The last day of any of our workshops is always a little sad. People who met less than a week ago feel as though they have known one another forever. Old friends from other workshops have enjoyed their reunion and wonder or plan when they will next meet up.
Fortunately, most of our group had elected to stay over the last night, which allowed for more fun and frivolity and, of course, photography.
But back to the beginning of that last day …
We gathered downstairs at the hotel to walk as a group until it got lighter. New Orleans, much as we love it, is a city, and in the dark hours, it does not make sense to meander the streets alone.
There was plenty of time to get to the area we wanted to photograph, so we stopped for shots here and there along the way. As it got lighter, we splintered off into smaller and smaller groups.
I was struck by the light streaming in along this street, the bicycle locked to the pole and awaiting its owner. This was a case where patience was needed. I really didn’t want to feature the early-morning traffic, and just when I thought I had a clear shot, another cavalcade of cars appeared. Finally, there was a clear moment.
As some of us walked back to our favorite breakfast spot, I pointed out the wonderful reflections in the just-washed street.
“Stop,” I called to those with me. “Look at the graphics and quality of light here.” There were some less-than-interesting examples of humanity walking, but they did not add the right tone to the scene. I would have preferred an elderly gentleman with a cane, walking his little Jack Russell, but that was not an option, so I settled quite contentedly for this tall, slender gentleman with his briefcase.
We had final critiques, put away the computers, and headed out again. Just because the workshop was over didn’t mean we were not all going to photograph together some more.
Our destination was our favorite
music bar. A base player I instantly recognized from last year was playing, intent upon his music, fingers plucking with precision and passion.
We love listening to the music here. New Orleans is known for its music of all genres. And just in case you don’t realize just how prevalent music is in NOLA, check out the ladies’ room!
A great week, great friends, great images, and lots of fun times. That’s New Orleans for us!
And now, as we prepare to head off to Venezie for Carnivale, I know that spring is just around the corner. The squirrels are chasing one another about, tumbling and somersaulting in rolling balls of fur, and racing up and down trees in hot pursuit.
Next: Venice
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