While I fancy myself an explorer, I often get wrapped up in personal projects, leaving little room for the simple joy of travel. In 2015, I finally took the opportunity to step away, embarking on a much-needed week-long trip to New Orleans with my then-girlfriend. Both full-time teachers and graduate students at the time, we were juggling demanding schedules and relished the chance to pause and experience the world outside our routines.

Though my camera gear traveled with me, it remained mostly packed away in favor of enjoying the present moment. Yet, as a photographer, I couldn’t resist capturing fragments of the trip. Equipped with my now-defunct Windows phone, known for its innovative manual controls, I captured snapshots of vibrant streets and quiet beauty. This wasn’t a commercial project—just a gallery of memories from an unforgettable journey.