Mardi Gras 2025

3 Mar 25

The energy began to build around 4 pm, a perfect blend of spectators and participants creating an atmosphere ripe for capturing moments. The softer light allowed for a leisurely selection of vantage points.

After taking a few snaps of the obligatory build-up, I once again met up with Dave, which by now seems like our annual street-side catchup. Despite his attempts to downplay his progress, it was clear his wrestling series was thriving, hinting at the potential for his London squatters and Ugandan Ssebabi projects. His insights into my Kings X series resonated deeply; perhaps it was time to release it, to find the right medium, to move beyond perfectionism. I left eager for our next conversation.

Met up with my hijo Chay as his renewed interest in photography sparked by a fascination with Daido and the Japanese bnw style. With his GRIIIx in hand, we fueled up with pizza before diving into the parade.

The true Mardi Gras spirit lay not in the parade, but in the surrounding revelry. To truly capture it, one had to become part of the crowd. We danced, talked, and shot, sustained by little more than water.

The night's highlight was a serendipitous house party, a whirlwind of energy and uninhibited joy. The homeowner's open-door policy was met with a respectful, albeit enthusiastic, chaos! I have not seen a home owner invite people to jump on his sofa without care. And to be honest we were not to question but to enjoy the moment. And the DJ—a revelation! His set, a top-five contender in my years of live music, kept us energized until midnight, leaving us grateful and exhilarated. I am at a loss for words.

It confirms my belief that the moments that resonate most are the ones you live, not just shoot. There are a million photographers, a million more shots. The grind matters, the access to people and situations like this matter more. But the connection you make with those people at that very moment? That's everything. The photos…they'll show you.

Note: trying to get this out now, before the photos get lost in the dev/scan/whatever pile and be as timely as possible. The above are mostly vids, just double click.