Appalachian FC vs Bristol Rhythm AFC: NPSL Rivalry Match in Bristol, VA Ends 2–1

Appalachian FC vs Bristol Rhythm AFC: Grit, Rain, and a Heated Rivalry in the NPSL

On May 31, I photographed the NPSL matchup between Appalachian FC and Bristol Rhythm AFC at Gene Malcolm Stadium in Bristol, Virginia. I was there covering the game for Appalachian, and let me tell you, this one had everything. Rain, rivalry, and plenty of emotion.

The match started off under steady rain. The pitch was slick, passes skipped a little too fast, and tackles got heavy quick. You could tell both teams wanted this one bad.

As the rain cleared and the sun broke through, the tempo didn’t slow down. It actually ramped up. Fans were into it. The stands were packed and noisy. By the time the lights came on and the game moved into the evening, things got heated. Players were getting physical, shoving on nearly every restart, and chirping each other all over the field. It was aggressive, and honestly, it made for some great images.

Bristol pulled out the win with a final score of 2–1. Appalachian pushed hard to equalize late in the game, but Bristol’s defense locked things down when it mattered. Great soccer. Great energy. Great atmosphere.

I’m based in Damascus, Virginia, and I cover live sports, events, and brand content across Southwest Virginia and the Tri-Cities. Whether it’s soccer, corporate events, or community events, I focus on documenting the action and emotion in real time. Teams and leagues need more than just snapshots. They need consistent, high-quality visuals that help them grow their brand, connect with fans, and tell their story the right way.

If you’re part of a team, league, media outlet, or sports organization that needs dependable coverage, let’s talk. I’m local, experienced, and I know how to deliver.

Looking for a Sports Photographer?

If you need professional sports photography in Southwest Virginia, the Tri-Cities, or beyond, I’m available.

Based in Damascus, VA
Covering Bristol, Abingdon, Johnson City, Kingsport, and more
Instagram: @BenEarpPhoto Facebook: Ben Earp Photography LinkedIn: Ben Earp

You contact me here as well.

Covering the McMurray Home Dedication in Taylor’s Valley, Virginia | Southwest VA Photojournalist

Covering the McMurray Home Dedication in Taylor’s Valley, Virginia

As a professional photographer offering photojournalism throughout Southwest Virginia as one of my photography services that I offer, I’m always honored to document important moments in my community — and last week’s home dedication ceremony for Carl and Linda McMurray in Taylor’s Valley, Virginia, was one of those assignments.

On Tuesday, reporter Susan Cameron from Cardinal News contacted me about covering the event. The ceremony would celebrate the McMurrays’ brand-new home, built after their original house was destroyed during the catastrophic floods brought by Hurricane Helene last fall.

Carl and Linda McMurray’s story gained widespread attention at the end of September 2024 when Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters tore their home apart. Their house was carried almost two football fields downstream, splitting into two sections. I visited Taylor’s Valley immediately after the disaster and captured images showing one half of their home perched on higher ground, while the other half rested next to a newly formed cascade created by the flooding.

Linda and Carl’s home where it came to rest in two parts.

Linda was found in this portion of the McMurray home.

Both upstairs portions of the McMurray home can be seen.

Linda was found sitting in the sowing room of her home the following morning after Hurricane Helene struck Taylors Valley, VA.

Their survival remains nothing short of remarkable. As their home broke apart, Carl (gentleman to the right in the photograph above) was swept away by the fast-moving waters and spent hours clinging to a tree before being rescued by helicopter. Meanwhile, Linda was trapped alone on the second floor overnight and was rescued the next morning by neighbors, who carried her to safety in her rocking chair after 16 harrowing hours.

On Thursday afternoon, Susan met me at my home, and we traveled together to Taylor’s Valley to cover the home dedication event. We parked at Hellbender’s Café and rode a shuttle bus up the hill to the McMurrays’ newly constructed home, built just above the site where their old home once stood.

A large gathering of family, friends, town residents, media teams, and state officials filled the property to show support.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin makes remarks during a home dedication ceremony for Carl & Linda McMurray.

The event began with remarks from the head of the Mennonite Disaster Services group, followed by a speech from Tony Miller with Trails to Recovery. Then, in an emotional moment, Carl and Linda McMurray were presented with the keys to their new home.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also attended the event, offering remarks about community resilience and the importance of disaster recovery efforts across Virginia. He then participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the McMurrays.

