10/12/2026
There’s a cost to living in paradise that you don’t always understand until something like a hurricane passes through.
I photograph families from all over the country, all over the world, who save up their money to spend one week here.
It’s the happiest week of their year which is why they want photos.
They take a gamble and hope for the perfect water, perfect weather, and clear skies.
As locals, we take the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Sometimes, the cost of paradise feels steep.
It is so easy to take for granted not only our beaches, but many other things.
A hot shower.
Working traffic lights.
Hundred year old oak trees that are still standing.
In the midst of the mess of hurricane Isasias, I’m reminded of what makes our community so special.
On top of the beauty, it’s the people. The morning after the storm hit, I woke up to probably 15 neighbors working with chainsaws to clear the end of their street. And, I’ve seen it over and over again all over our Panhandle. It makes me feel proud of where I come from.
And I’ll stand by this: there is no better workout than hauling tree limbs to the road, and no better nap than after a full day of yard work 😂
