Street & Food Photography in New Orleans: My James Beard Shortlist Story
A Special Trip, A Quiet Morning, and a Place on the Shortlist
Last July, Chrissy and I took a short trip to one of our favorite places—New Orleans. Just a little three-day break from everything. There’s something magical about that city: the people, the food, the culture, the history. It holds a special place in both of our hearts and always keeps us coming back. Even when we’re away, it’s on our minds.
This was only my second visit, but New Orleans has a feeling that reminds me of another place close to my heart—Hawai’i (but that’s a story for another blog post).
What I didn’t realize at the time was just how significant this trip would turn out to be.
On the drive home, we kept talking about how powerful the experience was—especially our conversations with Randall and Urania from Selah, and our first visit with David Spielman at his gallery. I owe a special thank you to David. When we met, he asked what I did, and I replied, “I’m a photographer.”
His immediate response?
“Where’s your camera then? And don’t say your phone.”
He was right. That moment stuck with me, and ever since, I’ve made it a point to carry a camera with me everywhere I go. I should’ve started long ago.
David welcomed us in and spent over two hours showing us around the gallery and his workspace. That conversation—and the one with Randall and Urania—has stayed with Chrissy and me like glue. Sometimes, it's those unexpected connections that leave the biggest impact.
We planned to leave New Orleans around 10 or 11 a.m. that Sunday, but I decided to wake up early—around 6:30 a.m.—and take a quiet walk around the French Quarter with my camera in hand. I wanted to document the city in a different light. Literally.
It was peaceful, calm—a complete contrast to the nightlife the area is famous for. A few people were trickling out for work, and the streets were nearly empty. When I made my way toward Café Du Monde, they weren’t open yet, but a few employees were preparing for the day. I snapped a few images during those quiet moments.
Fast forward to October: I came across the World Food Photography Awards and noticed a category presented by The James Beard Foundation. I decided to submit a few images I’d taken throughout the year—including one from that morning in New Orleans.
It was the first photo contest I’ve ever entered in my career.
To my complete shock and excitement, I received an email earlier this month letting me know I made the Shortlist of Finalists.
Out of who knows how many submissions worldwide, my image was selected as one of 26 in the James Beard category. I didn’t make the final 7, but I’m incredibly honored and proud to be included on that list—especially among so many outstanding photographers.
The recognition has truly inspired me to keep creating, to see moments a little differently, and to keep telling stories through my lens—especially in the world of food and street photography.
I'm already planning new work and looking forward to submitting again next year—in multiple categories.
If you’d like to see my shortlisted image with the others, you can check it out HERE (just select “The James Beard Foundation” from the dropdown menu).
My image that was Shortlisted for The James Beard Category in World Food Photography Awards.
Thanks for reading—and as always, thanks for following along on the journey.