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.