Merry Christmas from New Orleans

To those loyal readers of my blog, I have been MIA lately, and I apologize for that.  For those who don't know me, I left my full time job this year in pursuit of photography full time, and I have been busier than ever.  That is not a complaint...but, as it often happens when your passionate hobby becomes your full time job, shooting "for fun" can seem more like a chore.  I almost never bring my big camera with me anywhere anymore, and it's a little sad.  In fact, I almost left it home tonight.  But I didn't!  

Tonight was the annual Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square, a New Orleans tradition since 1946.  As you'll see, thousands of people show up to sing carols by candlelight.  It's a beautiful thing, and it really gets you in the Christmas spirit.  I really needed it.  I cannot wait to spend a few days at home, not staring at a screen.  

I have been awful about updating this blog, and it's my resolution to be much better about that.  I have so much to share with you in the upcoming weeks.  Twenty fifteen is shaping up to be a fantastic year, and I truly can't wait to see what it brings.  Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!  

Hit play and enjoy a little Christmas time in New Orleans.    

Merry Christmas!

The Moonlight Paddle

After a crazy Halloween night on Frenchmen Street (see previous post), a kayak trip out to the tranquil waters of the Manchac swamp sounded just about right.  I was invited by my good friend Chad of Canoe & Trail Adventures.  This was my third trip out with them and they've never disappointed.  They all have such a great knowledge of the swamp, the wildlife, and even the stars.  Really fascinating stuff.  It was an absolutely perfect crisp afternoon, and once the sun set it was downright cold.  Luckily, the paddling keeps you warm.  

It had been at least a year since my last outing in Manchac, and it was as beautiful as I remembered.  Once the sun goes down and you're paddling back by nothing but the light of the moon, it's downright magical.  If you're a local and you've never been out to Manchac, I don't know what you're waiting for.  If you're reading this and your planning a trip to NOLA in the near future, book a trip.  It's more than a great change of pace from the craziness of the city.  

The next paddle out to Manchac is this Sunday 11/9, so if you're reading this in time you might want to go ahead and book it.  Apparently there are more flowers blooming right now than Byron has seen in his 30 years of doing this.  Truly a once in a lifetime kinda thing.  I'll probably see you out there!

(It should also be noted that I am not a paid spokesman for Canoe & Trail...just a huge fan!)  

An old fishing camp, no longer with us.

A Very New Orleans Halloween 2

Halloween in this city is second only to Mardi Gras, and it's a close call at that.  This is how we do it.  Hit play and enjoy.

[All of these shots were taken with the 5DIII and 50mm 1.4 @ f/1.8.  ISO 10,000.  Zero NR.]

I had no idea Mrs. Jessica Lange was such a great photographer.

v

So long from New Orleans.