed) and felt refreshed and energized; I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks for my sessions and got a few great business ideas; I shared some of my best practices and learnt what others did.   But my favorite part of the workshop was the relationships I’ve built – I got to hang out with so many amazing, kind, supportive people who opened up and listened to each other and shared their journeys and encouraged one another and who are just oh-so-loving and plain nice!  Not to sound corny but it really was a very special experience.

But learning (four full days of it) was not all I did down in New Orleans.  My friend Jaye and I went all over the place and took a whole lot of pictures, ate many beignets and even more oysters; we went to great restaurants and listened to a lot of amazing music (Preservation Hall in French Quarter is a MUST for any jazz lovers), took a unicorn carriage ride and met a lot of interesting people, took a cemetery tour and a ghost tour (no ghosts were encountered at either one), caught Mardi Gras beads and marched in a parade, laughed till we cried and and experimented with our cameras – we did it all!  And now that I’ve got a taste of what New Orleans has to offer I cannot wait to go back!

Trips like these are so good for the soul and I am one lucky girl that I am able to do what I love to do, meet awesome people and see cool places – and I have photography to thank for that!

P.S. scroll down for practical info including restaurants and tours.

Practical Info

Hotel

Lodging was included as part of the conference so we just extended our stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel. This hotel is in the Garden District, which is not as touristy as French Quarter but very picturesque.

Restaurants

We are at a lot of great place – here are a few of our favorites:

Emeril’ Delmonico – walking distance from our hotel and oh-so-good.  I would describe it as creative Creole cuisine – great food and service and pretty nice atomosphere

Drago’s – went there as per recommendation of our Uber driver.  It was super crowded but we sat at the bar and had oysters and they were so good!

Bourbon House – more seating at the bar and eating oysters took place there.

Willa Jean – apparently Beyonce and Jay-Z go there when they are down in Nola so I figured if it is good enough for them it is good enough for me.  It was pretty good:)

Maypop – aisian fusion – I think this was my favorite place we’ve been to in New Orleans – every dish we had was so creative and bursting with flavors – definitely on par with the best NYC restaurants.

Tours

Haunted History Tours – their ghost tour was pretty good

Music

Preservation Hall – you gotta check it out!  You can purchase premier tickets online but they sell out days in advance; we ended up waiting in line and were able to get in.  They have a bunch of shows throughout the day.

The Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchmans street – really great music!