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835 Julia St. Unit A, New Orleans, LA 70113

Photographing the Famous Faces of Food with Emeril Lagasse

For the last three years I have enjoyed photographing world famous chef and business mogul Emeril Lagasse and a variety of his projects around New Orleans. One would think that being a photographer in such a famous food city as New Orleans, and having a famous client like Emeril, I would be photographing his food. Well…no! I have never never photographed his food before, but have done plenty of portraits of the chef, his son EJ and his brand. I have photographed him and his ROKU show, Emeril Cooks and Emeril Tailgates, have done photography and videography for his amazing fundraiser Carnival Du Vin, and most recently for his new restaurant – 34.

I had a great time walking around his new (and unfinished) restaurant to scope out various backgrounds to do his and EJ’s portrait. We had to find areas that were not being actively drilled, sawed, and constructed to make these relaxed portraits. I always say “it takes two” – meaning to get a great portrait it’s not just me…it’s not just you. It’s us. Emeril and his son EJ are the ultimate professionals both behind the line and in front of the camera.

Being able to quickly setup my battery operated strobes and have the stands on wheels was so helpful here. Before we did the portraits of Emeril and EJ – i did 5 new portraits of new members of the 34 team at the same time they were doing an orientation! We were tucked inside of around 20 people learning about the wine menu while strobes were popping off and I was trying to connect with my headshot subject. It was wild! But we got some great stuff!

This is one exciting thing about photography that keeps it challenging and interesting. I have to go into an unknown situation and be calm, curious, and clever. I have to recognize my surroundings as evolving and my client possibly doing ten things at once, but find the patience to direct them with clear intentions. Every day is different, every shoot is exciting and that’s why I keep coming back.

My long time assistant and photographer Matthew Seymour was with me and captured this behind the scenes video!

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