Welcome to this year’s 21st annual PhotoNOLA Festival of photography here in New Orleans. PhotoNOLA celebrates photography the month of December throughout the city with exhibitions, artist talks and workshops. A portfolio review, PhotoBOOK Fair and educational programming will take place December 02-06th.
Opening Night at NOMA
Wednesday, December 02 | New Orleans Museum of Art | NOMA Auditorium, City Park | 1 Collins Diboll Circle
Join us to open the 21st PhotoNOLA Festival, we will have:
5:30 – a gallery walkthrough
6:30-7:30 – a panel on women in photography, moderated by Emilia Mickevicius, Assistant Curator, Center for Creative Photography
7:30 – a catalogue signing
Presented in partnership with the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA).
Thursday Keynote Lecture with Sharon Farmer
Thursday, December 03 | (TBA)
The night begins with a Patron Reception, followed by a keynote lecture by Sharon Farmer at (tba). Sharon Camille Farmer is an American photographer. She was the first African-American woman to be hired as a White House photographer and the first African American and first female to be Director of the White House Photography office.
Following the keynote, the Black & White Gala (7:30–10:30 PM) — with an evening of live music, food, drinks, and a curated auction in support of the New Orleans Photo Alliance.
Guests may also attend the Patron Party (6:30–7:30 PM) for early access and mingling with artists, curators, and sponsors.
This year’s events are presented with generous support from the Feinman Foundation and mark a milestone 20th anniversary for PhotoNOLA.
Schedule
6:30–7:30 PM — Patron Party
7:00–8:15 PM — Music by (tbd) followed by the Keynote Lecture with Sharon Farmer at (tba)
7:30–10:30 PM — Black & White Gala at (tba)
Dress Code: Black & White — Cocktail or Artist Funky
Tickets: Festival Pass ($50, includes Keynote) • Gala Ticket ($100, sold separately)
All proceeds support the New Orleans Photo Alliance and PhotoNOLA’s year-round exhibitions, education, and community programming.
Friday Night at the Ogden Museum: CURRENTS + PhotoWALK
Friday, December 04 | 5:30 PM-9:00 PM Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Spend Friday evening immersed in photography at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
Begin with a curator-led walkthrough of TBD at 5:30 with Richard McCabe, followed by the opening of CURRENTS 2026 and a curator talk with Bill Boling at 6:30 PM.
The night culminates in the PhotoWALK 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM— featuring work by photographers from PhotoNOLA’s Portfolio Reviews, Book Publishers and Sponsors. Meet the artists, explore and take home new work and photo books.
Saturday Highlights: PhotoBOOK Fair, Citywide Exhibition Openings
Saturday, December 05 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Ogden Museum of Southern Art – Patrick F. Taylor Library + venues citywide + 4th Wall
Begin your day at the PhotoBOOK Fair at the Ogden Museum’s Patrick F. Taylor Library, featuring independent publishers, photobook launches, and artist signings and presentations.
Later, join us for citiwide exhibitions in venues across New Orleans. Reconnect and celebrate at the official PhotoNOLA closing party at (tbd).
Sunday: The 2025 Jules L. Cahn John H. Lawrence Photography Lectureseries + Community Gathering
Sunday, December 06 | 1:00–4:00 PM I Presented in partnership with The Historic New Orleans Collection
Wrap up PhotoNOLA Festival with the annual Jules L. Cahn John H. Lawrence Lecture, exploring the theme “New Orleans in the ’90s.” This special program reflects on the city’s photographic life before the digital era — from fine art and photojournalism to the community snapshots that captured everyday culture before Hurricane Katrina.
The afternoon will feature conversations with photographers, curators, and journalists who documented and shaped this pivotal time in New Orleans’ visual history, followed by a relaxed reception and community photo sharing.
Presented in partnership with The Historic New Orleans Collection, supported by the Cahn Family
