NO/LA roadtrip adventure (part one)

[mike dixon]

Finally, here's the first installment of the self-indulgent tale of my

travels from Nashville to New Orleans and, eventually, Los Angeles. I

won't bore you with explanations of why it took so long to get it

online (I'd rather bore you with the story itself).<P>

There are many images, so it will take a while for those of you with

dial-up connections to download them all. That's why I'm doing my

rambling up here at the top--so you'll have something to read while

the page loads.<P>

<b>Technical Stuff:</b> With few exceptions (which will be noted

along the way), all images were shot with a Leica M3 and 50 Summilux,

50 DR-Summicron, or 35 RF-Summicron. Film types will be noted as I

guy, but all b&w was developed with Xtol 1:2 and printed on Ilford

MultiGrade papers (MGIV, WarmTone, or CoolTone). All b&w images are

flatbed scans of prints. Color shots were all film scans made with my

deteriorating Kodak scanner.<P>

<b>Disclaimer:</b> I would like to claim that no animals were harmed

during the making of this essay, but I know for a fact that Dennis

Couvillion and I downed a few dozen raw oysters, and I strongly

suspect that John Fleetwood destroyed thousands of his own brain

cells. Mike Dixon and associates, cronies, and partners in crime will

not be held responsible for any waste of your time, aggravation of

your delicate sensibilities, or damage to your immortal soul which

might result from reading this post. Proceed at your own risk.<p>

<b>Prologue</b><P>Two friends (Greg and I) attend cheap outdoor

concert during summer. Boy (Greg) meets girl (Sarah). Boy and girl

fall in love. Boy gets promotion/transer to Los Angeles. Boy and

girl move out to LA in his convertible. Girl returns a few weeks

later to retrieve her car and more stuff. Girl convinces friend (me to

drive out to LA with her. And so it begins . . .<P>

<b>Chapter One: Speedy and Leadfoot begin their journey</b><P>

Because of last-minute maintenance to Sunshine (Sarah's Beetle), it

was 5 pm before the car was loaded and ready to roll. Our mission was

to get to Houma, LA (about an hour west of New Orleans), before the

birthday party for one of her friends ended. We spent the first leg

of journey discussing past relationships, fundamental motivations in

life, goals, and just what was so damn great about some woman I had

recently met (Sarah was especially intrigued by the last topic since

she was accustomed to my general indifference toward most people I

meet). We made it to New Orleans by 12:30 (could have made it sooner,

but we stopped to eat), and on into Houma by about 1:30. We

encountered a slight delay in Houma as Sarah had to explain to the

nice officer why she was going 85 in a 35 mph zone. Fortunately, no

one was arrested, and we made it to the bar to meet her friends just

before last call.<P>

After adjourning to a friend's place for the evening, the party

continued for several hours. When we realized that it was light

outside, the few remaining revelers finally went to bed/floor/couch.

About noon, Dennis C. called, but quickly insisted that we should talk

later after he managed to interpret my semi-coherent ramblings about

going to be at seven.<P>

Enough details about people you don't know and places you haven't

been--I just wanted to set the general tone of too much driving, too

little sleep, and too much socializing which characterized the

remainder of our trip.<P>

<b>Chapter Two: Back to the Big Easy</b><P>

Fast forward a couple of days to our return to New Orleans. Sarah

dropped me off at her ex-boyfriend's place near the end of St. Charles

(right on the trolley line) then went to spend the next few days with

her family, leaving me to fend for myself. I contacted Dennis and

John Fleetwood, and we arranged to meet at that evening at Cooter

Brown's (a nearby sports bar where I could catch the

Michigan/Minnesota football game). Dennis, John, and John's

lovely and charming wife Ann finally arrived, and in true sports bar

fashion, we proceeded to shout conversation while getting

progressively more inebriated.<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/nodennisjohn01.jpg"><br>

<i>John and Dennis debate the merits of the M3 vs. the

IIIg</i></center><P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/noannf01.jpg"><br>

<i>Ann pretends she's amused by Dennis's banter</i></center><P>

After a dismal performance in the first three quarters, Michigan

scored four touchdowns in the last 20 minutes of the game to edge out

Minnesota. (Unfortunately, they used up their miracle that night

instead of saving for the Rose Bowl where they really needed it

against a #1 USC team.) The Marlins and Cubs were also battling for

the penant that night in another exciting game, so the bar was

thoroughly lively.<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/noscore01.jpg"><br>

<i>the Cubs score!!</i></center><P>

After the games concluded, we travelled a few block over to the Maple

Leaf Bar to catch some live music and soak up some more New Orleans

atmosphere. I think John probably spends way too much time in that

place, because they didn't make us pay for cover or drinks. Thanks

John!<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/noanders01.jpg"><br>

<i>Anders Osborne and band</i></center><P>

<center><img

src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/noglassesgirl01.jpg"><br>

<i>never underestimate the allure of a girl in glasses</i></center><P>

<center><img

src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/nostripeshirt01.jpg"><br>

<i>a lull in the action</i></center><P>

I had told them before we went out that I was suffering from sleep

deprivation and that I'd probably be making an early night of it.

