New Orleans: A Pre Mardi Gras Photography Workshop
February 3-8, 2026
New Orleans pulses with history, music, color, and soul. From moss-draped oaks and silent cemeteries to graffiti-splashed streets, Mardi Gras floats in creation, and swamp-water reflections — the city offers contrasts and textures that beg to be photographed. Visiting just before Mardi Gras adds an extra layer of energy, creativity, and local color to everything you’ll see.
Instructor: MIndy Véissid
Early February is a special moment in New Orleans. The city is preparing for Mardi Gras, and small signs of celebration appear everywhere — decorated houses, bead-covered trees, musicians on street corners, and float-building studios in full motion. This workshop brings you into that atmosphere with a creative approach to photographing the city’s neighborhoods, architecture, culture, and natural landscapes.
Who Can Join?
Whether you're a novice seeking to improve your skills or an experienced photographer looking for fresh inspiration, this journey is designed to elevate your photography while fostering cultural exchange and personal growth. All cameras including Smartphones are welcome. Non photographers are also welcome.
Itinerary
February 3rd: Welcome to New Orleans
After checking into your accommodations, you’ll have free time to wander and get acquainted with the neighborhood around your hotel.
Group welcome dinner in the evening.
February 4th: Historic French Quarter Tour + Bywater & Press Street Street Art
The day begins with a class session on intuitive photography, followed by a guided historical walking tour of the French Quarter, where you can photograph architectural details and the unique character of this part of the city.
In the afternoon, the group will wall to the Bywater and Press Street corridor to explore its murals, graffiti, and industrial textures — a strong contrast to the morning’s architecture.
February 5th: Mardi Gras Float Warehouses + Optional Evening Jazz Walk
In the morning, you’ll have a behind-the-scenes visit to the Mardi Gras float-building studios, offering access to sculptures, props, and the creative work behind parade season.
The afternoon is open for personal exploration, shopping, rest, or editing.
An optional evening walk to Frenchmen Street is available for those who would like to photograph live music and nighttime street scenes.
February 6th: Plantation Tour + Swamp Tour
Full-day excursion.
The morning includes a visit to a historic plantation, followed by an afternoon swamp tour through cypress groves and quiet waterways.
Return to New Orleans in the late afternoon.
February 7th: Flexible Morning + Editing Session
The morning is open for individual exploration or revisiting favorite areas.
If available, participants may join a visit to a local mask or costume-making studio preparing for Carnival.
The afternoon offers free time or an editing session and image review for those interested.
February 8th: Farewell and Departures
All good things must come to an end and our photographic journey concludes today.
In the days leading up to Mardi Gras, New Orleans feels alive in a different way. Houses begin to turn into “house floats,” porches are draped in purple, green, and gold, and musicians warm up for the weeks ahead. Even without the major parades, the city offers a lively, spirited backdrop that adds depth, color, and spontaneity to your photographs.
✔ What’s included:
All activities mentioned above
Welcome dinner
Daily guidance and instruction with Mindy
Transportation to/from Airport
✘ Not Included
Airfare
Hotel
Meals (other than those mentioned above)
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Suggested lodging in the French Quarter:
Hotel Monteleone
https://www.hotelmonteleone.com/
French Market Inn
https://www.frenchmarketinn.com/
Hyatt Centric French Quarter
Your Investment
$1,775
To pay with Venmo, Zelle or check please contact us.
Click ‘Join Us’ button for credit card payment.
Space is limited to only 6 students. Grab your spot now before it’s too late!
Activity Level: easy/moderate - there will be walking on uneven streets
Instructor: Mindy Véissid
Mindy is an innovative, award-winning international fine art photographer, founder of Art of Intuitive Photography, a boutique photography school in NYC, and an educator.
Her approach to photography focuses on using intuition, vulnerability and trust to show a deeper sense of who she is and what she sees. Mindy's intention is that her photos tell a story or a poem, guiding the viewer deeper into her image to show that's it's ok to be who you are, to trust yourself and your body (intuition). Mindy's photos have been exhibited in the US and Europe and have been published in various magazines and websites.
Mindy started teaching her Art of Intuitive Photography classes and workshops in 2010. In her classes she helps her students trust their intuition and creativity providing a fun and experiential approach to photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
You should fly into Lous Armstrong Airport (MSY).
What is your cancellation policy?
There is a nonrefundable deposit of $500 to hold your spot.
The full balance is due by January 15th, 2026. If you are not paid in full by then, we reserve the right to offer your spot to our waiting list or the public, and to retain your deposit.
Cancellation: In the event you need to cancel your trip after your full balance is paid, you will not be refunded. You are welcome to sell or give your ticket to another person. In the event that we have a waiting list we will try to fill your spot with a person from that list.
Travel Insurance: We request that you get travel insurance.. We have used Allianz travel in the past. https://www.allianz.com/en.html
In the case of acts of God, war, disaster, pandemic, border closure or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to retain your fees and reschedule or make any necessary changes to the trip. Because there is planning on our and the hotel’s part, rescheduling the trip is the best option.
Can I reach out to you with more questions?
Absolutely! Please contact us.