Driving into New Orleans is something I have done many times over. After years of being on the road with theatrical productions, I have had the privilege on several occasions of working the Historic Saenger Theater. (A fantastic theater, on the National Register of Historic Places). It has been a while though, and making this drive was like visiting an old friend. Anyone who has driven into N'Awlins knows the wonderful bouncebouncebounce of the highway in and out of town.
I met up with the dancers at the gates to Jackson Square on Decatur Street. We filed for our permit to shoot here, so anywhere in the Quarter we were good to go for. Now you might be saying, "Hold on a minute there, skippy. I thought this project was all about national parks. The French Quarter is NOT a national park. Whatup with that?"
Well, while not a national park, the entire Quarter is designated as a national historic landmark, and therefore stays within the spirit of what we are doing. So there! PPPBBBBLLLLTTTTTT!!!
My wife says I'm four years old at heart. I'd say that's accurate.
Anyhow, we wandered the streets of the Quarter, doing our photos in between the artists, musicians, tarot card readers, and those who may or may not have had one to many drinks. And of course, we ended up on Bourbon Street. But as we had minors with us, we made sure to stay in an area clear of any of the more mature subject matter. As per usual, I ended laying in the street, trying really hard not to think about what has happened there before, and to not inhale too deeply, either. Some smells you just can't wash away, you know what I'm saying?
How many other folks would actually lay down in the middle of Bourbon Street? I really needed a shower when we were done with THIS session!
The Louisiana dancers unfortunately did not get the opportunity to meet The Mighty Buford, as I had to have him parked in a garage. Street parking is not really possible in the Quarter, especially not in the afternoon. But it was a great afternoon, and after a good night's sleep I'll be driving up to Mississippi to prepare for our sunrise session in the Cypress Swamp on the Natchez Trace Parkway. See the New Orleans photos in the gallery HERE. Thanks for following along!