Bottom of Da' Boot, Louisiana (Now at the High Museum)

Kael Alford was raised in New York City. And we all know what that can do to someone. However, as a young photojournalist, she spent ten years abroad and found herself in the epicenter of conflict, isolated from her loved ones and popular culture. As one can imagine, it's difficult to come back to a city whose citizens are so unaware of so much of the conflict abroad.

Kael found herself exploring the aftermath of Katrina in the heart of Louisiana, where the land has been worn and battered, but also where extended members of her family reside.

“But it helped finding a story in Louisiana that I could connect to. This place is off the beaten path, and people aren’t lost in the buzz of popular culture. They have this history and connection to the land that’s very present.”

Kael has beautifully photographed the stories of the marsh and bayou, and her work can be viewed at the High Museum during the Picturing the South exhibit, going on through September 2.

Via Manner & Lane.