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Author: Gus Bennett

Website
https://www.gusbennettphoto.com/meet-the-photographer
About Gus Bennett
Gus Bennett is The Lens’ staff photographer and a contributing writer covering criminal justice. Bennett brings more than 40 years of experience as a celebrated portrait and conceptual street photographer, documenting the city’s cultural, spiritual, and social landscape. His personal work centers on the themes dignity, community, and legacy—especially through his acclaimed New Orleans People Project.

Banding Together: the heart and resilience of 9th Ward high-school bands

February 16, 2026 Updated March 12, 2026
In two 9th Ward schools, Abramson and Douglass, students lean on discipline, music, and one another as they prepare for New Orleans Carnival — and for life beyond the parade route.

Sheltering in place through the ICE storm

December 12, 2025 Updated January 28, 2026
A survey in photo and text, of what New Orleanians are thinking about the local immigrants threatened by Catahoula Crunch.
Four men smile as they stand behind large wooden bins filled with sweet potatoes, loading black “Inspire the City” tote bags during a Thanksgiving food giveaway outside the Mahalia Jackson Center in New Orleans.

Holiday giveaway brings hope to Tremé amid immigration fears

November 26, 2025 Updated December 2, 2025
“When I saw the brother Jamar (McNeely) giving out turkeys and hams, I said, ‘Let me bring the vegetables,’” said DeLance Vanderhorst of Healthier NOLA.
A man in a gas mask stands next to a “Cancer Alley” sign with massive industrial data centers and smokestacks billowing black smoke behind him under an orange

Data centers spark fears of a ‘Digital Cancer Alley’ in Louisiana

September 25, 2025 Updated December 28, 2025
A new report critical of the rapid data-center ramp-up across the South describes it as ‘Big Tech, following in the footsteps of Big Oil.'

‘Even in decay, life continues.’

August 29, 2025 Updated September 8, 2025
Inspired by the floodwaters after Katrina and the birth of his son, photographer Gus Bennett created a new photography series, Organic Watermarks. Some images include 18 different layers of post-storm textures.

Essence isn’t just facing organizational problems—it’s having an identity crisis

July 9, 2025 Updated July 12, 2025
Hardy and Chantele Els, along with another rider, smile while holding their custom lowrider bicycles under the Claiborne Overpass during the Ride for Peace in New Orleans. Other participants with colorful bikes gather in the background, preparing to begin the community event.

‘Ride for Peace’ Brings New Orleanians together to interrupt violence and build community

July 1, 2025 Updated January 18, 2026
Part protest, part celebration, the Ride for Peace Sopped at City Hall and pedaled through neighborhoods long affected by violence.

‘No Kings Day’ draws 6,500 into New Orleans streets

June 14, 2025 Updated June 25, 2025
Protesters carried handmade signs, chanted slogans, voiced concerns about mounting threats to democracy and billionaire-first politics, and — because it’s New Orleans — they blew bubbles. 

The New Orleans jailbreak: crisis, blame, and a system built to break

May 28, 2025 Updated January 18, 2026
Some of the loudest voices talking about problems that led to the jailbreak are the same ones who’ve supported underfunding and cuts to social services, education, and mental-health programs—drivers of crime and incarceration in the first place.

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