Exploring NOLA/ Oct. 15-17th, 2025
- 3 days
- 7-12
- Usa
Join Us for an Unforgettable Photography Workshop with 2X Pulitzer Prize-Winner Essdras M. Suarez
Designed with photographers in mind, this workshop will explore various photography genres, including Street Photography, Travel Photography, Portrait Photography, and Nighttime Photography. Whether you’re capturing serendipitous street moments or timeless portraits, this workshop will help you:
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Visit Jackson Square & the iconic Café du Monde – Capture the energy of this historic hub while indulging in New Orleans’ famous beignets.
🏛 Explore the French Quarter – Photograph its stunning architecture and European charm, rich with history and character.
🌊 Walk along the Mississippi River – Find inspiration in the same waters that fueled Mark Twain’s stories.
🎭 Discover the whimsical Mardi Gras Museum (“The Float Cemetery”) – A behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind NOLA’s famous parades.
🌆 Photograph Bourbon Street’s nightlife – Neon lights, lively characters, and endless energy make for unforgettable street photography.
🐊 Swamp-boat adventure – Glide through the bayou, capturing its unique wildlife and eerie beauty.
🏡 Visit a Southern plantation – Step into history and document the grandeur and stories of a bygone era.
🎺 Capture the essence of Louis Armstrong Park – A tribute to jazz legends and the heartbeat of NOLA’s music scene.
🚢 Farewell dinner aboard a New Orleans steamboat – Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Mississippi one last time.
📸 BONUS: Post-Workshop Zoom Review – One month later, reconnect with fellow travelers, review everyone’s captures, and receive my constructive feedback on your images.
| Date: | Oct. 15-17th, 2025 |
| Participants: | Min 7 – Max 12 |
| Workshop Cost: | $1,420 |
| Save your spot: | $320 |
(The “Save Your Spot” payment is non-refundable but fully transferable to any other program or service offered by EMS PA within 364 days from the program’s start date)
Final Payment Deadline Aug. 10th, 2025
(We’re excited about this upcoming workshop and fully committed to making it happen! So, if we don’t reach our minimum of seven participants, we’d still love to offer you the program. With six participants, you’ll have the option to pay a $200 premium; if we have only five, the premium would be $284—and so on.
While our workshops are designed to ensure individual attention even at full capacity, smaller groups naturally offer even more opportunities for personalized guidance and one-on-one time with your instructor.)
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
OVERVIEW & Daily Itinerary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with 2X Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and long-time instructor Essdras M Suarez! This workshop was thoughtfully designed with you in mind, blending creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning to elevate your photography skills. Whether you’re passionate about street photography, portraits, or travel photography, this workshop offers something special for everyone.
What You’ll Gain:
- Master how to document the spirit of a place and its people—whether through candid street moments or engaging portraits.
- Learn how to capture the essence of history, architecture, and culture in every shot.
- Take your street, documentary, and travel photography to new heights through practical insights and real-time feedback.
No fancy gear required! You’ll discover new mobile photography tips to make the most of whatever camera you have.
Why New Orleans?
- We’ve chosen a midweek schedule (Wednesday-Friday) to avoid the weekend crowds, giving you more space and time to explore.
- New Orleans is perfect for photographers—its attractions are close together, making it easy to experience the city on foot.
- You’ll enjoy a mix of urban scenes and natural beauty, topped off with a memorable tour of a local plantation.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to the Heart of NOLA
- Morning: Start at Jackson Square, with a stop at the iconic Café du Monde and a chance to capture world-class street performers.
- Late Morning: Wander through the French Quarter, immersing yourself in its distinctive architecture and European charm.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the Mississippi River, documenting scenes that capture the essence of Mark Twain’s inspiration.
- Evening: Get ready for a surprise activity to cap off the day!
Day 2 – History Through a New Lens
- Morning: Begin at Jackson Square before heading to Metairie Cemetery, home to historic mausoleums and powerful visual stories.
- Late Morning: Explore the whimsical Mardi Gras Museum, or as Essdras fondly calls it, “The Float Cemetery.”
- Optional Evening Activity: If you’re up for it, join us to photograph the vibrant Bourbon Street at night, capturing neon lights and the lively characters that make it unforgettable.
- Day 3 – Journeys
- Morning: Meet at a designated spot for a shuttle to the Whitney Plantation. (Tour duration: 3 hours)
- Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll visit Louis Armstrong Park to photograph this iconic site and reflect on NOLA’s cultural heritage.
Bonus: Zoom Photo Review Session
A month after the workshop, we’ll reconnect via Zoom to review participant photos. Whether you choose to share anonymously or take ownership, this is a chance to gain personalized feedback from Essdras. Seeing the different perspectives each of you brought to the same locations will make this an enriching experience you won’t forget.
What’s Included:
- Three exciting days of on-location photography instruction and guidance with Essdras M. Suarez
- Tour of Whitney Plantation (in the event this plantation is not available a suitable replacement will be chosen.)
- Charles Street trolley tickets/ Three-day Jazzy pass for unlimited car rides
- Farewell dinner aboard a riverboat
What’s not included:
- Transportation to and from New Orleans
- Lodging (however we can recommend hotels for you to stay while in NOLA)
- Meals, except for the farewell dinner.
- Any extra personal expenses incurred during the workshop dates.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
