Day one begins with a mid-afternoon meet-up at a location shared during the pre-workshop Zoom. After introductions, we’ll review how a scouting workshop works, discuss our goals for the week, and cover key shooting topics for New Orleans—working in mixed light, photographing architecture and details, and staying mobile while we explore. That evening we’ll head out for our first field session to scout a handful of high-potential locations for sunset and early night photography, focusing on finding compositions that feel distinctly “New Orleans.”

Days two and three will follow the rhythm that makes this city shine: early mornings and late afternoons/evenings, with a flexible plan that lets us chase the best light and adjust quickly based on what we discover. We’ll explore a mix of iconic scenes and lesser-known pockets, evaluating access, crowds, safety, and how each location photographs in real conditions. Mid-day is reserved for rest, image reviews, and optional coaching on editing, composition refinement, and building a cohesive set of images from a destination.

On day four we’ll transition to the Breaux Bridge/Lafayette area and begin scouting South Louisiana’s slower, more atmospheric side—cypress, water, fog (when we get it), and the quiet glow of sunrise and sunset. We’ll test a short list of promising swamp/bayou and cultural locations, paying close attention to timing, logistics, and how to create strong, clean compositions in a visually complex environment. We may drop by the Raine, LA Frog Festival for some local fun and flavor. Day five wraps with a trip to a zydeco breakfast brunch complete with great food and local musicians. In between bites we’ll be able to photography some great dancers “cuttin’ a rug.” We’ll make our way back to New Orleans to drop everyone off at the airport. While driving back we’ll do a group debrief where we’ll map out what worked best and start shaping the future “signature” itinerary this scouting trip is designed to create.