Relics 2016: Ponchatoula Beach
A photograph by Shawn Palmer
Ponchatoula Beach has changed a fair bit since Shawn Palmer’s childhood tubing trips to the Tangipahoa River with her family. Most significantly, the riverfront is now private property; but that didn’t rule out another visit from Palmer.
“It’s a nice community,” she said of Ponchatoula. “Most people have lived there for ages—everybody knows everybody. My father and stepmother have lived here their whole lives. They know everybody.”
Palmer’s itch to explore comes naturally. “My dad is one of those who likes to take every back road there is.”
As a younger student, she focused on painting and drawing; but when Palmer returned to school after her twins were born, LSU’s new digital arts program won her interest. Though she’s primarily an illustrator now, she carries her camera more often than not. The addition gives Palmer confidence to venture out. “Sometimes on those side roads I get as leery as anybody. Reluctant, you know. But I’m different now that I have a camera.”
Follow Shawn Palmer on Instagram at @shawnpalmer_225.