Aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys

It was purely by coincidence that I ended up in the Florida Keys a little over a month after Hurricane Irma had hit. With the trip planned long in advance, I had been watching the news closely, and naturally wondered if continuing with travel shoots in the Keys would make much sense - or even be possible for that matter. 

I have to admit that the amount of work that had been accomplished in such a short amount of time after the storm was impressive. Phone lines were restored, power was back, fuel was available, and the highway down to Key West was clear. 

Not surprisingly, attractions and hotels were quick to get things back to normal. Aside from a few properties in repair, Key West looked pristine. However, whether some of the damage had been hidden from the tourists, the extent of the hurricane's wrath couldn't simply be swept away in a few weeks in the numerous communities throughout the Keys.

Signs were down, boats were grounded, and roofs were missing from businesses and homes. While cleanup was well underway, the state of the trees still made it clear just how strong the winds had been. Massive piles of debris lined stretches of the highway, which included everything from appliances to automobiles to boats.

This is not the scene most people picture when they hear about the Florida Keys. This is an incredibly beautiful part of the world that I'm happy to say still had plenty of beauty on display while I was down there travel shooting. Still, it seemed appropriate to address the contrast and reality of what was also going on behind the scenes. My thoughts are with everyone in the Florida Keys who were impacted by the hurricane. #KeysStrong

Historic Train Station in Medicine Hat, Alberta

Constructed in 1906, and doubled in size during an upgrade in 1911/12, the train station in Medicine Hat, Alberta is a prominent local landmark. Featuring pronounced gables, sloping eaves, and locally produced red brick, the station is one of Medicine Hat's most distinct and significant historic structures. Although passenger trains no longer stop here, this beautiful train station is still used today by the Canadian Pacific Railway. 

Medicine Hat's train station gained designation and protection as a Heritage Railway Station by the federal government in 1991, however the interior has been modified for continued use. As a kid I had a model station for my train set that resembled this popular early 20th century style. It's the reason this building has always looked iconic in my eyes. I can't help but wonder what a flurry of activity there must have been every time a train rolled into town, especially back in those early years when the railway truly was the lifeline for the community. 

Soldiers board the train in Medicine Hat ca. 1943

Passengers boarding a train in Medicine Hat ca. 1936

This old gate was removed not long after I shot this picture. 

Train Station in Medicine Hat, Alberta ca. 1938

Newsstand in the Medicine Hat Train Station ca. 1921

Train Station in Medicine Hat, Alberta ca. 1912

Exploring Little Havana in Miami, Florida

Cigars, dominoes, music, art, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Little Havana is a visual playground and a vibrant neighborhood located just to the west of downtown Miami, Florida. From the historic Tower Theater to Domino Park and the energetic street life, Little Havana boasts an array of Cuban, American, and Latin American influences to explore. 

Domino Park in Little Havana.