Going to NOLA..photo advice needed

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stompyq

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I'll be in New Orleans next weekend for a 5 day conference. I'll have at least one day to shoot but would like to maximize my time management just in case things get too crazy. I'll be staying close to the convention center and will mostly use public transport and walking to get to destinations.

Where are some good places to shoot? is it worth taking the plantation tours or cemetery tours? and if so which one? I might be able to do only one of these anyways. Good places to eat? Any advice is very welcome. I've been to NOLA once before and loved it but couldn't do much shooting.

Planning to take my Ricoh GR and Rolleiflex 2.8E. Gear suggestions also welcome.
 
Of course, don't miss the French Quarter--Bourbon St, etc. Royal St also has some amazing antique shops. The Saenger theater just had its new vertical marquee installed; with over 4000 bulbs, could be quite the light show. It's on Canal St, just N of the French Quarter. The WWII museum is worth the trip--lots of superb buildings in downtown NOLA. Have fun!
Paul
 
St Louis I (oldest cemetery) is just north of the Quarter, across Rampart, closest. Marie Laveau's and Nick Cage's, among other tombs of interest. Jackson Square (St Louis Cathedral and Pontalbas) at the base of the Quarter is good for street subjects. Marigny (down from the Quarter across Esplanade) is great for nite stuff and club shooting - music and people concentrate there. I avoid Bourbon Street myself. If you like parks, Audubon Park out St Charles by trolley is very nice, also get to see on the way the Garden District, if you want to stop. I've never done a plantation tour there, probably wouldn't with all else to shoot.

Gear? I take 1-2 RFs, film or digi, one wide and one norm/mild tele.

St Louis Cathedral -


NOLA Mar 2011-047-Web by Mike Tuomey, on Flickr

Marigny - Memphis Slim a the Spotted Cat


20120322-004-Web by Mike Tuomey, on Flickr

French Quarter street folk -


NOLA Mar 2011-018-burn-Web by Mike Tuomey, on Flickr

Stooges Brass Band - at the Hi Ho lounge


20120322-032-Web by Mike Tuomey, on Flickr
 
As a NOLA birther and current resident, everyone's suggestions are spot on here. You are going to be closest to the French Quarter and a bus ride away from the garden district/uptown.

I say don't plan too much and go with the flow. People will be willing to give you so many suggestions once your down here it could become overbearing.

The Marigny is my favorite, specifically Frenchman street (in the Marigny), is like the locals Bourbon street. Great music clubs and so easy to bar hop. Most places don't have camera restrictions so you should be able to get away with the Rollei, BUT most bars are VERY VERY dark....

So if you shoot film you will need high speed film especially with that 2.8 lens. Just a heads up. I usually bring Illford 3200 when down there, and sometimes the camera will not even meter so I have to guess. Its possible just very dark.

However, if you do go to Tipitinas, which is a very cool place, they definitely do have camera restrictions. They do not allow "professional" cameras... They won't let me in there with a film SLR or Leica unless I sneak it in which risks being kicked out later (sometimes its worth it to me). I don't know what they would say to the Rollei, but the GR should be fine because it looks like a POS point and shoot.

A really good resource to check out the local music scene which is highly active is the following website: http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar

Enjoy!
 
Take the Charles Street streetcar out through the Garden District and/or do a walking tour. The houses are unbelievable - it's like walking into a fantasy. There's the house where Jefferson Davis lived after the Civil War (I think he may have died there), one where a famous French Impressionist painter lived for a couple years as a young man in the bachelor's house (I'd say which one but I forget and I don't want to mis-attribute). And there's the house Anne Rice the novelist had (I don't know that she still owns it - after her husband died she moved out to California. But there was a life-size ceramic german shepherd dog statue on the second floor balcony).
 
Love New Orleans for photography. Everyone is definitely pointing you on the right track. Mimi's is fun for music as well, but a horror to shoot in. No light. Great vibe though.

p965470093-4.jpg


Have a blast there!
 
The non-Bourbon Street French Quarter is probably one of the most photogenic places in the US. Lots of interesting places and people around every corner. Even Bourbon Street is fun and interesting on an off night. I would probably avoid it during crowded times.

My best advice would be to just give yourself some time to walk around. Night time is the best time to explore the Quarter. This is when I think you get the best feel, and the interesting characters come out of the woodwork. Be prepared for darkness with your gear.

-Greg
 
N.delaRua said:
..... The Marigny is my favorite, specifically Frenchman street (in the Marigny), is like the locals Bourbon street. .....
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Definite second the Frenchman Street as the place to go in the city itself. Too much of the quarter reminds me of Disneyworld being set up for tourists.

Do not overlook the vast opportunities available outside the downtown area. There is a lot more to the New Orleans area than just the French Quarter and the Garden District. The bayou and people who live there are special. Ditto some of the local small Cajun towns just outside New Orleans.
 
Catche some music in the Marigny.
If you like greasy spoon diners, check out the Clover Grill on Bourbon and Dumaine. It's a colorful place to shoot photos as well, especially late at night.
Also make sure to treat yourself to a beginet and cup of chicory coffee.
There are some great cemeteries in town if you like photographing them. Gorgeous when the light is right.

Like, New York City, New Orleans has something for absolutely everyone. It's a great town and it isn't hard to find one's place there.

Phil Forrest
 
I have always enjoyed watching and listening to street musicians in NO, such as Grandpa Elliott and othets. I have noticed that a good time for street photography is 10pm-1am.
 
On my last trip to New Orleans, I took only one camera; an M3 and three rolls of HP5 plus. The French Quarter, Jackson Square and the Garden District are great for street shots.
 
Bob Michaels said:
Definite second the Frenchman Street as the place to go in the city itself. Too much of the quarter reminds me of Disneyworld being set up for tourists.

Do not overlook the vast opportunities available outside the downtown area. There is a lot more to the New Orleans area than just the French Quarter and the Garden District. The bayou and people who live there are special. Ditto some of the local small Cajun towns just outside New Orleans.
Click to expand...

I agree with Bob's comments here - having just come back from NOLA in mid November I would say that the next time I go back I'm heading RIGHT to Frenchman Street for live music -far better, far more interesting and you avoid all the "Disneyworld-esque" atmosphere of Bourbon St.

Bourbon's ok, as is Royal but it can be a bit "much" at times...

Yes Ma'am on Royal St.
11076145516_bb8c328646_b.jpg


Cheers,
Dave
 
Mudman said:
Love New Orleans for photography. Everyone is definitely pointing you on the right track. Mimi's is fun for music as well, but a horror to shoot in. No light. Great vibe though.

p965470093-4.jpg


Have a blast there!
Click to expand...
Sadly Mimi's has been subject to some litigation regarding noise. They don't host live music anymore. Still a great place to drink and eat tapas though. Some of the regular performers there have moved to some places on St. Claude near Elysian fields. I know DJ Soul Sister is at Hi-Ho Lounge on Saturdays now.
 
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