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‘Close Encounters’ National Geographic publication

I am thrilled to announce that a photograph from my Junkanoo documentary photography project has been selected for ‘Close Encounters’, a story for the National Geographic website. The story features 28 photographs that the editors Matt Adams and Kristen McNicholas selected out of more than 13,000 submissions.

From the article:

“Each editor on this story realized very early on that the title Close Encounters could have many different meanings. It could be an up close view, it could be you the photographer getting to know a location, person, or species on a deeper level, or it could be that brief moment where things just appear closer than normal. The following images are a collection of three points of view that make up one final story. This was our close encounterwith the incredible images submitted to this assignment.”

Erik Kruthoff Photography Junkanoo National Geographic

Click image to go to story on NationalGeographic.com

Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs in New Orleans

While traveling to New Orleans for the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, I was especially excited to witness the Mardi Gras Indian groups and the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs that form an important part of New Orleans culture and identity. The similarities to these traditions and Junkanoo in The Bahamas are apparent. It is interesting to see these traditions in a cross-cultural context. Any Junkanooer could easily jump into a second line and fit right in.

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Junkanoo Season Officially Starts. Genesis Junkanoo

With Junkanoo Carnival finished up, it’s time to switch gears to this year’s Junkanoo. Weekly group practices and activities have started. I will be attending various groups’ practices and documenting their progress. Here are some shots of Genesis Junkanoo Organization, who recently made the jump to an ‘A Group’ classification, which means they have over 200 members rushing.

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