Images of the French Quarter, part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, in New Orleans – Louisiana, taken in August 2016.

The French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans, is an incredible area where time stands still architecturally and traditionally. On the other hand it is a party and festival district on par with Rio, Vegas and Times Square on New Year’s Eve! In the past I’ve experienced the revelry of Rue Bourbon so this trip was all about the camera.

Photographically it is an expanse of endless rich targets waiting to be shot; from the static buildings, signs and ornaments to the fluid and unpredictable tourists and performers. I walked up and down the famous streets for five hours, all I wanted to as parking for that length of time cost $25, and shot the Quarter from every conceivable angle. It is a fascinating place and the perfect place to people watch.

One other thing the Vieux Carré is famous for is food and anyone who knows me is also familiar with my love of beignets, those wonderful French doughnuts buried in powdered sugar. No wonder my first stop was the Café Du Monde where I downed an order before moving on to wander the streets. Now since it was a typically hot humid New Orleans summer day I actually didn’t stop there and made my way into an establishment for a “street” daiquiri to cool me down and perhaps improve my photographic proficiency. As with when I golf I do believe it helped although I have no proof of that so it may be I only think it helps; no matter, it was good! I then followed that up with a bowl of chicken and andouille sausage gumbo to round out my time on the streets of the French Quarter; five hours of stimulating the five senses in a way that is only possible in the Vieux Carré!