Lois Nelson dances on the coffin of her teenage son, Darnell “D-Boy” Andrews

An online fundraiser is currently underway to rebuild the home of photographer Eric Waters and help get him back to New Orleans full-time.

Known for capturing poignant moments during Jazz Fest, second lines, Mardi Gras Indian parades, jazz performances, and more, Waters is a 7th Ward native who grew up immersed in the communities he documents.

He lost his home (as well as many of his photos, cameras, and negatives) to the levee breach of Katrina. He began the long process of rebuilding only to be set back again by contractor fraud, and his home was never successfully rebuilt. He’s spent the past decade traveling back and forth between Atlanta and New Orleans, intent on his mission to continue documenting Crescent City culture.

In an essay about his father (also named Eric Waters, also a photographer) he wrote, “The ability to recognize that sliver of time that would make a great photograph is what makes the photographer. There is something in the moment that catches the great photographer’s eye that can evoke a universal emotional response. New Orleans’ culture has a lot of those moments.”

It’s clear from his work that his father isn’t the only Eric Waters to be a “great” photographer, and New Orleans certainly has “a lot of those moments” that need documenting. It’s high time Waters was back for good.

Visit the gofundme page here to make a contribution to the cause. On the site, you’ll also be able to view a video that showcases some of Waters’ work and his importance to the city.

Photo by Eric Waters.