Colorado photographer reflects on covering Hurricane Katrina

Posted: Aug 29, 2010 4:44 PM by Bill Folsom
Updated: Aug 30, 2010 11:22 AM

Colorado photographer recorded Katrina aftermath

Five years ago Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast. For a Colorado photographer who went there to document the aftermath the experience has evolved, but not fully ended.

Nanette Martin went as a freelance photographer to take pictures for a national magazine. She rode along with National Guard soldiers. Water was covering 80% of New Orleans, so "huge" Martin says it's hard to convey the experience. "I remember being in the middle of it and thinking I can't get out of this for hours and hours, maybe even days, I can't to the edge of this."

Five years later, Martin just returned to her Boulder home after a return trip to the area. She observed some areas where it appears back to normal, but says, "There are pockets that have not been touched."

Martins return to New Orleans is more than an update. Her experience during Katrina altered her career path. There were so many stranded dogs and cats she went several times to document the plight of the animals. That led to involvement in a rescue where nearly 50 rescued dogs and cats were being transported to Atlanta. It was suggested that Martin take a picture of each of the animals and forward them through the internet. "By the time we got to Atlanta practically every one of them was spoken for," says Martin.

She realized her pictures could make the difference between a homeless animal living or dying. That altered her career path. She is now founder and Chief Photographer for the non profit Shelter-Me-Photography.

Since Katrina she's taken thousands of pictures of homeless animals living in rescues and shelters in Louisiana and many other states. The result of photos by a pro is a lot more animals going to homes. Martin says, "The better the photo the faster the adoption."

To learn more about the non-profit click here.