Weddings
Second Line Photography
15–30 MINUTES · BRASS BAND, PARASOLS, HANDKERCHIEFS, AND THE STREET
The second line is the part of a New Orleans wedding that guests from out of town talk about for a decade. The doors open, the band steps off, and a private event becomes a public one — with strangers on the sidewalk cheering people they have never met.
Second Line Parades are also some of the challenging photography we do. The light is whatever the street is doing, the crowd almost always moves faster than they need to, and there is exactly one take. Photographing it well requires experience and lots of technical skill. Knowing the choreography: where the band forms up, where it stalls, which corner opens into a beautiful scene, and when to turn around and shoot the crowd behind the band as well as the band and the curious, happy onlookers.
Marc Pagani Photography has shot hundreds of these special parades that were born in New Orleans. We know how to capture the fun, the chaos, the light, the band, the participants, and the magic of a New Orleans Second Line Parade and we do it artfully and professionally. We wanna be in that number!
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Logistics
Second Line Questions
- HOW LONG SHOULD A SECOND LINE BE?
- If it's for a wedding, it's usually immediately after the recessional, while the ceremony energy is still up — or as the exit from the reception. What it should never do is collide with the last good light if couple portraits are not already made. Second Lines for any other occasion really happen at any time of the day.
- Do you need a permit for a second line in New Orleans?
- Any route that uses the street requires a City of New Orleans parade permit, and police escort requirements depend on the route. Most bands and planners handle the filing; it is worth confirming who is doing it rather than assuming.
- What happens if it rains?
- New Orleans rain is usually short, violent and then gone. Every session gets a rain plan built in advance: an interior portrait location or a covered location option. Umbrellas photograph well, and a courtyard after a storm is actually prettier than a courtyard before one.
Reviews
What Clients Say
“He was an amazing photographer and captured the moment of my engagement seamlessly, I will def reccomend him to others.”
“We were so incredibly happy with Marc's work as our wedding photographer. He has an amazing artistic eye and was able to capture so many incredible candid moments throughout the wedding. He's also a clear and efficient communicator for portrait shots. He added a wonderful energy that fit in perfectly in our wedding and was always friendly and professional”
“Mark was great to work with and was able to get unique, creative and iconic shots of my son’s wedding. An incredible experience! We actually had one of our favorite but now retiredphotographers review several photographers we looked at, and he recommended Marc hands down. We wanted black and white, candid photo journalistic shots, and he delivered big time. Very pleased. A true professional with the eyes an artist.”
“Marc did a wonderful job capturing the vibe of our destination wedding in NOLA. He was on time and went above and beyond. I highly recommend!”
“I can't say enough great things about the professionalism and quality of work. I chose Marc for my NOLA wedding with second line from his online portfolio and he delivered. On the day, if I'd been in my right mind I would have pointed out the specific parents and asked for a single group shot at Pat'O Brian's. That said, I had a near perfect day that was stress free and so much fun. In part to Marc's vigilance and assistance (plus none of pics I didn't think to ask for would be wall hanging so it's no real loss). Also my niece who is a photog like myself commented on the quality of the day and night work Marc produced. I told her that's why I chose him and he delivered. Also the portrait of my husband is the best he's gotten done. Thanks for making him look like him. I can't say enough great things about Marc's work and the photos. I highly recommend.”
“Used Marc on several occasions. My favorite, by far, was when he took my bridal photos. Very professional, great artistic eye, excellent communication, and overall just a nice guy! Will do business with again!”