During my time as a photographer and reporter for The Watauga Democrat (Boone, NC), I covered a range of stories that highlighted the people, culture and community of the High Country. From event coverage to feature pieces, I focused on capturing moments that mattered—whether through in-depth reporting, compelling imagery or both.
2024 Todd liberty parade
The 2024 Todd Liberty Parade featured the theme “Trees — the Guardians of the Planet.” The whimsical event, organized by the Todd Community Preservation Organization, celebrated trees’ role in the environment and their historical significance to Todd, a former timber town.
A paper puppet lady
A liberty dance
A handmade paper puppet
Paper Puppets gather at Cook Memorial Park
A silk ribbon represents the beauty of a river
Daniel Boone Day
The NC Daniel Boone Trail Heritage Trail and the Southern Appalachian Historical Association partnered to celebrate Daniel Boone Day on June 8 at the Hickory Ridge Museum. Robert Crum, the sixth great-grandchild of Daniel Boone, spoke about his ancestor’s legacy and life.
A colonial-era loom is displayed in the Hickory Ridge History Museum
Debby Stone demonstrates colonial-era wool spinning
Mary Bohlen's cherry pie
Robert Crum, the sixth-great-grandchild of Daniel Boone, speaks to Daniel Boone Day visitors
A colonial-era cabin at the Hickory Ridge History Museum
Robert Crum, the sixth great-grandchild of Daniel Boone
Shull's Mill Dam Removal
The removals of the Shull's Mill Dam & the Ward Mill Dam mark the first time the Watauga River has flowed freely from the headwaters on Grandfather Mountain to the Watauga Lake in east Tennessee in more than 150 years.
Shull's Mill Dam before its removal - 2024
Hannah Woodburn and Emma Crider of Mountain True
Shull's Mill Dam before its removal - 2024
Shull's Mill Dam before its removal - 2024
