My assistant and I arrived early, and found decent parking just as the streets were closing behind us. Both of us running on nothing but overpriced Premium French Roast Coffee we drank just hours before.
We were awake! Are Batteries were full, cards cleared, lenses clean, and rain ponchos at the ready encase the clouds decided to let loose. Now we did look a little funny with clear plastic food wrap around our cameras but it was difficult getting it on, but cheaper than buying a waterproof bag.
Around 1:00pm the clouds let loose, and for 2 hours my assistant and I stood at our spot on Ashley drive shivering while water fell on us from the sky. Time passed and my nose started to make the clear stuff that makes people sick if they stand in they type of weather I was standing in. Thankfully the Sheraton that we stationed ourselves in front of had a restaurant inside, with $2 coffee. I was hesitant at first, though I became desperate. I was not going to let myself become tired and sick, and my assistant was starting to doze off too. So I got to coffees to-go, and they were both worth the $3.99 that I paid for them (but did not get my one cent change).
Many sips later, the police came and went, several more sips and I finished. The caffeine hit my bloodstream and the float became visible in the distance. My assistant and I opened up and never stopped shooting. I shot blind most of the time, but that’s what I do best. I was surprised how many people still participated in the parade despite the weather. The bright jovial attitudes of each Krewe seemed contagious, spreading joy and making me feel like a happy little kid.
I got around 32 beads and one feather boa, all of which I gave away to some beadless family I saw in the parking lot.
All photographs in this post taken by Kyle Henderson (me).
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