Charleston vs. Irma
As Charleston prepared for Hurricane Irma, other locations in her path of destruction were already assessing the damages in her wake. Last year I did a similar photo series before Matthew graced the shores of the Lowcountry, so it's of little surprise that I ventured downtown yesterday to document the city before the storm. While a part of me felt a little odd taking photos knowing that at the exact same time family and friends in Florida were getting pummeled by Irma's wrath, I also believe photography is simply part of the story. Sometimes these stories are easy to tell -- other times not. Sometimes the scene is heartbreaking -- other times beautiful. But in all those times, in every scene, someone has to be there to tell the story. So we remember. And it is not lost on me that today, September 11, while so many are remembering devastation of another kind, and so many are recovering from the effects of Irma wondering how they will rebuild their lives having lost properties, livestock, pets, and more, I am sitting in my apartment completely fortunate to be alive and safe and untouched by these tragedies -- to be sharing these photos with you all. I don't know why I'm the lucky one this time, but I don't take it for granted. My thoughts are with all others today who were not as fortunate -- who are suffering and heartbroken. I hope brighter times are ahead for you. x
