Very first picture of the day. My dad and I went on a 4 hour New Orleans photography tour of the French Quarter. He has one of those fancy schmancy cameras, and I am a maniac for taking pictures with my Point-And-Shoot, so it was a really excellent learning experience for us both. When the tour began the teacher had me snap a photo of my dad in front of the cathedral and this is what I came up with. When he went to critique, he only had good things to say. it was a nice way to begin the tour on a positive note, as it gave me a bit more confidence to start.

The teacher, Dan, had us think about object placement and depth, and also photo framing and portrait lighting. It was a great learning opportunity for both my dad and I  because we were able to get over that fear of altering settings on our cameras. You’re always so afraid to push buttons and change settings for fear of messing something up or being unable to get it back to where it was, but after this tour I felt so much more knowledgeable and unafraid of my camera. It was enlightening. We started in Jackson Square, and then went up towards the river side, where we stumbled upon a sax player.

As we hopped from location to location we got a feel for taking pictures of things that you normally wouldn’t feel comfortable with. As in, use your knees, bend down, get in the funny positions to get that perfect unique and interesting angle. The teacher told us not to be afraid of what performers or even viewers were thinking, just be courteous and open and tip a dollar every now and again, and they wont mind, usually…

The French quarter really is such a beautiful place, its difficult to NOT get a decent picture or two. With all the different architecture and the beautiful shapes and colors, you could spend hours photographing one block. I am a fan of textures and colors so I enjoy taking shots of pavement and door steps and handles, and paint peeling off of the old historic buildings. The opportunity is endless, you really are surrounded by so much beauty.

As we were walking the streets, I mentioned once or twice that New Orleans homes and buildings look like pieces of art in themselves. the houses alone are so detailed that they remind me of wedding cakes, with all the trim and detailed features. There really is nothing like walking the streets of New Orleans.

I was taking the photograph below and to the right when this woman walks up and starts questioning what we are doing and why we are taking photos. My dad fills her in on our tour and that we are learning but she seems a little put off by the idea and continues to ask questions, saying the property we are photographing is hers. My dad is so funny, he tells her that he wants to come visit and bring her coffee and donuts and bring his wife back to take more photos.  I tell the woman that my dad is only picking and that he likes to pick on everyone. I mention that her home is absolutely beautiful and I cant seem to wipe biggest smile off my face, while continuing to take snap shots of her door. She seems to lighten up a bit.

It was funny, this women walks up a bit turned off that we are in her space, and by the end of the conversation, we find out her name is Betty and she’s invites my dad and I into her home to discover more! We had to continue on with the tour but she told us to come back and visit her again another day so we can see the courtyard and guest house in the back. She made sure the include me, saying that I had to come back if we did come around to say hello again. How interesting what a few kind (or goofy, in my dads case) words and a smile can do, huh?

What was so cool about talking to Betty was that she was explaining to us that her home is only 20 feet wide, but goes back further than you would imagine and that the courtyard in the back is hidden so most people don’t realize what they are missing. She filled us in that she rents out the first floor of home home and lives in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, making her living space alone 3000 square ft. living. AND also she had s courtyard and guest house that you cant see from the street. Wow! Yes, we will be come back for a visit. Yay for talking to strangers!

As the tour came to a close, and my dad and I were walking back to our car, we stumbled across this interesting artist. We asked if he minded taking a photo with his creation and he happily obliged. Can you see what it is? He created a man entirely out of garbage and set him up in a trash can. I was very impressed! How clever and out the box. He was a very nice man to talk to.

That sums up my experience this past Saturday. I learned so much! I could go on for hours and hours and this post could be endless with all of the interesting shots I got and the beauty I captured of the streets of New Orleans. But, I have things to do. Lawns to cut, sushi to make, pumpkins to carve. Ah, the joys of weekends.

Love you guys! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy your Sunday!