“The Story behind the Picture” - COLORS is a travel and lifestyle series that showcases a city’s beauty through a unique lens: photography. Season 2, Episode 1 of the series features New Orleans (Southern Belle). In the episode, viewers learn about three local photographers who capture the essence of New Orleans at second lines, music clubs, restaurants, bars, and festivals. The episode dives into Ashley Lorraine, Eric Waters, and Zack Smith in each of their respective practices in how they photograph the city. 

Watch the episode here and learn more about each photographer showcased in the episode below. 

 

 

Find more on the featured photographers below!

 

Ashley Lorraine – Lifestyle and Event Photographer

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Jewel of the South for COLORS
Photo Credit: Ashley Lorraine
Jewel of the South for COLORS

Ashley Lorraine started out as an on-air personality for a local radio station. At events for her job, she was always trying to capture the crowd. Lorraine loves the lively atmosphere in New Orleans, from the food to the fact that there’s always an event to go to. 

Cultural traditions are what inspire Lorraine the most, such as the Krewe of Zulu parade on Mardi Gras Day. The costumes, outfits, and process from start to finish is vast. Lorraine also enjoys culinary and live music shoots. 

Eric Waters – Photographer and Social Practice Artist

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Second Line
Photo credit: Eric Waters
Second Line

Capturing photos from thousands of second lines (street parades led by brass band), Waters captures the essence of New Orleans in his photography which often showcases vibrant Masking Indian suits of many colors. Subjects of his photography are often dancing, singing, or proudly showing their craftmanship as all suits are hand-made. Waters takes pride in his “street portraits,” which he says showcases the freedom of the people at celebration. Waters also delights in the spontaneity of second lines and capturing the unexpected. 

One of his most iconic photos features a man jumping up into a perfect split in the air at a second line; Waters was able to capture the same man in the same pose 19 years later. 

What is a second line?

Second lines are a tradition organized by Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs for celebrations, whether that be a festival or a funeral. Led by a brass band, a group of participants follow with handkerchiefs in hand, led by a grand marshall with an umbrella. Second lines often feature vibrant costumes and lots of dancing - and are a quintessential part of New Orleans culture.

Zack Smith – Lifestyle Branding and Commercial Photographer

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Little Freddie King and Big Chief Juan Pardo for COLORS
Photo credit: Zack Smith
Little Freddie King and Big Chief Juan Pardo for COLORS

Following his dad around at a festival in Lafayette, Zack Smith loved photography from a young age. But he didn’t consider it a career option until one fateful day, when he was feeling disillusioned, he saw a busted TV lying in a ditch and decided to take a photograph. What he was struggling to put into words was captured perfectly in this photograph. 

In working with corporate clients, Smith helps showcase New Orleans to the rest of the world. He says he has “one foot in the swamp, one foot in the street,” which highlights both his creative side and business side.