Luce (Loo-chay) Photog Blog » summer

Day 63 BP Oil Spill, Venice, LA :: Coverage of Oil Covered Pelicans by Jennifer Davidson, Fort Jackson Pelican Sanctuary

Jenn — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:28:39 +0000

Just to say that “I love South Louisiana” really doesn’t give credence to the fullness of my love for this sacred place. The people of the region are some of the most unique, hilarious, down to earth and warm people you will ever meet; the culture is full of fun, good food, sassiness, and history; and the landscape, well its as stunning and unique as the culture that lives in it. Gorgeous swamps, large live oak trees, and lush green & flowers adorn this subtropical place full of southern charm and mystique. The week of June 14th- 20th I was down photographing in New Orleans so I thought I’d drive even further south to Venice to see the damage from BP’s oil spill for myself.

It was an hour and half drive that felt like I was driving to the end of the world. Arriving in Venice was a bit odd because one would never know that the largest oil spill in history was STILL taking place in the region. There were a few cues that all wasn’t well because there were so many helicopters, of various sizes, flying overhead– yet I still couldn’t believe that one of the most horrific environmental tragedies of all time was happening in this small town! I was getting quite frustrated so I decided to pull over to get a cool drink, and this is when I hit the jackpot. It was here that I met the self-proclaimed, “King of Venice”. The King and I hit it off instantly, and he then began to give me the ins and outs of the oil spill’s effect on the town. This small town, who not until the 1920’s did they actually have roads, was being affected more deeply than it seemed. (Note: the townspeople got around before roads via perots, which are small boats traditionally used by Cajuns.) He said that it wasn’t only the fishermen who were loosing their livelihoods in the region, but many of the subcontractors of BP as well. On Day 63, he was nearly $100,000 in debt, due to BP’s lack of payment. He also told me that BP and the government had armed guards at the marinas so to block media and the public from seeing the oil covered boats that would come in from offshore. He said BP had managed to keep the oil from arriving on shore by putting large sandbags on on the barrier islands, which is good, but it’s also why there was no sign of oil and why there were so many helicopters everywhere. He could tell that I was disappointed by BP hiding their mess and not actually cleaning it up, so he told me that if I wanted to see the most devasting and yet hopeful aspect of the damage to go to Fort Jackson to see the sanctuary for oil drowning pelicans. He told me not to get my hopes up too high about getting in since it was a high security spot, but away I went anyway.

The Brown Pelican is the state bird of Louisiana. Though I was born & raised + went to college in Louisiana, I have never seen a pelican, not even when I did an airboat tour of the swamps before I headed out West. Needless to say, I had no idea of what I was about to experience at the sanctuary. When I arrived at the sanctuary I saw that there were lots of reporters at the entrance. It appeared that I had just “happened” to arrive at the sanctuary at the exact time that they were letting the media in. Lucky for me I had my camera with my big lens on, so I looked official and was almost able to pass as media. Before the tour started, one of the volunteers stopped me and asked me to get a media pass before entry. This of course made me a bit nervous since I was, in fact, not media. Lucky for me the guy in the office went to my college in Lafayette (though we didn’t know each other) and when he found out I was a native, he gave me a wink and then a media pass; I totally love the loyalty of Louisianaians to fellow natives.

For the next half hour I was taken on a guided tour along with the media, like ABC, BBC, and other publications from around the globe, as I heard stories of volunteers working diligently to clean the extremely large oil soaked birds and learned of the drama of bureaucracy and funding. The most telling aspect of the tour itself was found in the eyes of the pelicans who seemed so very sad and confused. Oh the irony in that the pelican is a symbol of Louisiana–beautiful, humble and exotic, and it was now in a life threatening situation because of exploitation by large corporations. (Don’t get me started on International politics in Louisiana!) Ok,…(breathe), I’ll now stop talking and let my photos tell you more about my experience. I believe that they’ll do a much better job than my words ever could.

Above: A sample of the vibrant green of South Louisiana’s Gulf Coast.

I guess BP didn’t get the polite suggestion of Plaquemine parish to keep it clean!

Large and small helicopters were flying all over Venice with long ropes carrying sandbags offshore.

In the words of Flight of the Conchords, “think about, think, think, think about it.”

“Safety first!?, oooh! the sign was ripped, I didn’t know,” says BP.

Their new habitat.

Volunteers from around the globe working long hours to save the birds.

The remedy: Dawn dish soap.

I was amazed at how large the birds are!

