Photographer: Marie-Dominique Verdier

Little Freddie King was one of many New Orleanians who agreed to pose by a wall in their own neighborhood, as part of my book New Orleans Walls: Still Standing. I drove throughout Freddie’s neighborhood for about an hour before finding “his” wall, by a cemetery. I then picked up Freddie at his house. He was ready to go, so sweet and happy, all dressed up in black and carrying the longest and fullest keychain I have ever seen. As soon as we arrived at the wall, I saw the image I wanted to create. I didn’t know how Freddie would feel about being asked to put his arms in a cross, so I first had him lean on the left side of the cross and worked my way in, eventually showing him the pose I wanted him to take. He was just awesome, and laughed when he saw his picture.