After the formal ceremony, members of the media had the opportunity to speak with Governor Youngkin and the McMurrays. Linda then graciously gave Susan Cameron and myself and members of the Bristol Herald Courier, a personal tour of her and Carl’s beautiful new home. It will be a nice fresh start made possible by those that built their new home through the strength of volunteers and the support of their tight-knit community.

After returning home, I edited and delivered the images for Susan Cameron’s article, which you can read on Cardinal News here: [Cardinal News Story].

As a photojournalist working in Southwest Virginia, moments like this remind me why documenting local stories matters so much — not just capturing the events, but preserving the incredible resilience and spirit that define communities like Taylor’s Valley.

- Ben Earp

Award-Winning Photojournalism: Ben Earp Honored at 2025 Virginia Press Association Awards

I'm excited to share that my work was recently recognized at the 2025 Virginia Press Association Awards, where Cardinal News earned over 50 honors—including 18 first-place awards and the prestigious Sweepstakes Award for the most-awarded newsroom in the online division.

As a freelance photojournalist based in Damascus, VA, I’m honored to contribute to Cardinal News's important visual storytelling across Southwest Virginia. I’m incredibly grateful they continue to trust me with assignments in this region I proudly call home.

This year, I was awarded 1st place in the Picture Story or Essay category for my coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Damascus, Virginia. This story was especially close to my heart—not just as a photographer, but as a resident. My family and I live in Damascus, and documenting the resilience of our own community following the storm was one of the most meaningful projects of my career.

In addition, I received 2nd place in the General News Photography category, competing against all online publications across the state of Virginia.

These awards reaffirm my belief in the power of local journalism and documentary photography to shine a light on stories that matter. Whether I’m photographing for an in-depth news feature, a community event, or a breaking story, I strive to create images that connect people and preserve moments in time.

If you're looking for a professional photographer in Damascus, VA, or need a photojournalist in Southwest Virginia, I’d love to help tell your story.

Thanks again to Cardinal News for the opportunity—and to the people of Damascus for allowing me to share your stories with the world.

— Ben Earp

Capturing Resilience: Photographing Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath in Taylor’s Valley, VA

Capturing Resilience: Photographing Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath in Taylor’s Valley, VA

When Hurricane Helene swept through Southwest Virginia, the tiny community of Taylor’s Valley was left to pick up the pieces. Nestled in a secluded mountain valley near Damascus, VA, this quiet town after the storm had only one damaged road in and the same damaged road out—making the storm’s destruction even more isolating.

My friend John Coleman, a Damascus resident and preacher in Taylor’s Valley, invited me to document the hurricane damage. With my camera in hand, I set out to capture not just the devastation but also the resilience of this close-knit town.

A Community Uncertain, Then Welcoming

As I arrived in Taylor’s Valley, I could feel the initial hesitation. In a town this small, an unfamiliar face stands out. People glanced my way, unsure of why I was there photographing their streets, homes, and surroundings. But once word spread that I was invited by John, their demeanor changed. Their guarded expressions turned into warm conversations, and they began sharing their experiences, allowing me to capture both the destruction and the strength of their community.

The Storm’s Impact on Taylor’s Valley

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking. Trees had been uprooted, blocking driveways and roads. Floodwaters had carved deep scars into the landscape, and homes bore the marks of wind and rain. Taylor’s Valley has an aging population, and many of the residents had seen storms before—but this one had left its mark.

Yet, despite the challenges, there was an unshakable sense of perseverance. Neighbors helped each other clear debris, sharing stories of past storms and the rebuilding efforts that would soon follow.

Finding Comfort in Community (and Chocolate Cake!)

In the midst of photographing the destruction, I was invited to join the locals for lunch at their community center. Sitting down with them, I saw firsthand the strength of small-town bonds—the way people lean on each other, even in difficult times. And I have to mention, I had the best piece of chocolate cake I’ve ever had in my life. It was a moment of simple joy, a reminder that even after the storm, there’s still sweetness to be found.

The Heart of a Small Mountain Town

Taylor’s Valley may be a small, tucked-away town, but it’s filled with big hearts. Through my lens, I didn’t just capture storm damage—I captured resilience, kindness, and community spirit. This experience was a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, small towns like Taylor’s Valley stand strong.

