Use what you have. Look at the ordinary and see life differently. Change your perspective. Photography has taught me to always keep those concepts in the back of my mind. Last weekend I was able to put those practices into play. Our family decided to take an airboat tour as a Mother’s Day surprise. Let me begin by saying my mother has been asking to do this for months. Okay… Maybe years! With Mother’s Day coming upon us, we knew it would be a great weekend to make this happen for her.
We traveled to a small town about 45 minutes from New Orleans and boarded the “cajun limo” for a mid-morning tour. Louisiana scenery is one of my favorites to shoot. So, when this was mentioned as the idea for her Mother’s Day this year, I was excited to see what we were going to see. Even though I pass bayous and marsh all the time, there is something very special about the scenery and the feeling it gives you. As often as possible, I use what surrounds me as inspiration.
Along the tour we met some Louisiana wildlife with the main attraction being alligators. We saw quite a few within the hour. I will say the view from the front row was a good one. Especially when we met one particular gator. She got a little friendly. To me, she was eyeballing my white legs for lunch. Or maybe she noticed the bucket of chicken beside me. Either way I ended up with this shot… Although I stopped breathing for a solid thirty seconds as she hung to the side of the boat… Completely worth it. And the little guy next to her we met towards the end of the tour. He was camera ready. From the few minutes we spent together, I would say he instantly knew how to pose for photographs better than me.
Overall, I would say a successful Mother’s Day. Everyone left with a few smiles on their face and all their legs intact. And I came home with a camera card filled some great shots. Definitely a success!
Tour Company: Airboat Tours by Arthur
Location: Des Allemands, Louisiana (About 45 minutes just outside of New Orleans)
Teresa says
May 14, 2015 at 8:57 amAfter years of wishing we would stop and take the tour, well it finally happen. It was wonderful and “Greg” the tour guide…well let’s just say he was entertaining.
Ashley Landry says
May 14, 2015 at 8:58 amAgreed! Greg definitely added to our experience! Glad you enjoyed!
Mary Anderson says
May 16, 2015 at 11:29 amFun to explore “your own backyard”! Great photos Ash!