A few years ago, Pam and I were heading to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop for a cocktail when I noticed the Clover Grill was being used for the filming of the movie Benjamin Buttons. I immediately ran back to the house to get my camera because the Clover was dressed up for photography! I got some really great shots that I could never get again! They had replaced the sign lights with lower wattage, the interior was staged to a forties diner, and cleaned up outside (newspaper racks, trashcans gone, etc.). It was perfect! Now, to the point of this blog post. While I was out taking pictures of the Clover Grill my friend Michael Ra happened to be passing by and I captured an image of him walking in front of Clover. A little back story here.. Michael claimed to be Egyptian, a psychic reader, medium, and to have died like eight times! Now, I have been taking photographs for a LONG time and never had my camera do anything like what happened this evening. Below is the three picture (tryptich) of images straight out of my camera. They are in sequence. Michael Ra can be seen in the middle image (upper part of the blue area). I spoke to Michael about this phenomena after it occurred. He commented "you didn't ask me if you could take my picture, that's what happens". What? Like I said earlier I have been taking pictures a long time. I've shot over 20,000 photographs on this camera. Never had an image look weird.... WTH! New Orleans is a unique place with many unique people. Michael Ra is one of those people. Pam and I are glad to call him a friend. Michael also made soaps and oils with the original Egyptian recipes which he sold in the French Quarter! If you are in NOLA, stop by the Clover Grill and get one of the best cheeseburgers you will ever have! They cook them under a hubcap. The staff has serious attitude also, if they tell you to sit down, shut up and they will take your order soon don't take it personally!
1 Comment
Ashley Place
1/14/2016 11:36:57 am
This does not surprise me one bit.
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Joe Dunn
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