Fine Art Photography

The New Orleans French Quarter is one of several areas of the city that has a concentration of galleries for paintings, sculpture, and fine art photography. People seem to think of photography in terms as portraits, or weddings, rather than as fine art, and too often refer to them just as "pictures". There are a number of galleries in the French Quarter that deal exclusively with fine art photography.

On Chartres Street is Bassetti Fine Art Photographs. Bassetti displays exquisite photographs that depict, again, New Orleans nostalgia, the human character, and other subjects. I was particularly struck by a photograph of a musician in front of "The Little Rumbuggie", a lower 9th ward establishment that I remember, though it is now long gone.

A Gallery for Fine Photography has been in business for over 25 years, and is presently located on Royal Street. A Gallery deals exclusively with original and limited edition photographs, and will buy, sell or trade original work. They also maintain a schedule of exhibitions featuring affiliated photographers. On display are photos depicting the human spirit, famous personalities, artistic nudes, and images of "real life", by notable photographers. A Gallery is the first that I've seen to have a live web cam in their display space.

Johnny Donnels Fine Art Photography, owned by Johnny Donnels, has been located on St. Peter Street, again, just one block from Jackson Square, for as long as I can remember. It is a small gallery, since real estate in that part of the French Quarter is at a premium. Inside, you will see fine art photos that present the essence of New Orleans and the French Quarter.