Most of the appointments I had during those five trips to New Orleans between September 2008 and May 2010 had to be scheduled just a few days before, if not the day of the photo shoot. I'd call people from Sandpoint to make arrangements, and most of the time I'd be asked, "Are you in town?" to which I responded, " Not yet." And I would be told, "Oh, then call back when you're in town!" Does that sound familiar?? Eventually, I got used to it, and for some reason, it all worked out.
Most people who see Guitar Slim's wall picture for the first time have a strong reaction to it. As far as I'm concerned, I think his story is pretty powerful. It's definitely out there (some people would say crazy!) but I will tell you this: he didn't make it up for me. The way he shared his story was real and sincere. He even took me to the house where it happened!
By the time I got to June Yamagishi's house, I was starting to feel tired, and was hoping to get some action shot to kind of wake up. As I drove by June's lower Garden District neighborhood, I found the ideal wall: bright red and black, perfectly alive. Now, I hadn't met June yet, and for some reason I thought the guy was in his 20's. Turns out he's more in his 50's, so when I first saw him I thought my plans wouldn't work out. As delicately as possible, I asked how his health was (I know, that's tacky — but I was on a mission!) and as only he can say it, June responded "good, good!"
Well, he took me by surprise: the guy could jump alright, higher than anticipated:
The day ended on the West Bank, by Algiers Point where John Autin lives. I never went to that neighborhood while living in New Orleans, but if I ever were to move back, I would seriously consider Algiers Point. The view to New Orleans is so beautiful, and the French Quarter is just a Ferry ride away. I love it!!
Back to Autin. That crumbling wall must have been waiting for us before giving way to gravity. Of course, it's no longer standing, but I'm so glad I was able to capture it.
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