For the birds who actually make it, they are put in a temporary holding pool outside of the compound until they can be shipped out to Texas.

Oil: Days of old?

Dats right!

Though I am not with the media, I did in fact get some press from my trip to South’s Louisiana’s southernmost coast. Denver’s CBS 4 did a live interview with me in early July about my experience and featured some of the images I captured on their 6 o’clock news report. Click on the image below to view the 2 minute interview.

Though I am very glad the oil spill has now been capped, South Louisiana’s environmental troubles are far from over. Of the pelicans who actually survive, there are an estimated 250 birds cleaned and released every 8 days, many now have their home in Texas. What does the say about Louisiana’s state bird? Hmmmm… And what does the future hold for Louisiana’s extremely fragile and damaged Gulf coast? Well that question is one that will take many, many years to find the answer to.

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Boudoir: Theresa Jones, The Roosevelt Hotel :: NOLA, 06.10

Jenn — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:34:42 +0000

I am constantly amazed at the sheer beauty of a woman’s form. From my perspective, the best way to capture that elegance is to let natural light fall as it will across her curves, her face, her hair;

Boudoir never needs to be overdone because a woman’s beauty always radiates through.

Last month I had the chance to do a Boudoir sesh with Theresa at the Roosevelt Hotel, an incredibly classy hotel that is part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Collection, based in New Orleans’ French Quarter. There was vivid, warm light in the late afternoon at the hotel, so the sheers in the room really created beautiful ambient light that was the perfect accessory to bring out Theresa’s elegant natural beauty. I believe we captured some exceptionally stunning shots, with a heavy French feel. Take a look at a few of my favorite shots from the sesh below; I’d love to know your thoughts.

Theresa, you are an exceptionally beautiful woman on the inside and out. Thank you for trusting me with your beauty; I believe we created photos that really capture the timeless and stunning beauty that you possess in such abundance.

Blessings to you,

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Model for a Day, Lifestyle Sesh with the Schulze Girls :: Denver, 06.10

Jenn — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:12:38 +0000

Early last month I flew back into Denver to photograph the Schulze sisters who had just won a photo sesh with me to be a Model for a Day. We met up in late afternoon on an extremely vivid summer’s day in South Denver. With the vivid green grass, slow moving streams, and cotton blowing through the air, it was the perfect setting to create a “secret garden” session. The girls did such a great job and were so comfortable in front of the camera, and of course with each other! Take a look at a few of my favorite shots from our day.

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Family Portraits :: Longmont, CO :: 06.10

Jenn — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:04:07 +0000

Last month I headed up to Longmont to spend about an hour or so capturing some very candid moments of Erika and Scott with their 3.5 (one on the way) children. It was such a beautiful day– sunny, cool, and vivid green all around as the boys played Fort and attacked their Dad, and Olive, the youngest and only girl (at this point), walked around being the extremely cute little girl that she is. We only did a few posed shots of the Fam mainly because it’s just not the family’s style to be put in a box; they’re all pretty strong willed and free spirited…:), a good combo if you ask me.

Many thanks to y’all for a great Saturday afternoon sesh; it was such a pleasure.

Enjoy!

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Mr. and Mrs. Goetsch, Parker CO :: Fall 2008

Jenn — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:39:50 +0000

I love photography because it is the only artistic medium that allows us to capture a moment as it is occurring. Though there is great beauty in other art forms, none are as transcendent and reflective of the spirit of a person, place or thing. In the Fall of 2008 I had the great privilege of photographing Mr. and Mrs. Goetsch at the Reservoir in Parker, CO. The Goetsch’s were happily married for many years and built a beautiful life together in South Dakota where they raised their 3 children, one of which is my friend Shad Goetsch. Mr. Goetsch was diagnosed with cancer of the liver earlier that year and so our photo sesh was to capture a few of his last moments on earth with his wife. Though they knew their time together was short, they spent their time rejoicing in the many beautiful moments they had left together and had already shared over the years.

Mr. Goetsch passed away last year, but his beautiful legacy still remains. It is my honor to share with you a few moments with Mr. and Mrs. Geotsch in early Fall of 2008.

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The Mile High Music Fest, Denver, CO

Jenn — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:20:40 +0000

Luce’ is the preferred photographer for the Wright Group Event Services, the 4th largest event planning & supply company in the world. With such events under their belt as Obama’s acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium during the Democratic National Convention, The Aspen Polo Classic, & the 2010 Winter Olympics, Tom and his team go big. Last year I was commissioned by the Wright Group to capture some images from the Mile High Music Festival. It was a fun 3 day festival with such acts as Dave Matthews, the Fray, the Roots, & the Black Crows. Take a peep into last year’s show. Hopefully they’ll inspire you to check out 2010’s festival!

