Intentional family photography in New Orleans

My work is intentional, resulting in honest, heartfelt & meaningful memories.

You could choose any New Orleans family photographer, but here, it will always be deeper than just a picture. I pour so much passion into every session, from beginning to end.

Being a nurse for more than a decade has continually reminded me how fleeting life can be. I’ve seen firsthand just how important it is to hold onto the moments that matter most.

Building trust & making people feel comfortable is at the forefront of what I do. Most people worry they will feel awkward in front of the camera. My job is to put you at ease & enjoy our time together, always. You deserve a photographer that cares & wants to document your family effortlessly.

Along the way, my hope is to serve you & your family without the usual rush or overwhelm that often comes with family sessions. We’ll take our time, lean into connection & embrace the natural rhythm of your family. Every session is guided by movement, play & presence—so it feels more like time with your people than a formal photo shoot. Feel free to view my work here.

The emotional & sentimental worth is quite invaluable. When I’m behind the camera, I can’t help but think about the fleeting moments I get to document for you. The small details that might seem ordinary now—as time passes, all of these things become deeply meaningful.

This is why I’m passionate about the storytelling & authentic images I create. It’s not about just having pictures—it’s all the little details that bring us joy too. The real moments.

No matter which session you book, you can expect a fun & relaxed time—without the usual rush & overwhelm. Sessions are not constricted to a time limit but typically last up to 1 hour.

*Newborn session times may vary.

The session fee is due at the time of booking. Once paid, your session will be placed on the calendar. The remaining balance will be due (7) days before your session.

It’s important to me that every photograph in your gallery gets the attention it deserves, so I never want to rush the editing process. Your final gallery will be made available around 2.5-3 weeks after your session.

You will receive your very best photographs from your session—no having to pick a few of your favorites. It’s your family—your memories.

Images edited with true-to-life colors. Black & white photographs—rich in feeling to highlight emotion, depth, & honest storytelling.

My sessions are not about giving you an overwhelming number of photographs to sort through. I deliver your very best images.

The approach to my work is intentional. Rather than documenting rushed & surface level moments, I focus on the deep, heartfelt connections—the way your child reaches for your hand, the laughter that fills your home, the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed. Those are the kind of photographs I create.

Though each session is different, I created this space for unhurried & genuine photographs. After your session, you will receive a thoughtfully curated gallery of images, filled with intention.

Here, it’s not about how many images you receive, but how deeply they make you feel.

I'm here to offer as much or as little styling guidance as you need. My goal is to make sure everyone feels confident, comfortable, & most importantly like themselves. I’m happy to assist with choosing colors & textures for your session.

As a mom + former pediatric nurse, I have years of experience with kids of all ages.

I also know firsthand, how difficult it can be to find a family photographer that can not only take meaningful photographs but also has the patience it requires when documenting kids.

Check out my blog post with tips on how to prepare your toddler.

Absolutely! Our homes hold so much beauty + memories for us all. I love documenting the heart, soul & comfortability of what in-home sessions provide.

Absolutely. With my background in pediatric nursing, I understand the unique needs & challenges families with special needs children may face. I take a thoughtful & flexible approach to ensure your family feels comfortable throughout your session.

Whether your child needs extra time, sensory accommodations, or a slower pace — I'm here to provide a relaxed & supportive session. Please inquire with me about any specific needs or concerns, so I can best support your family.

Newborns sessions can be scheduled at a few days old or 6 weeks old. Some parents love photographing the newness of their brand new baby, while some parents need a couple of weeks to rest. Sessions take place in-home.

As a former pediatric nurse, you can feel at ease having me as your newborn photographer. I'm a big believer in bringing honor to life's sweetest moments by documenting them with intention & care.

I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28-34 weeks, when your bump is showing, but you’re still feeling relatively comfortable. This way, you can enjoy your session without possible discomfort or exhaustion. Do not hesitate to openly communicate with me about your maternity session.

Yes! You can purchase your photographs through your online gallery. All prints & keepsakes are shipped directly to your home.

We will work together to find another date!

Yes! While I’m based in New Orleans, I happily travel to nearby areas like Metairie, Kenner, Chalmette, Northshore & beyond. If you’re looking for a family photographer near New Orleans, let’s chat about your family session.

I know how important it is to find the best New Orleans family photographer for your family. I also know that investing in photographs has different meanings for us all. If you have more questions about my approach or anything specific to your family — please do not hesitate to inquire with Payne & Co.