The American South often endures a skewed narrative, dismissed as a backwater by certain areas of the country. Yet, in my time spent photographing this region I find that it brims with vibrant culture, unparalleled hospitality, and a deep-rooted sense of community. These images from Columbia, Tennessee embrace vivid, dynamic color compositions. I reveal a serene view of subjects where I suspend all judgement outside of the esthetic. The photographs use the quality of light as a tool to expose a nuanced view that affirms not a monolith of stereotypes, but a dynamic, diverse region deserving respect and understanding.

I capture a tableau of everyday modernity, which contains street scenes, landscapes, and found interiors. This work delves into themes of ephemerality, memory, and perception, weaving these elements into a visual narrative that is both universal and by definition, uniquely mine. By framing fleeting moments and transient objects, I make visible the traces of humanity that resonate within this part of the country. The South’s story is one of humanity, grit, and beauty.