the first

this is my first blog. exciting, isn't it? more than a year after graduating from Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts, it's time to jump out of the airplane. i don't have enough opportunities to shoot, it's a full plate that i juggle.

I built a studio in my home, which was finally completed in February. Getting it done is a long story that I won't bore you with here. i have a set of +elinchrom monolights and softboxes. I also purchased an Elinchrom grid set and the Lastolite 8 in 1 umbrella

I want to specialize in portraiture and product photography. My true passion is documentary, and I've been at work on a project that was first suggested by +Sharon White - a great photographer, instructor and cheerleader.

I haven't done any branding or marketing yet. Free time is a premium. I recently went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and was able to take photos for a documentary project.

i shot the zulu parade on mardi gras morning.

yes, that is a pair of see thru lace panties going to some lucky parade watcher. i was only able to procure a hand painted coconut, a much prized throw from the Zulu krewe.


With former class mate and shooting partner +David Salo, we then went across the Mississippi to Algiers to photograph the parade of the Mohawk Hunters, a Mardi Gras Indian tribe. The Mardi Gras Indians are one of many Mardi Gras subcultures that have been created through the years. Most of the subculutures developed in the African American communities, in a time when the large parades were segregated, so African Americans created their own unique forms of celebrating Mardi Gras Day.

the suits worn by the Indians are sewn by hand, take almost a year to create and are only worn that year. The day after Mardi Gras, it's time to start working on next years suit.


I also had to the opportunity to shoot with former class mate and shooting partner +David Salo with models +Meredith and +Kateryna. i have not yet had a chance to edit any of these, so the next time I post, I'll post some of them.

you can always see more photos at www.michaelneustadt.com or www.facebook.com/photographsbymichaelneustadt