Image X-New Orleans

Who doesn't love New Orleans?!. I just returned from the Image X Workshop which took place in the heart of the French quarter. The line up of speakers for this event was truly remarkable, (and what made me go). We had the Boutwells, Jesh de Rox, Joe Photo, John Michael Cooper, Laura Novak and Julia Bailey just to name a few. Jerry Ghionis was our platform speaker on the opening night and frankly if that guy doesn't inspire you, than nothing will. He absolutely redefines "Thinking outside the box". It's unbelievable to see the rooms or areas he has to work with and how he creates magic from nothing to make stunning imagery. He really has a gift. I spent one of my workshop days with Chenin and Doug Boutwell. Chenin is an incredible talent and extremely smart woman. She is so buttoned up and I found myself taking notes as fast as I could. We went out into the quarter to shoot some brides and then late in the day got a photoshop fix from Doug. He is too cool a guy to be a techno geek, but he is amazing to watch and listen to. If you don't already own the Totally Rad action set than what are you waiting for? My second day workshop was with Julia Bailey, a native of New Orleans. We all decided that we were not there to make "pretty" pictures and so we headed to the 9th ward. You know the area of rooftops that the media kept flashing at us after hurricane Katrina. Well there's nothing really left. A couple of dilapidated houses and empty 1ots that have been taken over by weeds. We spent the end of our day at New Orleans Cemetery No. 1. I could have stayed there for hours. In fact when I discovered Julia's work I was so frustrated that she was shooting brides in cemeteries. I thought I was the only one with that twisted idea. Haha, I guess if I had been in New Orleans it may have occurred to me sooner. I'll post some of those images later (maybe Halloween). For now, here's a bit of the city and some of the bridal portraits that I did. Thanks so much to everyone who shared so freely of themselves! I left with some incredible talented new friends.