NDA Workshop — Laura Ming Wong

October 25, 2024

First Experiences: NDA Photo Workshop and New Orleans

Sara Howard standing near her boat launch off Bayou St. John.

Earlier this month, I attended the 2024 NDA Workshop – my first photo workshop, and my first time in New Orleans. The experience was incredible, but also incredibly uncomfortable. I think real learning moments tend to work out like that. Then you emerge with some humility and inspiration to leap forward in your practice.

These photos are from my assignment with Sara Howard, owner of Kayak-iti-yat, one of New Orleans' first urban kayak tours companies. Rain hampered our shoot, but it gave me an opportunity to get to know Sara and this beautiful city.

Sara clearing water from her kayaks after a recent storm.

The skull of a gar fish discarded from a local fisherman at the Wetland Triangle Bayou. The area was once a popular fishing area for locals, but has become harder to access due to erosion and land loss.

Kayak-iti-yat, established in 2011, offers tours along Bayou St. John, catering to all skill levels. As a New Orleans native with a deep appreciation for the environment (and a self-professed “tree hugger”), Sara shares her vast knowledge of the bayou's history, wildlife, and ecological challenges. I think I fell in love with the area, thanks to her passionate sharing of both nature and people.

A white crane heron, typically lingering near bodies of water, crosses in front of Sara’s truck en route to her boat launch.

Sara switches to her second job as a bartender at the Three Muses bar and restaurant, owned by her longtime friend Sophie Lowry.

Kayak-iti-yat and other tourist-oriented businesses have struggled to regain their footing in the wake of the COVID pandemic and Hurricane Ida. To supplement her income, Sara bartends at the Three Muses, a restaurant and music venue off the popular Frenchman Street in the 7th Ward neighborhood.

Sara and her friend, Sophie Lowry, owner of Three Muses, have a spirited conversation in the kitchen.

Sara and her friend, Lycia Ferguson, pose for a portrait outside of Three Muses. With their friend Sophie Lowry, they created a community nonprofit space above the restaurant in February 2024.

Nolaw Anti-State Choir, a New Orleans-based choir that writes and performs politically progressive songs, perform on the porch of the Foubourg House on Frenchman Street.

In February 2024, Sara, Sophie Lowry (owner of Three Muses), and Lycia Ferguson launched the Foubourg House, a non-profit on the top floor of Three Muses. The space provides meals and serves as a venue for local artists, musicians, and community activists. With the NFL Super Bowl coming to New Orleans next year, Sara and her friends hope the Foubourg House can help contribute to the local economy and serve their community in novel ways.

Consider supporting these organizations if you're ever in the area!

Kayak-iti-yat
Three Muses
NDA Workshop