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Sonya, August 2009

Jenn — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:21:05 +0000

I met up with Sonya late last month to do her first model test. Sonya is a pro bike racer and Engineer currently living in Boulder. Long, shiney chestnut hair and large brown eyes mixed with her awesome athletism, Sonya is trying to make her way into the outdoor modeling world. Enter Me to help her build her portfolio. It was a rainy day when our sesh finally arrived and so we decided it best to shoot at REI, despite the rain’s best efforts to thwart our sesh. We got some really nice shots anyway- ha ha! Take a look at a few of my favs.

*Btw, this is by no means appropriate for a model portfolio, but I really liked the shot.

*Yes, those are really her leg muscles; I didn’t photoshop a thing!

Thanks again Sonya– it was great working with you. All the best to you in your endeavors!

Keep up with Sonya at her blog! http://www.sonyalooney.missingsaddle.com/

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M. Scott, the Hott.

Jenn — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:49:28 +0000

M. Scott McLean is a very talented writer, actor, and musician currently living in Denver while getting his MFA at the National Theater Conservatory. (Phew, that was a mouthful! LOL.) With such things under his belt like 2 albums, an Independent Film (that he wrote, produced, and starred in), and having co-written “The Forgotten Carols,” M.Scott isn’t just a pretty face. He’s entering his last year of his graduate program at the DCPA and so a new headshot was needed. In our session I was able to capture his loving and cool nature that so clearly shines through his deep, sensitive eyes and debonaire smile. (Yes, I’m a big fan of my boyfriend.) Plus, we had to celebrate the rings he had made for us, (made from wood from the tree of life), AND– we most certainly needed to try out my new 70-200/F2.8 canon lens (with image stabilizing capabilities) of course! Anywho, without further adieu, meet the next big thing, Mr. M. Scott McLean.

A man with a beautiful soul and heart, who I really love knowing!

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Malibu’s Most Wanted, Emmy B’s 30th Bday.

Jenn — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:31:17 +0000

Emily Bradoff rocks it– real hard. And so its only natural that her 30th birthday party would too. At the end of July, Em flew me out to meet up with her and some our fav gal pals from Charleston (and Ohio) who now live in various parts of our great country, (though mostly in Cali.) Let me tell you sumpin’, these women have a synergy together that is incredible! When I’m around them all, I honestly can only sit back in wonder as I watch how much fun they have together and how much they love one another. Just take a look for yourself, here are a few shots of our time together in Malibu. Oh, and I guess I forgot to mention that they’re all pretty frickin’ hot too! Enjoy.

I totally love these shots of “Amanda.”

We managed to find the one place in Malibu that looks just like Charleston. Oye!

Thanks again lovely ladies for a great trip! I love knowing y’all and look forward to many more fun adventures in the future. Big hugs, jenny d.

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Summer 2009, in closing.

Jenn — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:12:43 +0000

Man, time has totally flown by! I notice that now its getting dark before 9 pm and there is a slight chill in the air signifying that my favorite season, Fall, is approaching quickly. This summer was a blast! And what a major difference from just one year ago. Last year I spent my time re-branding Luce’, and launching Current Connections, with little to no time to do the work that I really love. Last summer I got the chance to work with Julie Harris and Andrew Clark and learned so much! I got the opp to shoot 2 weddings on my own + 7 weddings alongside these 2 fantastic photographers. This year, I’ve had the great privilege of shooting 8 weddings during my first wedding season on my own, and ‘09 isn’t over yet! Thank you to my loyal clients and partners for your generous referrals.

Ahhh, well weddings weren’t the only things I did this summer: I had the chance to travel to a few really nice locales with great folks; Mazatlan, Utah, Malibu, and Nawlens. So, to bring this summer to a close, here are some shots from my fav summer adventures, san Nawlens cause I already blogged about that.

Utah: I noticed that I don’t shoot very many landscape shots other than beaches. But, here I go, “A” for effort right.

Mazatlan, Mexico: Man, I LOVE photographing beaches! I guess most water signs do.

Our Last sunset in Mazatlan. Thanks again McLean fam for a great trip!

Malibu, California with my Charleston gal pals:

Sianara Summer ‘09, and Hel-lo fantastic Fall!

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