National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson once said, “If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.”
So, with a mission to make better photographers of the world, the New Orleans Photo Alliance has once again amassed an immense collection of interesting stuff to be stood in front of. It all comes together for their 13th Annual PhotoNOLA Festival.
The event takes place from December 12th through the 15th. The locations of the festival are as diverse as the
membership of the Photo Alliance. Taking place between The Ogden and the Old No. 77 Hotel; from the Cabildo, to Hey Coffee Company, and at every gallery in between. The subject of the exhibitions and educational opportunities are just as varied. The work displayed will cover front-porch culture, music history, and the legacy of second lines, among other subjects.
Festival Happenings
The PhotoNOLA Festival begins with a kickoff at the Orpheum Theatre on Wednesday, December 12th, with music by the La Mancha Jazz Band, Thomas Glass, and Quiana Lynell. There is an auction as well, for those interested in collecting pieces. From there, the festival extends into a primarily free event, with collections spanning across galleries and venues city-wide.
Across the following three days, PhotoNOLA offers the chance to listen to lectures, or take part in demonstrations and walkthroughs. The festival’s keynote remarks will be given on Thursday, December 13th. Photographer Keith Carter delivers the speech.
On Friday the 14th, the festival puts on its signature PhotoWALK. 70+ photographers from across the country will exhibit their portfolios for review by members of the photography community. Gallery owners, critics, and curators will gather with the public to walk the beautiful Taylor Library and review works from all over.
The festival culminates on Saturday the 15th with Museum Day, a free-event partnership with institutions throughout the city. The Ogden will host a curator led walkthrough of the New Southern Photography exhibition, while the Gallier Historic House, Museum Arsenal, and Historic New Orleans Collection will also hold similar walk and talks. Later that evening, galleries all over New Orleans will host receptions for their housed collections. If you need some more interesting stuff to stand in front of, this is sure to be the event for you.
Check out the 13th Annual PhotoNOLA festival, coming at you from December 12th through December 15th. Locations of events are citywide, and primarily free and open to the public.
Photos via the PhotoNola Festival