There is no shortage of photographic subjects at your average New Orleans carnival celebration. But my favorite thing to shoot (besides the women showing their hoo-has on the balcony) has got to be the flambeaux men. The website flambeauxlighting.com gives a brief history of the origin of the flambeaux men.

“Before the advent of electric power Carnival Krewes relied on men to lead the parades at night by carrying gas torches to light the way. These original flambeaux carriers were slaves, but the tradition has lived on and today’s flambeaux carriers are an important part of Mardi Gras.  Flambeaux carriers have become true performers who dance and put on terrific shows for the crowds who often throw spare change as tips.”