Photography by DiAnna Paulk

Imaging USA is a big event for photographers held in different cities across the USA each year.  They have educational seminars and a huge trade show. Very good for inspiration and checking out the quality of new products.

This year it was in New Orleans.  I’ve run many possible statements through my mind as I did want to post something about this trip. I can’t tell you how many negative thoughts I’ve expressed and then backspaced to try to keep it positive. I didn’t like New Orleans the first time I visited it.  I didn’t change my mind this time.  I hope I never have to return.  I will refrain from going into any more detail than that.  And, yes, that is the “cleaned up” version of the post I really wanted to write.  And I do know that many, many people disagree with me.  But there it is.

So … on to the positive:

I had GREAT company in fellow photogs Lori Mercer and Suzanne Williams.  I am always so honored when they let me tag along with them somewhere.

I got to meet or reconnect with several other local and semi-local photogs.

I was totally inspired by wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis‘s seminar.

And we followed some very kind conventioneers to this tiny little restaurant in the historic warehouse district of the city.  The fettuccine alfredo and seeing New Orleans in my rear-view mirror were the highlights of my visit.

A little over a year ago, while recuperating from surgery, I became addicted to the Food Channel.  I went from hating cooking to knowing all the chefs by name in just a few months.  I never dreamed I’d actually get to eat at Lady and Sons while visiting Savannah recently, but I hit it at just the right time and had only a 10-minute wait!

I didn’t want to risk annoying the patrons, so kept the camera aimed above them as I tried to capture some of the ambiance of the building.

The first thing you get is the hoe-cake and cheese biscuit.

How could I leave without fried green tomatoes!  YUM

By the time my asparagus sandwich arrived I was completely filled and had to ask for a to-go box.

The food was delicious — everything I hoped for.  But what surprised me most was the service.  I really expected the people to be snooty with all the success the restaurant has enjoyed.  Instead they exhibited the very epitome of southern hospitality.  I was just super impressed!

I left with a pink, sparkly, “Kitchen Diva” t-shirt!  Maybe I can post of picture in it soon. LOL!

If you ever get to Savannah, get your name on the list for Lady and Sons!  It’s really all it’s hyped-up to be.

I was in Savannah for a week this month for a workshop.  Between classes and rain and a cold front there was little opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty of the city.  I left longing to return for another week to just walk around with my camera.  One of the few places I got to visit just for fun was the breathtakingly beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.  After a week of dampness and darkness this short visit certainly lifted my spirits.