ABOUT THE BOOK

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is proud to offer the documentary companion book, Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else!, a collaboration with incredible visual documentarian Carol Highsmith and Jay Dardenne, one of Louisiana’s greatest ambassadors.

Filled with over 250 photos taken by Highsmith documenting the people, the places, and the culture of Louisiana, Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! is a visual trip across our state, from New Orleans to Natchitoches. "I've been everywhere in America. I've been to all the states and I love them all, don't get me wrong, but Louisiana just knocks them off the block," says Highsmith. "I mean, it's unbelievable what Louisiana has to offer." 

There are also other exciting exclusive gift options to choose from, including a collection of Limited Edition signed photographic prints from Carol Highsmith.

These gifts are our way of saying "Thank You" for your generous support of LPB and the work we do. Along with your gift, you will receive a one-year membership to Friends of LPB, which includes:

  • A one-year subscription to LPB PASSPORT, an extended streaming benefit for members. LPB PASSPORT gives you the opportunity to watch many of your favorite LPB and PBS programs any time (and anywhere) you want! Watch past seasons of favorites like NATURE and NOVA. You can even get early access to some of your MASTERPIECE favorites with PASSPORT exclusives and binge-watching opportunities!
  • A one-year subscription to Visions magazine, LPB's exclusive monthly member guide. This magazine let's you know what’s going on with LPB, both on the air and in the community. With it, you'll have a handy program guide exploring all three LPB channels – LPB HD, our main channel; LPB 3, full of cooking, travel, gardening, & DIY; and LPB PBS KIDS 24/7. Plus, the guide includes expanded highlights of spotlight programs for the month, including Louisiana-focused productions. 
  • A one-year subscription to Louisiana Life, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to travel, food, and lifestyle across the state. Filled with beautiful photos, mouth-watering recipes, and fascinating profiles, readers will discover something new to love about Louisiana with each issue. 
  • Most importantly, your support of LPB allows us to continue the important work we provide across the state. LPB serves as Louisiana’s Storyteller, producing programs that explore our history, our culture, and our people. As Louisiana's largest classroom, we support families and educators across our state by providing free learning resources, camps that inspire curiosity, and professional development opportunities for educators and caregivers. Without the support of members like YOU, programs like Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! wouldn't be possible.
EXCLUSIVE GIFTS

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER/DOCUMENTARIAN

Carol M. Highsmith has been visually documenting America for more than forty years. She is donating her life’s work to the Library of Congress, where it is preserved in the most historic photo collection on Earth. Thousands of Highsmith’s images from her comprehensive exploration of the fifty states will be available from our national library for the ages. “The most important thing about working with Louisiana Public Broadcasting is that you’re right down my line. I am donating every image I take to the Library of Congress. And what is LPB doing? You give us programming that really, basically, is for the people. It’s a gift. How wonderful.” 

Carol Highsmith talks about life on the road as a photographer/
documentarian and discusses the equipment she used to capture the stunning images featured in the documentary companion book,