They agreed. Of course, an early night in New Orleans means you get

home by 3 am.<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/nohatguy01.jpg"><br>

<i>if I tried wearing a hat like that, I'd just look silly--works on

him</i></center><P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/nohug01.jpg"><br>

<i>parting is such sweet sorrow</i></center><P>

This seems like a good place to stop. All shots in this post were

made with the 50/1.4 Summilux on Delta 3200 (EI 3200). Comments and

critiques are, as always, welcome (like I could stop you). In the

next installment, Dennis and I hit the French Quarter . . .

[bobtodrick]

Wonderful Mike. It's great to see someone recording a real 'life' event in depth...proving you don't have to go to exotic locales or attend world news events to make indepth, coherent images. The camera is im-material...this is great stuff.

[dennis_couvillion]

Several points I would like to make in rebuttal:

 

1. Dixon, you make all of your women models look so gorgeous...how could you make me look so ugly? I would just like the record to reflect that, in person, I am much younger, more handsome..and I can't get any more charming.

 

2. John Fleetwood really is that old and ugly in person. (I don't understand what the lovely Ann sees in him, quite frankly.) Great job in capturing reality there.

 

3. There is absolutely no mention, nor any photographs, of your dwarf travelling companion, Montegue. (L'il Monte', as Dixon likes to call him.) I understand Ann has forgiven his lewd transgressions.

 

4. I'll contact you later about your court date...

 

 

Dennis

[albert_smith]

Wow... actual photography! Sure beats the "which Summicron should I get?" threads, or "Digital Sucks!" arguments that seem to make one feel that they are getting Deja Vu here almost daily.

 

Can't wait for part 2.

[al_kaplan1]

I love it! Great set of photos! For all the bullsh*t we post and read here about which version 'cron is sharpest, how to always achieve perfect focus in dynamic situations, which developer with what film to to get the best tonality and grain structure, it really all comes down to a good eye and pushing the button at the right time. The very essence of Leica photography. Congratulations, Mike.

[dennis_couvillion]

...the rest of the story.<div></div>

[maria_s.]

Your style is so characteristic that I can tell it right away -- I remember you POW shot had similar light, grain, and feel. I think that each photograph here is equally interesting with or w/o the story behind but together they clearly show you know what to do with your camera. It's an interesting stuff. Can you tell me how do you print these borders -- is this just an oversized neg carrier made look like a slide border? And what films did you use -- last time I soaked tmax 400 in x-tol 1:2 was the last time I used x-tol (very flat neg).

[beau 1664876222]

A VW Beetle going 85 mph? You expect us to believe any part of this tale?

 

Just kidding-- great pictures, sounds like a lot of fun.

[stephen_w.]

Mike,

 

I agree, great illustrated story. Please continue it all the way to L.A. and back. Then, self-publish a book.

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

[dominic_.]

Everything about this is good, the photography, the story, everything. It seems as if you let everyone get into a little part of your roadtrip. These images tell a story and don't muss about in technical details, I really like that. Thanks for sharing.

 

Best wishes,

 

--Dominic

[kristian dowling]

Mike, I have to be honst, no where near your best work. Are they all meant to be blurry? I understand that some blurry shots are usually part of you collage- nad they work extremely well, but most of these are not sharp, and if anyone else had taken these images and displayed them as you have there would be plenty of criticism.

 

A great example of how far credibility can get you, but 'not' your best work and honestly, far from it. Looking forward to seeing your next installment.

 

Kristian

[stephen_w.]

Kristian,

 

Welcome back!

 

Blur can be creative, as you know. Sharpness is overrated, emotion is important. I felt as I was there. If the narrative wasn't provided, perhaps I would have thought the same as yourself. Take the photographs in context. That's why I suggested a book.

 

Steve

[ralph_barker]

Mike - excellent start on the story. I, too, am looking forward to the next installment. I must say I also admire the editorial restraint you've shown so far by not including any "more-telling" shots. Perhaps "The Quarter" will delve further into the true nature of humanity. ;-)

 

Dennis - can we assume that the only reason you were able to photograph Mike in front of the strip club was they wouldn't let him inside with his camera? ;-)

[kristian dowling]

Stephen, you're probably right. I guess my experience as a Newspaper photographer has swayed me away form that creative style of photography.

 

My boss is always stressing the importance of sharp images (for newspaper work) which has been drilled into my brain.

 

My apologies to Mike. Have always loved your work mate.

[dennis_couvillion]

"Dennis - can we assume that the only reason you were able to photograph Mike in front of the strip club was they wouldn't let him inside with his camera? ;-)"

 

Ha! You wish... The picture of Mike standing forlornly in front of the strip club was after he had been thrown out. Don't ask... you don't want to know...

