Most of our participants met in the hotel lobby to walk a few blocks to a jazz brunch. While we were seated right away, the lines for the food were long. After all, this was the long weekend leading up to Martin Luther King Day, and the crowds were in town.
It was lovely, though, sitting in the sun, engaging in conversation and sharing laughs, the mellow jazz trio right by us.
Arnie and I wanted our group to see some really good photography at one of the best photo galleries in the country, the A Gallery. We enjoyed watching the group take in all the photography, both modern and classic. No “just another pretty postcards” here! For part of our group, it was quite an eye-opener. The others, who have been exposed to a wide range of photography and the history thereof, were still interested and impressed.
After a while, we headed off to shoot in a quieter area of town. Of course, there was much photography along the way, as there were shop windows, mimes, the general street scene, musical group after musical group. And some of the music is GOOD! Doreen Ketchens, whom we had heard yesterday, was back in her spot. Her husband and daughter also played along with a man who clearly was not a member of the family. The audience was mesmerized, even the littlest one in her Mardi Gras tutu who later stood up and twirled around in perfect time to the music.
We encouraged those who were with us at that point, to get up close and personal. They gathered more courage and ventured closer and closer for ever-better shots.
Arnie and I darted in here and there, showing them by example what one might do. Then we’d send them back to redo a shot and make it stronger and more effective. It should be noted that here in New Orleans, as well as other locations throughout the world, street performers treat their “acts” as real jobs, at least the good ones do. This is, in fact, how they earn part of their living, and if you photograph them, it is customary to add a dollar or two to the hat. For musicians, buying a CD is a nice way to say, “Thank you.” Our group was armed with one-dollar bills.
Meanwhile, everyone enjoyed the great music.
As people showed their appreciation by contributing to the hat, Doreen geared up, pouring her soul even more into her music. It was magical!
We continued on our way to our late-afternoon destination, getting there in time to catch the light.
A French clarinetist was really good, playing to a very appreciative audience.
Eventually, after much photography by our group, along with their contributing tot he hat by way of thanks, we headed down the street for dinner at a local tapas bar, New Orleans style.
“Anything is fair game for a photograph,” I told the group while showing them an example. “Use those little toys Arnie gave you to add light to your subject. Work it!”
As we were leaving the restaurant, who should walk in and start playing, but our French musician! And later, as we left the area, he was playing a set in yet another restaurant bar with yet another group.
We walked back to the hotel, making many stops for photographs here and there.
“Something caught my eye, and I did the classic double take and returned for a shot, showing those who were with us different effects one could capture. This one came from one of the many alleys, some more elegant than others.
It was time to pack it in. We told the group we would meet at 7:00 and head for a charming area a few blocks from us, an area that Arnie and I had photographed twice thus far this trip.
One of our group had been keeping track of how far she had walked. She noted over four miles, but I don’t know if that took into account that she and another alumnus had arrived at our late-afternoon location in a bicycle rickshaw!
Next: Charming architecture and a visit to the bayou.
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