Fire Breathing @ Pravda
The last time I photographed Matt (the guy with the Mad top-hat) breathing fire, it was on the side of the road in the bywater district. I knew this time was going to be different because it was at Pravda, but I didn't expect much beyond the location. I was pleasantly surprised to find a whole crew of fire people, a storyboard, and a three-part production awaiting me when I arrived.
How did they know.
And I got to meet Lea (the cool girl with the fire-whip), who, when I asked to take her portrait, promptly replied with what's-your-name-and-do-I-get-a-copy.
It was: Joe and yes.
...
Fire.
Who Dats GOT dat
This was both comical and a little sad.
But with six people in a LeBaron, this much booze, and one man in drag, you had to see this coming.
All in all, this is just another part of Mardi Gras. What cracks me up is that this guys was so drunk he made no attempt to hide!
Behind the Scenes with Que Duong
Last week, I was on the set with Que Duong, a local fashion photographer in the process of transitioning to New York. Que's great to work with and has a great vision. To see more of his work, check out his work here.
Wardrobe by Veronica Schofield; makeup by Ashley Merritt; modeling by Jamyle McCelland; shirts sponsored by Ayo Scott; and house, courtesy of Arthur Rogers.
Here are a few behind the scene shots:
Whaaaat. Right. The Saints.
Last night I drove home dodging effervescent Drew Brees clad New Orleanians dancing in the streets as passerbyers slowed to honk in celebration. Apparently, no car roofs were off limits.
Fireworks began echoing about 3 minutes before the Saints won and continued on well into the night, long after I had fallen asleep.
Earlier that day, Katie and I agreed it was necessary to document the celebrations going on in the French Quarter, which happend to include a few parades, as well. At this point, the Saints hadn't won yet, but I don't think there was much doubt in anyone's mind that they would. After all, with that much alcohol who had room left for doubt?
Good times:
And my favorite:
Regular Life
The other day I was wondering through the French Quarter taking pictures of "regular life."
Or, as regular as it can be.
P.S. The church was just outside the French Quarter.
The Balsa Wood Flyers’ last stand
For the last ten years, the Balsa Wood Flyers have been a signature sound in the landscape of the New Orleans music scene. Saturday night at the Kerry Irish Pub on Decatur, they played their last show, encore and all. It was an emotional night for a lot of people--those who had been there in the beginning, as well as those who've just come along in recent years.
Founding members include Paul Tobin and Lee and Heidi Campbell, who were all present. My cousin, Holli, shed more than a few tears as she recounted memories of being five-years-old and sitting with her Dad, Lee, in their living room writing songs. More than a band, the BWF have become a long thread in the sound of New Orleans' Americana music.
Also playing last night was BWF-regular Tom Campbell on drums and Kevin Specht, an amazing guitarist in anyone's right, hashing out lead guitar.
The first time I saw Tom in action was before the Storm at a Christmas Eve party. In New Orleans it's a musical tradition to get together in somebodies living room, drink lots of wine, and play until the morning. By the time I had arrived, Tom had already put back a few glasses of some very fine boxed wine, but that was far from the end of it. In the next few hours, I don't know where he put it all, but with every song came a fresh glass, and with every glass a new, louder and wilder Tom emerged. I started feeling sorry for the drums he was pounding, but as I write this, I think back knowing I wouldn't trade those memories for anything.
Pulling myself out of this revelry, I remind myself, it's not all over. The music is still alive and evolving, if no longer under the BWF label, it exists in the different members pressing on in their own ways. But until it surfaces again, here are some pictures of their last show I'm proud to have been able to capture.
Carols in Jackson Square: The Natives
This past Sunday was the night when everyone gets together in Jackson Square to sing Christmas carols. Ultimately, pictures of that amount to a mass of people holding little candles and standing with their mouths open. That's lovely, but I decided to focus on the natives that often blend into the scenery of the French Quarter.
Enjoy!
It's true; I would be remis if I did not show the carolers.
If perhaps you’re starting to wonder…
what's the point of my blog?
Well, you're not alone. I've wondered that very same thing. Sometimes almost hourly. But in the mean time, as it grows and settles into its own niche, I think it's safe to say for now, a Day in the Life, of Joe: pictures, music (Tuesdays), people, and all sorts of other random stuff.
Friday I went to Lee's French Quarter apartment to pick up some files for work. He told me to bring my camera because he had just finished his latest piece of art, and I like to document it.
To set the scene he lives on Royal Street in one of those hidden courtyards known only by the black, iron gate smudged between two buildings. I told him, one day I want to do a full photographic walk-through of his house because of all the unique little (and big) eccentricities. But for now, here are just a few shots (including his room that is completely covered, ceiling to floor, in old albums!).
On my way home I did a pap (uh, paparazzi, that is). I took a couple pictures of Nicolas Cage's used-to-be French Quarter house.
And later that night Sam and I went rock climbing with Will and the First Baptist Church's youth group. In case you don't know, rock climbing is awesome and next time you need to be there with us! Not even playin'.
The Willis Fam!
Yesterday afternoon I had the chance to do some family shots with Brent, Kristie, (and Cade!). It was a blast--with cool, walking weather and beautiful, late-afternoon sunlight, we parked our cars and took a stroll down Chartres Street.
Here are some of my favs!
