PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A personal project took me to the land where many of my ancestors once lived. Wanting to capture the beauty of this once-booming town and its history, I documented what I saw and what my ancestors experienced while living here. Humanizing the people who still live on this land and depend on it. An appreciation I needed to learn and wanted to share with others.
LEARNING LENS
I visited a mostly abandoned town, initially intending to photograph its decline. However, I quickly realized the Appalachian community valued their privacy, so I focused on observing small details, which helped me convey a human story. My ancestors lived here, and some still do, making the land feel personal—almost like a ghost town still filled with people who stayed in their homes. These houses were built for miners and reflected a resilient spirit. The scenery was stunning, yet it evoked a feeling of being in a simulation, highlighting the trapped emotion many residents might have felt. Despite the hardships and enforced conformity, they appreciated what they had. They powered a nation but were often neglected by the very businesses that exploited them.
FINAL SOLUTION
As I strolled through the town, I paused to photograph whatever caught my eye—sometimes large objects, other times broken pieces on the ground. Each photo captures what remains of this place. There wasn’t much left, but a closer look revealed what once was there. I wanted to preserve that memory—the effort behind building these homes and small schools, craftsmanship worth remembering. Even if current residents don't see the beauty, I remind myself to value where I came from and what this town stood for.