I leave the house around 10:30. Across Saint Claude I hit the stream of beauty. I take the stream to Franklin, the joy is amplified.

I cross Royal.

A man sits with his head in his hands the look of sadness permeates. I walk past him and make it 5 steps contemplating all of us, on the street having the best time, he sits 3 feet away sad. I look like magic, today I will be. I walk back thrust out my hand with a 20.

“Happy Mardi Gras brother” I say, he looks up and smiles

“How did you know” with a quick Triple take on that $20 the sadness lifts I see the person not the pain

“I just know” I say , “I’m magic” trying to be present but deliberate in my intention

“I’m one of the good ones” he says, longing in his voice, I tear up

“I know man”

We look at each other, he sees me glittery and gold, Today I saw him, and that’s what made the difference

He smiles, sunshine and sparkles on his face, shakes his head, today he can be whoever he wants

Happy Mardi Gras

Eli

More Photos below

Mardi Gras – 2022 Season – Photo Galleries Below

Mardi Gras Day

Lundi Gras

Krewe of Thoth

Blush Ball

Krewe of Freret – Krewe of Themis

Krewe du Vieux – KreweDelusion

Grab Bag

If you didn’t know back in the day I used to shoot a lot of video. Since I moved away from NYC I kinda got into photography a little hard. The following videos are the beginning of my VLOG. I hope to shoot some more and I hope you enjoy.

See ya next time.

Another season came and went.

We danced like fools in the street, nobody judged, they join in.
Read the rest of this entry »

It starts off nice, with good intentions.
Read the rest of this entry »

50% off with the code 50off if you want to buy a print from me now is the time!

Read the rest of this entry »

Well.
Someone tried to shoot my neighbor Donald. You have probably seen his photo on instagram or on here I’m sure. One of the bullets went through the front of my house and landed in the kitchen. Waking up to the sound of gunfire, thinking its in your house is the least exciting thing I can think of. The strange thing is, I think we are so desensitized to gun violence its a week later and business as usual.

Well I shot a water ballet. Two legs bad was a water ballet based on animal farm. Quite awesome, I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Read the rest of this entry »

We got ready, booze, lighters, flashlights, water. Prepped and ready.. Get drunk before the power goes out and at least you can sleep. Everyone was out not he street waiting, music playing, drinks in hand. Its the neighborhood coming together and reaffirming why you live here. Why you stay to face a storm. You know the community will rally.

Read the rest of this entry »

As the hurricane approaches and we settle into the cocktail hour, the powers more than likely about to go out.

Its cocktail hour, the calm before the storm. I just added a couple galleries to shotbyeli.com go have a look.

Dawn and I are fine, safe. If anything crazy goes down ill get online and update. Go bags ready, Bug Out kit ready, Zombie kit ready (no this is 4 real we have a hand axe at the ready I won’t be caught off guard.. I’m straight Woke to the zombie threat). I’m about to grab a cocktail and watch the storm. Stay dry yall, and if you need to come over, if the house is standing we will be here.

Some New Galleries:

Young Men Olympians – Second line Sunday – 2017

Family Ties – Second Line – 2017

Photos:

Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday was one of those days you can’t really put into words. One of the only in New Orleans days. So here are some photos from just part of my day.

Read the rest of this entry »

Early in the morning it rained. The skies cleared shortly after and women all over the world marched.

It felt so hopeful, so magical, so awesome.
Read the rest of this entry »