10/05/2026
One of the biggest highlights of my career was back in 2006 when I covered the New Orleans Saints at the reopening of the Superdome on September 25, 2006. It was the Saints' homecoming after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and I was just 4 months into my role as the photographer for New Orleans CityBusiness. Being a business paper photographer was my first big break, and I didn't want to blow it.
I remember begging my then editor to get me a pass to the reopening of the game for a few months, and didn't know I would actually be there until a day or two before. This was Drew Brees' debut in the dome, and was the night that Steve Gleason famously blocked that kick that went down in history as THE moment New Orleans was back. That blocked kick alone gave the city so much hope, and the Dome was insane. There's a statue in front of the Dome commemorating it.
National & worldwide media were there, and it was at this game I learned not to walk in front of a live shot (the hard way). 🤣 Some lessons stick with you forever, as I habitually duck for tv & video cameras whether they're live or not.
My mom & stepdad were there that night, and I got to see them before the game started. That night I got some of the most profound advice that has stuck with me for 2 decades. My stepdad, Fritz, said "Just go out there and do your thing." In that moment, my anxiety waned and I ended up having one of the best experiences of my career.
These images earned me my first 1st Place award for my photography, and gave me the confidence to get more excited about new opportunities in photography. Whenever someone asks me what the most exciting job I've ever shot, it's this one every time.
📸 Frank L Aymami III
