Exploring the History of Alberta

I have always been fascinated with history. If you're familiar with my Around the Hat or Around Alberta photography projects then you've likely seen some of my photo essays on landmarks and cultural sites throughout the province. So, what's new?

I recently launched a brand new Facebook page dedicated to the History of Alberta - and I promise that it's not nearly as dry as it sounds! From cool railway travel posters to vintage postcards to captivating turn-of-the-century street scenes, my goal is to showcase history with a bit of creativity and style. My motivation behind the project is to create a larger platform to share my photography and original content specifically about Alberta, while rounding it out with the support of archival imagery and historic resources. In essence, to link creativity and facts. 

More than just providing a glimpse at archival images, I want the page to link to stories and content that get people excited about where we are in the world. I think my existing library of original images gives me a head start, while also providing the potential to expand on my ghosting series - where I merge archival images with my modern day shots.

I'm excited to see how this project evolves, and I'd love for you to be a part of it. Have a look at the new space and give it a LIKE on Facebook to follow along as it grows! Click here to explore the brand new History of Alberta.

USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor: Part 2

A continuation of my photo set of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii.

Kualoa Sugar Mill Ruins, Oahu

Located on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii the ruins of the Kualoa Sugar Mill are visible right from the coastal highway. Constructed during the mid-1800s the mill had brief success, but eventually closed due to poor rainfall and failing sugarcane crops in the area. 

Sugar mills like this one in Kualoa used to exist all over Oahu and Hawaii as sugarcane was a major export crop - hotels and resorts have since replaced plantations. What remains of this steam-powered sugar mill today is a few crumbling walls and a coal smokestack made out of coral brick. I knew none of this history as I was driving around the island, however I was attracted to the aesthetic of this abandoned location and captured these few shots.

The Bentley I was driving that day parked along the coastal road.