Look around at the world today. Compared to the past, it has changed drastically.

I would have never imagined hiking and having to either wear a mask or step off to the side of the trail as others passed by in order to maintain social distancing. However, I found it is still possible to incorporate a sense of normalcy throughout this pandemic. Finding the beauty within abnormality. Through my images, I felt a sense of reassurance that I wished to express and share with any and all viewers who might come into contact with my work.

Loosely inspired by photographers who embarked on road trips traversing the United States, I traveled from my hometown of Lexington, TN, to Chattanooga and then back to Nashville to create a series of hiking adventures from various Tennessee environments.

I feel as if this work describes who I am as an artist by capturing my partner, family, and friends in the joyous state in which I imagine them. I chose to photograph each of them as they trekked through such captivating environments, both in their eyes and in mine, while still working to maintain their individualistic personalities. By capturing these real, raw reactions and emotions, I rediscovered the ability to rebalance my sense of beauty within abnormality.