NEW ORLEANS + EARLY SUMMER ON FILM

This place is so special. I love our family and our unique heritage! The Nola culture is like no other. It’s rich and diverse, and there is always a friendly face around every corner trying to make you feel at home. The locals don’t know a stranger, and they never cease to show the most genuine hospitality to anyone and everyone. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it is chaotic in so many ways, however, the love doesn’t seem to fail. There is a very special zeal and enthusiasm that is hard to find in many other cultures. The selfless hospitality continues to blossom as each and every person looks for new ways to serve their neighbor. There is always so much to be gleaned from our time there, so much to take in and live out. So much love to share. The New Orleans culture, no matter it’s many reputations, doesn’t ever grow old.

We drove up for my beautiful cousin's wedding. She married the best guy, and they are such a sweet couple. Our entire family was together, and there is nothing better than that. After the wedding and a few family gatherings, our immediate family (1st cousins) drove back to Florida with us and we spent the week together. It was the sweetest time and I would not trade it for the world!

These images were shot with Kodak 400TX B+W film. Usually, I shoot with Portra 160 (that is what the color photographs at the bottom of this gallery were shot with), because I love having color as an option at the least. Black and white can always be added in post processing. I found one last roll of black and white and figured there wasn't a better time to shoot it. Sounds ironic for such a colorful and dynamic city, but the black and white captured the essence of the culture, and the realness of each and every moment.

01. New Orleans

02. A Week with the Cousins

03. Some Work, Here and There