Episode 54 - Larry Everage on Photography, New Orleans Culture, Community & Visual Legacy

On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with New Orleans photographer Larry Everage for a powerful conversation about photography, culture, heritage, community, and the responsibility of preserving stories through visual art.

For Larry, photography is more than a profession or creative outlet—it's a continuation of a family tradition. Raised in a family of avid photographers, he developed an appreciation for visual storytelling early in life, learning firsthand how photographs can preserve memories, document history, and strengthen connections between generations.

Today, Larry's work is deeply rooted in the culture, people, and spirit of New Orleans.

Through his photography, he documents the resilience, beauty, identity, and complexity of a city unlike any other. His images celebrate both the historic legacy and living culture of New Orleans, highlighting the communities, traditions, and stories that continue to shape the city's character.

Larry's commitment to storytelling and community has earned him widespread recognition, including both the NOLA Millennial Award and the prestigious Dillard University 40 Under 40 Award. His work continues to gain national attention, with two of his photographs selected for the acclaimed Seeing Black exhibit and book in 2024.

His images have also become part of the permanent collection at the New Orleans African American Museum, ensuring that his work will continue to educate, inspire, and preserve history for future generations.

In this episode, Tyson and Larry discuss the importance of documenting culture, honoring community through photography, and creating work that contributes to a larger historical record.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Larry Everage's journey into photography and visual storytelling
• How family history and heritage shaped his creative path
• The influence of New Orleans culture, history, and community on his work
• Why documenting local stories remains central to his photography
• The significance of receiving the NOLA Millennial Award and Dillard University 40 Under 40 recognition
• The impact of being featured in the Seeing Black exhibit and publication
• What it means to have work included in the permanent collection of the New Orleans African American Museum
• The relationship between photography, culture, and historical preservation
• Why visual storytelling plays an important role in protecting community memory

This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about art, identity, and the importance of preserving culture through photography.

Larry's work reminds us that photography can be both a celebration and a form of historical record. Through careful observation and genuine connection, photographers have the ability to preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten while honoring the people and communities that shape our world.

Whether you're a photographer, artist, historian, educator, cultural advocate, or someone passionate about New Orleans and visual storytelling, this conversation offers valuable insight into the power of photography to build legacy and preserve history.

The photographs we create today often become the stories future generations use to understand the past.

Follow Larry Everage:
Instagram: @larryeverage
Threads: @larryeverage
Website: www.larryeverage.com