Troy of New Orleans

In the quiet hours before Bourbon Street fills with tourists, Troy Scott tends an empty bar.

This story follows a New Orleans bartender’s search for stability, asking what it means to build a life when your work is defined by serving others and your city is built on letting go.

Produced for NDA Workshop and recognized by Catchlight: Pictures of the Year.
Bourbon Street is a historic corridor in New Orleans that spans 13 blocks. With approximately 50-60 bars and night clubs it is one of New Orleans' main tourist hubs.

Troy Scott is a bartender from Lafayette, Louisiana, he lives in New Orleans and works at The Swamp on Bourbon Street.
“I was working as a tattoo artist but then my teacher died.”

Troy loved to tattoo. Now he tattoos friends on special occasions.

“I’d prefer to work at a bar that locals go to. You meet people, you make relationships and connections.”
“I’m working from 8pm today until 6am tomorrow, then they need me back at the bar at 11am to work a shift until 7pm.”