Going to New Orleans

[david b]

I leave tomorrow for New Orleans. Do we have any members down there?

I am going specifically to photographic to progress of the reconstruction. I am meeting a photo.net member there on Thursday who is giving me a bit of a tour.

Any suggestions? Any advice?

(ps...I plan on watching the superbowl in the french quarter somewhere.)

 

[John Simmons]

David, make sure you go check out "A Gallery For Fine Photography". It's right in the french quarter and is a great place to go look at photographs. The address and phone number is below. I believe that another photography gallery also opened next door as well.

241 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 568-1313

 

[david b]

No members in NOLA or Biloxi? Really?

 

[agGNOME]

Living a couple of hours away from NOLA now but, I was born and raised there...always will consider it home. I saw this thread earlier and was going to suggest you go see some live local music (not necessarily at the "tourist clubs";Places like Maple Leaf, DBA, Cafe Brasil are better bets).
Kermit Ruffins would be great to catch, though I couldn't find any listings for him this coming week. I hope you enjoy your stay. Let me know if I can help in any way, or make suggestions. Cameron

 

[Dorothy Blum Cooper]

I live just north of New Orleans...in fact, we'll be there today.

If you're going specifically to photograph the rebuilding or ruins left from Hurricane Katrina...be forewarned. There are those who are receptive to observers or 'onlookers' and those who are not. With family and friends all around us still dealing with what's been left behind, frustrations and tempers can flare. There is still a problem with theft ("looting") so I'd stay clear of areas that have yet to be populated.

There are now tour-buses that are taking those who wish to 'see' the devastation, to the specific spots that were hit hardest. That might be an option for you and whoever you are meeting there. If going it on your own...just a word of advice. Be respectful and be careful!!!

A Gallery of Fine Art is a place to visit if you're looking to 'view' fine art photography. Should you need film supplies of any kind (or access to a darkroom) while in the Crescent City, be sure to go to The Darkroom in New Orleans. They're great!

Most of all, enjoy your stay here in the Big Easy!!!!!

 

[david b]

I am going to be very careful and "mindful" of my surroundings. I mean no harm and will walk away if I am told to do so.

I am lucky enough to have made contact with two NOLA photographers who are going to take me around. They both lost their homes, darkrooms, almost everything.

I will show the utmost respect. I promise.

 

[Dorothy Blum Cooper]

I am lucky enough to have made contact with two NOLA photographers who are going to take me around.

That's good that you'll have locals taking you around. It will make a world of difference.

They both lost their homes, darkrooms, almost everything.

There's plenty of that! You'll find a story at every stop. It's still overwhelming at times to still see the damage from a storm that left us over five months ago.

So many who have only seen the images through print or television say it's overwhelming once they actually 'see' it. I'm sure you'll get the same feeling.

We're supposed to have storms come through this evening and some tomorrow, but after that, you should have perfect weather for shooting.

Travel safe and enjoy!

 

[david b]

Hey everyone,
Well today was my first day in New Orleans and it was shocking. I met up with fellow apug sam portera who took us to the 9th Ward. Absolutely terrifying. I can't believe this is the USA. Unbelievable.

No photograph, mine or someone elses, could ever convey the sadness and sheer destruction that took place here. The sights in the 9th ward are simply unbelievable.

Homes moved in the streets or onto other houses or onto other cars. Cars flipped over. Washing machines in trees. Clothing everywhere. Shoes everywhere. Childrens toys everywhere.

Fortunately, the smell is gone but the mud/muck that is everywhere is incredibly slick and is filled with who-knows-what? The knee high rubber boots I bought have come in handy.

I could go on and on put will save that for another day.

More later.

 

[Dorothy Blum Cooper]

The images that people see of these areas just don't do justice until you're there. You should have seen it right after the storm. While only slightly, things have improved, but still a long, long way to go.

 

[david b]

Dorothy is right. Unless you have lived through something like this, you really have no idea. I didn't.

 

[Sportera]

Dorothy,

I can promise you the guys were respectful of the 9th ward. They want to keep our story alive and I am thankful for that. I get so used to seeing the destruction and as we pulled into the 9th ward David and Jake were speechless. Very emotional moment for me.

I think we met at the "Unexposed" show at NOMA. My wife and I loved your portraits.

We head to Lake view in the morning, I'm sure it will be just as shocking as today.

Sam

 

[Dorothy Blum Cooper]

Seems my original post was taken way beyond what I had stated. When David asked for 'advice or suggestions' on coming to New Orleans to photograph the destruction of the area...I did just that. Advised and suggested. Not realizing he was meeting up with anyone here, just thought I'd pass on what I know is bothersome to my friends and family in the affected areas (and me too!!). If you all think the 9th Ward is bad, you ought to see the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It's beyond sad!! It's still all so unbelievable at times.

Sam, as for meeting you...we've exhibited at NOMA on a few occasions for 'Underexposed' these last few years. I'm trying to remember when I met you as I was so fortunate to meet many other photographers and visitors/spectators there. Unfortunately, one year I was unable to attend, so my husband and daughter were there in my place with my work. These days I'm usually in New Orleans at least once a week, if not more. I thank you for your compliment on my work.

Hoping you all have an enjoyable visit there and that you didn't get too beat up by last nights weather. Stay safe on your journey to Lakeview!!

 

[david b]

Dorothy,
We will be in NO until Monday afternoon. Will you be around?

Today we are going to Lakeview and on Saturday we are driving out to Biloxi to photograph the trees on the beach.

The entire scene is so hard to believe. And then early Thursday morning, an F2 tornado hit Lakeview. Unbelievable.

 

[Sportera]

We had another productive emotional day. The guys are heading to Mississippi in the morning, I really would like to go but its looking like a no go for me. I really enjoyed the time we spent together these past two days. Jake and David are great guys and have great sympathy for what has happened to us here.I hope we stay in touch.

We viewed a fellow photogs house (Slydog on APUG) as he tries to put the peices back together. Its amazing that no matter where I go it all looks the same. Just layers of destruction in different degrees.

I can't wait to see the work produced over these last two days.

David and Jake, Good luck in Miss. Give me a call!

 

[david b]

I'm back in NM and have had some time to digest all that I experienced. It is a terrifying thought to think of all of you belongings and home could get washed away. I feel so sad for those folks down there. Each person I met had an amazing story to tell.

I still can't believe what I saw.

Anyway, I will be working on my negs tonight and tomorrow. Will post some work over the weekend.