A Photo Essay: New Orleans

[Gdad]

I was fortunate enough to get to spend last weekend in New Orleans- mostly in and around the French Quarter- and with some actual time for photography. That being said I thought I would share a few of the images. It was my first trip there ever so I was not too sure what to expect- but I found the city and the people to be quite charming. I love the history and the little nuances and details found around every corner. When I commented on my pending trip on this board and elsewhere I got quite a few warnings about crime but in keeping to the French Quarter boundaries after dark, and exploring the cemeteries and other areas during the day- I never had any issues.

I took exactly 800 images but am going to take my time in processing them over the next few weeks. I'll post some of my favorites here if anyone is interested- if you would like to see even more they will be on my Flickr set HERE. Feel free to comment or share your own photos and experiences.

The gear I ultimately took and used was as follows:
Nikon D700 & D200
28mm f1.4
50mm f1.2 AI-S
105mm f2.8 Macro
180mm f2.8

The only gear I took and never touched was the tripod and cable release- probably because I was still a little intimidated to lug that much equipment around an unfamiliar city. This trip I pretty much traveled light and kept moving. Next time I plan to put the tripod to better use.

The only gear I left home and regretted not having was an ultra-wide or fisheye lens. I found myself several times wishing I had both- particularly inside of St. Louis Cathedral. Something else to keep in mind for the next trip.

Constructive criticism welcome.

 

[Gdad]

This image jumped out as one of my early favorites and I thought it just screamed for Black & White. He was playing on Decatour Street just outside the square. There was a television crew there filming him at the same time and he was really into his performance.

D700 & 180mm f2.8 (Full EXIF)

 

[annnewjerz]

If this is just a preview of what's to come---I'm sure we are all in for a real treat. Outstanding photo Jeff, I love it and I agree---I think the b&w is perfect for this shot.

Glad to hear you had a nice trip and can't wait to see more.

Ann

 

[Gdad]

If this is just a preview of what's to come---I'm sure we are all in for a real treat. Outstanding photo Jeff, I love it and I agree---I think the b&w is perfect for this shot.

Glad to hear you had a nice trip and can't wait to see more.

Ann

Thanks Ann- I had a really good time there.

 

[Gdad]

The Angel of Grief monument is located in the crypt of Chapman H. Hymans in Metairie Cemetery. The blue light comes from three stained glass windows inside the mausoleum. I visited two cemeteries- this modern one and Lafayette #1 which is one of the oldest in the city. Both were quite interesting and awe inspiring in their own way. The area was extremely tight and I was crammed right in a corner- another place something wider than 28mm would have been good to have.

D700 & 28mm f1.4 @ 2.8 (Full EXIF)

D700 & 28mm f1.4 @ 1.4 (Full EXIF)

 

[YesDear]

I am glad you had a good time! Can't wait to see all you took.

 

[zipuzee]

Great pics. Can't wait to see more. I love the opportunity to see my home thru someone else's eyes. Its a reminder of why I'll always call New Orleans home despite the politics and other problems.
Thanks!!

 

[steery1]

The harmonica player is just brilliant. Great spot well executed.

 

[Experiment_626]

The only gear I left home and regretted not having was an ultra-wide or fisheye lens. I found myself several times wishing I had both- particularly inside of St. Louis Cathedral.

I tried to tell ya!

Still, if what you've posted so far is any indication, you got a good haul as it is. Having the D700, how much do you find you tend to use the D200 in situations such as this?

SSB

 

[Todd_H]

Tuning in...

I agree about the use of b&w on the harmonica player. It really works well here. Can't wait to see more!

 

[spinetnglr]

Great shots Jeff!! If those first three are indications of whats to come (and I am sure they are) I know this is going to be a very popular thread with all of us waiting for the next ones to be posted.

 

[Gdad]

I tried to tell ya!

Still, if what you've posted so far is any indication, you got a good haul as it is. Having the D700, how much do you find you tend to use the D200 in situations such as this?

SSB

I know you did! I was kicking myself for not listening too- believe me. I did not use the D200 nearly as much as the D700 but I did use it in lieu of changing lenses all over the place. Most of the time the D200 had the 105 Micro on it to grab a detail shot.

Thanks for 'tuning in' all.

 

[Gdad]

My breakfast every morning I was there. Beignets and Cafe Au Lait from Cafe du Monde- Mmmmmm. I'm sure the narrow f1.4 DOF was way overkill here but I like it anyway- and it's the only shot I have since it's the only time I remembered to pick up the camera before digging in.

D700 & 28mm f1.4 @ 1.4 (Full EXIF)

 

[handicap18]

This image jumped out as one of my early favorites and I thought it just screamed for Black & White. He was playing on Decatour Street just outside the square.

D700 & 180mm f2.8 (Full EXIF)

WOW!!!! GREAT shot Jeff!

 

[minie_meese]

Terrific photo of the harmonica player. We too were fortunate enough to spend a week in New Orleans. The opportunities to take photos seemed to be endless and I agree, the people were great. I love Cafe Du Monde too!

 

[Quicklabs]

My gosh, Jeff. You've captured the very soul of the city itself in that portrait of the harmonica player. The angel shot makes me think that she is weeping for the city in the wake of Katrina and loss that can never be recovered. So my only question at this point is---why don't you do this full time for a living? Heavens knows, you have the talent and the eye...

Wish I'd have been into photography when I visited NO. Spent a fair amount of time there when I was on active duty. I sure have lots of stories, but unfortunately, no photographs that will do them justice.

 

[Gdad]

My gosh, Jeff. You've captured the very soul of the city itself in that portrait of the harmonica player. The angel shot makes me think that she is weeping for the city in the wake of Katrina and loss that can never be recovered.

You guys are too kind- Thanks so much all. I never visited New Orleans Pre-Katrina so maybe I don't know what I am missing here.

The harmonica player is a favorite of mine as well. I love the grit under his nails and the sweat stain on his hat. With the B&W conversion I tried to bring out the contrast in his skin.

 

[ukcatfan]

Looks pretty good so far! I hope you had a good time. I have not been very many times, but I love the place. That is where my DW and I had our honeymoon.

 

[Mr._The_King]

Jeff, Really an amazing job, can't wait to see more. I love the harmonica player as well but I think you did an excellent job of capturing the tone and sadness of the statue. Looking forward to the rest.
-MR.TK

 

[Gdad]

Taken from near and from far- the first shot was taken with the D200 and the 28mm which is near 'normal' on a DX camera. (I miss my 30mm Sigma!) while the second shot was from across the street with the 180mm. The longer lens is a bit more comfortable shooting people on the street since you don't have to be right on top of them to take the shot- easier to be discreet. I think I like the first one better though- because it shows the environment where he is performing.

D200 & 28mm f1.4 @ 2 (Full EXIF)

D700 & 180mm f2.8 @ 2.8 (Full EXIF)