f/504: a free creative collective focused on photography, fashion, modeling, and art—brought to life in unique spaces and renowned art institutions.
Welcome to f/504, a dynamic creative collective committed to fostering the spirit of free and accessible networking and collaborative events. We are passionate about providing a platform for individuals to refine their artistic skills, with a particular focus on photography, digital media, modeling, and fashion. Our mission is to share our love for these creative pursuits in a safe and inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels.
f/504 hosts photo events, exhibitions, workshops, and seasonal clothing swaps in collaboration with local businesses and arts institutions.
Past collaborations have been with the Rook Cafe, Junk Drawer Coffee, Fourth Wall, The Emerald Door, The Roadhouse at Creole Gardens, Hotel Peter and Paul, New Orleans Opera Guild Home, The Contemporary Arts Center, Two Studios, Bywater Wonderland, and FERRARA SHOWMAN GALLERY.
Our events are open to creative enthusiasts from all corners, inviting anyone willing to make the journey to New Orleans. As a constantly evolving and expanding community, we are always on the lookout for new collaborators to contribute their skills and ideas to our events.
Whether you're seeking information, have questions, or wish to share your ideas for future events and workshops, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team members are eager to connect with you, promptly respond to your inquiries, and ensure you feel genuinely welcomed at our events.
If you have a unique space in New Orleans and want to host us, reach out!
See our past events and read our testimonials.
Founders
Joliet Morrill and Emilee the Visionary are the co-founders of f/504. Joliet previously ran a photowalk group in New Orleans where she found her love of community collaboration when it came to photography. Emilee began her modeling journey by attending similar photowalks in Jackson, Mississippi, which allowed her to build her portfolio for free and network with likeminded individuals. They both felt the community deserved something more elevated and professional, yet still accessible.
In 2021, they transitioned the concept of photowalks indoors to foster more intimate creative spaces. Since then, the group has evolved into hosting large collaborative photoshoots, partnering with small businesses, art venues, and historic institutions. They also started hosting clothing swaps, allowing people to reimagine their wardrobes for free and prepare for photoshoots, continuing their mission to break down barriers to access.
f/504 is also preparing for an upcoming community show with Ferrara Showman Gallery and plans to host portfolio reviews and workshops aimed at promoting artistic growth and advancing professional opportunities for creatives.
Board
Joliet Morrill | President | Co-Founder
Joliet is a photographer from New Orleans who specializes in street photography and portraiture. Joliet studied Art History and Sociology at Mount Holyoke College, where she spent four years studying the importance of the intersectionality of art and education while giving tours at the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. She has been running photo walks and photography events for six years in New Orleans and loves bringing people together to collaborate in an open and safe environment. She currently runs Lapin's Workshop. Lapin's Workshop offers sliding-scale community workshops such as drawing classes on Tuesdays and an open craft night on Thursdays. You can find her portraits at @photo.joliet and film photography at @joliet.candid. jolietmorrill.com
Chris Olsen | Vice-President
Matthew Weldon Showman | Secretary | Founder's Circle
Matthew Weldon Showman is partner and gallery director at FERRARA SHOWMAN GALLERY New Orleans, as well as, an independent curator, fine art consultant, collection manager and a collector in his own right. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Arts District New Orleans Association. Showman is dedicated to developing and cultivating relationships with and amongst artists, institutions, and collectors alike and seeks to share his resources with the f/504 community.
Tom Wade | Treasurer
Tom Wade (they/them) is a multimedia artist and community organizer living in New Orleans. They are a founding member of Lapin’s Workshop, a free collaborative art space in the Bywater. Tom has volunteered with f/504 for over three years and is passionate about creating free opportunities for artists to express themselves outside of the pressures of the hustle-and-grind culture. In their spare time Tom meditates and hangs out with their local street cat, Pork Tchoup. You can reach Tom at tomhwade95@gmail.com.
Advisory Board
Emilee the Visionary | Co-Founder
Emilee the Visionary is a fashion model and stylist from New Orleans who is known for her unique style and avant-garde photoshoots. She submerges herself into every project she’s a part of and encourages the use of props and a combination of textures to tell a story. She considers every photoshoot an opportunity to further understand her capabilities. She is passionate about self-expression and creating outlets for people to do the same. Find her at @emileethevisionary and @visionairebyem.
Lillian Wilkin | Founder's Circle
Lillian Mae is a costume designer and community organizer, dedicated to weaving connections and experiences beyond fabric. Specializing in the repair of vintage garments, Lillian’s work focuses on upcycling and sustainable sewing practices. Beyond her sewing studio, Wilkin is a creative force behind community festivals and music events, a testament to her belief that a tightly knit community leads to a more immersive, intimate, and prosperous creative experience for all. Find them at @kitschyicecream.
Lillian Mae is a costume designer and community organizer, dedicated to weaving connections and experiences beyond fabric. Specializing in the repair of vintage garments, Lillian’s work focuses on upcycling and sustainable sewing practices. Beyond her sewing studio, Wilkin is a creative force behind community festivals and music events, a testament to her belief that a tightly knit community leads to a more immersive, intimate, and prosperous creative experience for all. Find them at @kitschyicecream.
Lisa Cates
Lisa leads the New Orleans Photo Alliance and annual PhotoNOLA Festival. She has seven years of experience in a leadership capacity building community partnerships, fundraising, programming and team-building. Her prior experience covers production of photography, exhibitions, and travel photography workshops. Partners include National Geographic, the Santa Fe Workshops and Nobechi Creative.
Kyle Bardell
A talent from New Orleans, Kyle studied acting and pose in New York, building a career through collaborations with artists and creatives worldwide. Passionate about expanding male fashion expression, Kyle aims to break traditional boundaries and promote fluidity in style. Their work has been published, and they have walked in shows both nationally and internationally. As their career evolves, Kyle remains committed to sharing their experiences and growing the f/504 community. Kyle can be found through his website www.kylebardell.com or his instagram @kylejsbardell.
Joshua Huval
Josh Huval is an artist and creative consultant from New Orleans. He began his professional career at age 18, traveling the globe as a documentary cinematographer. Later, while working as a video engineer and photographer on film productions in Los Angeles, Josh began consulting with artists and photography galleries. He helped produce the compelling and medium-blending photography program at Marshall Gallery in Santa Monica.
After the pandemic, Josh returned home to continue developing his artistic portfolio and serving clients in Louisiana as a creative consultant on film productions, gallery curation, and large scale fine art projects. He operates a fine art printing service from his studio, primarily catering to artists looking to develop and present their work in a gallery setting. Josh believes in empowering photographers to present their stories on their own terms, through physical forms such as prints, books, portfolios, bound diner napkins, duct taped manilla folders, etc.
Eliza White
Thank you!