one of the best trips i’ve made in the last few years was a return to the big easy last april. i traveled to new orleans for an exciting and emotional week with momenta :: project katrina, led by the brilliant photographer chris usher. the momenta team is phenomenal and their mission of using photography for social change resonates deeply with my personal philosophy towards art, life and human experience. i had the opportunity to work with the LA-SPCA, a truly impressive non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of thousands of homeless + unwanted animals throughout louisiana.

my goal was to learn as much as possible about the mission + practices of the LA-SPCA and capture images that would illustrate the scope of work accomplished by the organization on a daily basis. i was immediately impressed by their innovative programs, educational initiatives, committed volunteers, dedicated staff and truly tireless officers. i spent time in every area of the facility and even went out in the field with the animal control officers to document humane law enforcement. i was particularly drawn to their feral cat program and fascinated by the people in the community who work with the LA-SPCA to help control the feral population. and i must admit, nothing compares to the experience of learning how to trap a feral cat in the wee hours of the morning on the rainy back streets of new orleans.

aside from being in complete awe of the immense amount of work that happens behind the scenes of such a large organization dealing with so many people, animals and issues, i was totally inspired + humbled by everyone i met during my time with the LA-SPCA. following hurricane katrina the shelter was completely destroyed and the resiliency and perseverance of the team and the stories they told me were unbelievable. almost five years later they have rebuilt their entire facility, launched amazing programs and are working harder than ever to serve the community. very recently the LA-SPCA launched a brand new website featuring a wealth of information as well as tons of my images – check it out!

love it.

celebrate good times. ring in the new year. one huge worldwide party. and new orleans was certainly an incredible place to spend nye. the french quarter was buzzing – from the crowds in jackson square anticipating the drop of the large pot of gumbo at midnight, to the dance party in the street on bourbon, every place in town was exuding new year excitement and 2008 anticipation. we threw ourselves right into the thick of the action for a while before tucking into a fantastic jazz club – the band did a superb countdown job and for the first time i welcomed 2008 with a live performance of auld lang syne – it was fantastic. outside the ebb and flow of bourbon street continued early into the morning, and i felt lucky to be a part of a nye celebration in the big easy.

we started our evening with a bottle of champagne (thank you rob + kevin!) and a bit of local fare at the renowned dive port of call.

lafitte’s, the oldest bar in the US; a swap box on frenchman that held a quarter and a cigarette.

a pot of neon gumbo descends on NOLA at midnight from atop jax brewery.