Adore April 2022

B orn and raised in New Orleans, Jamell had dreams of being a chef and a music producer before picking up a camera and photographing the second lines he grew up attending. His vibrant portraits of Mardi Gras Indians and candid shots of children dancing in the street perfectly capture the joyful moments found in everyday life in the city. Since 2017, Jamell has captured the people and details that make these cultural events uniquely New Orleans and is currently feeling inspired by their return after the pandemic-induced hiatus. Jamell Tate MIDCITY Photographer jamelltate.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS? Sneaky Pickle/Bar Brine in the Bywater. They offer vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as quality meat all from local sources. I worked for this restaurant for three years and watched Chef Ben Tabor open his doors to the neighborhood kids and teach them skills of the trade. They have a super humble attitude and are an asset to the neighborhood. FAVORITE QUOTE? "Be present." I find that when I'm immersed in the moment, whether I'm working or relaxing, I can make intentional decisions.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO NURTURE CREATIVITY? I connect with people. Building relationships is a big part of what I do — it comes so naturally to me because I'm from here. When I'm at a second line, I'm working and capturing Black culture, but I'm also dancing and having a good time with my friends. I truly believe that photos are the result of making a connection by making my subject feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR WORK? Watching the kids take pride in the culture gives me hope. Every week at the second line, these kids are dancing their little hearts out. They see their family and friends doing it, so they want to take part in it too. Some of these kids are dancing before they can even walk. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY AFTERNOON? The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon is at a second line, hands down. It's the perfect combination of working and enjoying myself. The social clubs are there to parade, the bands are there to show you why they're the best, and you're surrounded by vendors that will keep you fed and hydrated. FAVORITE MUSEUM IN NEW ORLEANS? Some of my favorite places to view art are Studio Be and JamNola. I like modern, punchy, colorful, and textured art. Ogden Museum and Contemporary Arts Center are really good too.

ADORE • APRIL 2022

37