E. J. Bellocq Storyville Portraits

E. J. Bellocq Storyville Portraits are striking and hauntingly beautiful. Taken around 1912, one can imagine what a production it was to be able to take someone’s portrait. Upon his death, eighty-nine glass plate negatives where found. He pursued this extensive project with female prostitutes in New Orleans’ Storyville district, lacing this project with intrigue and elusivity. The composition of each photograph seemed care for, as well as the positioning of the models. The women looked at eased. More mystery lies behind why some of the plates are scratch and hand manipulated. These are stories that we will never know, but have inspired many works of literature and films. Looking at these portraits, time slows as the viewer ponders the relationship between photographer and subject.