A Family's Passion for Photography and the Appreciation and Respect of Nature
Life on the Honey Island Swamp
Mother/Daughter Team working together to capture some of the many fascinations the swamp has to offer.
Linda DiLorenzo
I was born in Mississippi but have lived in Slidell, LA most of my life. I’m from a large family, one of nine. I started taking pictures with a little Brownie Camera at the age of 10. As I long as I can remember I have taken pictures. My Parents encouraged me to pursue my natural abilities. You see in the 60’s a left handed child was considered physically challenged. I found it to be a blessing. I love my creativity, the whole left hand - right side of the brain thing.
As a teenager I spent most of my summers on Lake Pontchartrain and the bayou’s and swamps in and around Slidell. Being on the waterways of the Gulf Coast was natural for me. After becoming a Mom at the age of 27, my daughter, Lisa was always just a few steps away watching and learning. We spend a lot of time fishing, hunting, crabbing and shrimping.
I worked in the Insurance Industry for over 35 years. During that time I continued to explore the wetlands of Louisiana in the areas of Pointe a la Hache, Delacroix, Shell Beach, Hopedale and all points due south of New Orleans around the Mississippi River delta. This proved to be one of the most enjoyable and educational times I’ve spent on the water.
In August 2008, I found my home on the West Pearl River that soon because my dream life. I love spending time sitting on the back porch watching the wildlife. I’m always surprised by the number of visitors we have whether it’s an alligator, nutria, river otter, rabbit, wild boar or numerous bird species that are just passing through.
Lisa P. Gerchow
Lisa is a wonderful mother of a funny, intelligent, and handsome little boy named Brayden Joseph Gerchow. I grew up in Slidell, La most of my life. I was born September 28th, sharing the day with my aunt and great grand mother and just two days shy of my mother. I like to think because I share something so great with such strong women that I have inherited a few traits from each; speaking my mind like my Aunt and Nanny and getting my drive for life and love for photography from my Mom.
Living life on the water is the only life I have known. I lived off Carr Dive, an inlet from Lake Pontchartrain, when I was a young girl. I would spend my days fishing off the dock or going out in a boat with my grandfather, whom I call Gramps. I have fond memories of swimming in the canal, catching crabs and throwing a cast net with my cousins during the hot summer days.
I contribute most of my knowledge to my dad, who would take me to our family’s house boat, which use to be located near the Lacombe Pipeline Canal. The only way to get there was by boat and the ride was filled with wonderful scenery, including alligators, nutria, and the occasional water moccasin. While there, we would enjoy many of the normal activities you would endure on a house boat in the south, whether it’s paddling along in a pirogue or froggin' under the late night moon.
Living my teen years on Bayou Liberty and now my adult years off the Pearl River, I am remarkably familiar with the wildlife this wonderful state I call home has to offer. Louisiana is hot, humid and mosquito infested but if you sit down, sip on a glass of ice cold sweet tea and enjoy the ambiance, you may never want to leave.