Capturing Resilience: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Damascus, VA Through Photography

Through the Lens: Capturing the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

It has been six months since Hurricane Helene swept through our town of Damascus, Virginia, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a community forever changed. Montanna and I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with concern and support over the past six months. Your kindness has meant the world to us. We were grateful to come through the storm safely, and our home remained standing. However, Hurricane Helene left its mark on our lives and our community in ways that go beyond physical damage. Through my photography in Southwest Virginia, I documented the storm’s impact, captured the resilience of our neighbors, and helped keep the story alive through the power of visual storytelling.

The Storm’s Impact on Our Home and Community

Hurricane Helene brought torrential rain and powerful winds, testing the strength of homes and families alike. While our house remained intact, we experienced significant flooding in our cellar and crawl space when our sump pump failed. Water rose above our breaker panel and hot water heater, forcing the fire department to cut the power to our home. At that moment, Montanna and the kids had to make the tough decision to evacuate.

Meanwhile, I had woken up at 2 AM to drive to the Charlotte Airport for my flight to Kansas, for my normal NASCAR work that weekend. Knowing the storm's potential impact, I chose to avoid my usual route through Boone, NC, in case of flooding and instead took I-77. The drive was harrowing, with the worst rain and wind I had ever experienced. When I arrived at the airport, my flight was delayed for two hours, and I watched as the plane at the gate rocked violently in the wind. The unease of traveling during the storm weighed heavily on me.

As soon as I landed in Kansas, I received a call from Montanna telling me she and the kids were evacuating. She also sent this video showing the current water level of the creek near us as she was evacuating.

Hearing my kids in the background of the video, in that moment, I knew I had to get back home immediately. I grabbed my checked bag and went straight to the American Airlines ticket counter, still on the phone with Montanna as she and the kids made their way to a hotel in Abingdon, VA. The first ticket agent told me that because it was outside the 24-hour return window, it would cost nearly $500 to change my flight. Luckily, her supervisor overheard my conversation and stepped in, handing me a free ticket and even placing me in an exit row.

The flight home felt like the longest of my life. When I landed, Damascus had lost cell phone service, leaving us unsure of the extent of the damage. The drive to Abingdon felt endless, but in reality, I probably drove home faster than ever, fueled by worry and urgency. Finally, I arrived at the hotel where Montanna and the kids were staying, but all we could do was wait until morning to assess the damage. At sunrise on Saturday, I set out to check on our house and our friends. Where a check point by the Washington County Sheriff's Department had already been set up. I just had to confirm I lived at an address past the checkpoint to be allowed in. Once I confirmed that our home and everyone we cared about was safe, I grabbed my camera and did the only thing I knew to do—to process the devastation and contribute in the best way I could: by documenting the aftermath through photography.

Returning home, I discovered that our hot water heater was beyond repair, and we also had to replace the breakers due to the flooding. I lost a full weekend of work income due to the storm’s disruption, but in comparison to what many in our town endured, our losses felt minor. That’s why we focused on what we could do to help: I used my photography to capture and share the storm’s impact, while Montanna dedicated her time to the donation center, assisting those in need.

Photography as a Tool for Awareness and Recovery

In times of crisis, photojournalism has played a vital role in telling the stories that matter. Through my camera lens, I captured the resilience, strength, and unity of our community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Each photograph serves as a visual testament to the devastation, the efforts to rebuild, and the heart of the people who refuse to be broken by disaster.

Photographs have the power to move people to action. Whether it's raising awareness, securing donations, or simply reminding us all of the human spirit’s resilience, imagery spoke louder than words. As I shared my work across social media, local news outlets, and my website, my goal was to keep the focus on those who needed help and to show that even in the darkest times, there was light.

Supporting Our Community and Moving Forward

Our town—and so many others affected by Hurricane Helene—needed support not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the weeks and months that followed. If you felt called to contribute, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, your help was and still is invaluable.

As a professional photographer serving Southwest Virginia, my mission was to tell the story through compelling images that highlight the strength and perseverance of our community.

If you're looking for professional photography services in Southwest Virginia, whether for documentation, community events, or storytelling projects, I am here to help capture moments that matter. Photography has always been more than just a passion for me—it has been a way to make a difference, particularly in Southwest Virginia, where our communities rely on strong storytelling to bring attention to important causes.

Thank you for the support over these past months. Together, we will rebuild, heal, and move forward stronger than ever.