Uninspired by New Orleans

[spencer28n]

On the eve of my travel to New Orleans, I was super excited to experience the legendary city through the eyes of a travel photographer-through my lens.

I shot for a total of 3 hours out of the past 3 days that I've been here. I'm usually one to say if everything seems to have been shot, you're not looking hard enough. New Orleans has gotten the best of me though. It's one large tourist trap, where everyone is in the business of trying to sell you something. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my trip, but was disappointed by the lack of----that's the thing. I can't put my finger on what I'm missing from my photographic creativity point of view.

On the other hand, I really grew as a photographer last vacation, which was to Italy.

Just wanted to know if this has happened to anyone else.

If you're interested in the New Orleans shots:
Spencer Scott's Photos - New Orleans | Facebook

Best,
Spencer

[mad editor]

Wow! With all that local color, it still loeft you flat? The architecture alone knocks my socks off.

[OsmosisStudios]

Not to be obtuse, but is New Orleans ALWAYS so dark?

Shoot during the day!

[junglebear]

I'm almost always shooting in cities, and when I run out of nice architecture (which I imagine happens quite fast in some US cities) I'm sometimes at a loss as to what to shoot next. I usually plump for street photography or urban decay type shots, look for small details, symmetry, patterns or find a nice park.

And as OS said, shooting in sunlight wouldn't hurt!

Then again, sometimes I'm just not inspired or in the mood, in that case put the camera away and enjoy your holiday.

[LenDog]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Not to be obtuse, but is New Orleans ALWAYS so dark?

Shoot during the day!

x2. Looks like you didn't "see" much of New Orleans. My experience there was very different, but pre-katrina and daylight so it's hard to fathom your perspective.

U.S. Cities have much fascinating, if not old, architecture.

[candidrachel]

Ok well I am a 'lil ol Brit Why so many nighttime photos? Where are the blues and jazz shots? Mardi Gras? Its not a criticizm at all because I've never been there and I am purlely using the images I have seen on TV!

You have some lovely photos on facebook and I even had to ask my hubby what is there in New Orleans and he said nightlife and trams.

Did you have a good time? That's the important bit. It's frustrating when you go with all sorts of ideas in mind but when it comes to the crunch the city doesn't come up to scratch.

[dbevisjr]

There is a lot of night life in New Orleans. A lot of jazz clubs in the French Quarter (pre-Katrina) but it's been a few years since I was last there. The old architecture in the Quarter is a mix of French and old south so you won't find that look in any other place. There are also many photo opportunities outside of the city, old plantations and beautiful traditional southern style homes. Beaches are on Lake Pontchartrain. And if you happen to be there over the Christmas holidays the Copeland family home is always a decorated in grand style. (Al Copeland was the founder of Popeye's Fried Chicken.)

[gturner]

I have to say, nothing in any of those pictures told me it was New Orleans.
Maybe it was a case of trying to take a picture of everything, but ended up getting nothing. That happens to me.... best results usually come when I have a bit of a plan in place.

[zetson]

If you want to shoot N.O. in night time, try to find some lit areas and/or use a slower shutter speed.

But I see the problem. It's hard to find good photo opportunites in "over-shoot" areas. Try thinking 180 degrees, shoot what other people are turning their back to. It depends on what you want to tell with your photos. If you want to tell a story about decay and abandonment, shoot back yards and alleys. If the message is "tourist trap", shoot the crowd of tourists. Been at a restaurant? Shoot the chef as he relaxes at the backdoor (well, this one is probably done before, but none the less, it's is a pretty interesting sight).

Lilke gturner said, it's nice to have a plan, like time of the day and theme, but still keep an open mind. You get the best result when you have a plan and end up shooting something unplanned. At least, that's my experience.

[Sonya Natasha]

I fell absolutely in love with New Orleans last fall...Don't know what I loved more, the food, the entertainment or the people! I got some great shots in the French Quarter and at the Audobon Zoo (Touristy, but fun ) I look forward to getting back to NOLA again with my DSLR!


I hope you were inspired by the food