 

Despite all Mike's faults, though, he's actually a pretty good guy and I'm glad we got to hook up. Looking forward to doing it again. But I hope he leaves that damn dwarf home next time. ;>)

 

Later...

 

Dennis

[stephen_w.]

OT: Dennis and John,

 

Do the locals, other than the ones that live and or work nearby actually venture into the "Spanish" Quatrter regularly, other than to photograph and/or entertain their relatives and/or friends? Sometimes it "feels" like a Disneyland for adults.

 

The prices are certainly caterred to the tourist trade (high), of which I've seen too much of in my experience of other "exotic" locations.

 

Steve

[neil_swanson]

If i said I admire someone who can shoot slightly out of focus, somewhat soft

and blurry shots and make you wish you could it would sound weird wouldn't

it? But I do. Yeah I wish I could shoot like that.

I've always liked Mikes' off the cuff really really candid just a glance type of

shot. That's it, like a glance. A glance is a quick take, could be blurry, a little

less than perfect but here they are and for what they illustrate they are perfect.

It isn't something you just decide to do, at least for me anyway.

 

Anyone ever see Frank Okenfel (sp) III's work. blurry, dreamy, soft or down

right not even close to in focus. He has done some great album covers and

great illustrations for magazines. So you have to figure the Art Director knows

what he has hired and what to expect. What is better than being paid for your

style, your vision and your insight into a subject. I was a full time shooter for

over 20 years and I'm afraid it was rare that I think any personal work in my

portfolio got me the job. "We need this "blank" shot for project "blank" for

purpose "blank" and we want it to look like this. A portfolio of perfect apple

photos does not gaurantee you get a job to shoot oranges. If only it did. All

my own experience anyway. You gotta eat so you bias your portfolio to get

the job. Show more Mike.

[dennis_couvillion]

Stephen:

 

Actually, it's the French Quarter...and it's way too dirty and crime ridden to qualify as Disneyland. ;>)

 

As far as its tourist appeal, New Orleans reminds me of Amsterdam in a way; it's a place where people come to sample vices that they can't get at home, or to indulge themselves to excess.

 

As far as the locals venturing into the Quarter, yes we do. When I was younger (and on the prowl) I used to hang out there a lot because there are good bars and music clubs.

 

You just have to be careful, though. A few days ago, Ray Davies, of The Kinks was shot in the leg pursuing a purse snatcher on Esplanade Ave. Some celebrities quietly keep homes in the Quarter and come to New Orleans regularly.

 

I work in downtown New Orleans just a few blocks from the Quarter. On a pretty day, I'll take a walk there and maybe even have lunch. I just like the ambience there. On weekends I'll go early in the morning to a coffee shop on Royal Street, have my latte', walk around, talk to people and just absorb the atmosphere. Sometimes I shoot, sometimes I don't.

 

The French Quarter is different from any place I've ever visited in America. It can be fun, but it does have a darker reality, too. I like it.

 

Dennis

[john_r._fulton_jr.]

Uhhh, mark me down as "hooked". Great story and photographs. Can hardly

wait for next installment. Thanks for taking the time to post and write. (And

print, ofcourse).

[m_.]

Mike: A very interesting project from what I can tell. But I have to agree with Kristian that I have seen much better stuff from you before this page. I hope this is not an insult because I really like your stuff. Keep doing it no matter what everyone says.

[skeeter]

really nice thread, mike. i agree i can't wait for the next installment of "on the road".

 

dennis, actually you look much younger in the third photograph, but i can't tell if that is due to the leica glow or the heineken glow.

[mr._kenny]

so mike, <br />

first off, People Who Post Images get a big ups from me. if you have the snaps and the time to share with us, thank you, thank you very much. and double big ups for printing and scanning paper, not the lazy man's (i.e. me) way out.<br />

it's cool to see your connection with people in the images, kind of the anti-butt shot, if you know what i mean. i feel like i know the people you know, and i don't know the people you don't know either. and your framing is, as usual, excellent. well done, mate. looking forward to the next installment.

[j m shaw]

FUN stuff , I spent many a late night getting inebriated (in my younger days) at Cooter

Browns and the Maple Leaf (best place for live music in NOLA) Man I miss that town,

although it's better for my liver that I left...thanks.:)Mark

[moiz]

There are so many images out there, brilliant ones, that make it seem you are there. Mike is one of the few photographers ive seen (granted, thats not alot) that makes me want to be there. I hope that makes some sort of sense.

 

Many have pointed out what a great photographer Mike is. Id like to point out what a great printer he is too. If only I could print half as well as him!!

 

Looking forward to being inspired in the next installment.

 

M

[dennis_couvillion]

"dennis, actually you look much younger in the third photograph, but i can't tell if that is due to the leica glow or the heineken glow."

 

Tom:

 

As evidenced by this self-portrait (copies of which can purchased by contacting the artist), I always have a "natural glow" about me which matches my glowing personality. ;>)

 

Dennis<div></div>