One of the most captivating things about photography is seeing how time can change the soul of a town. I recently visited Galveston, Texas. A town established in 1825, only to be wrecked by one of the most horrific port storms in 1900. It used to serve as the capital of the Republic of Texas, and their Navy used it as its main port. I decided to compare what I saw and what I felt with a few photos.

I think one of the most captivating things about this island just south of Houston, Texas is how they have been able to stand tall and remain prosperous after getting hit with the worst, and some of the most terrible Hurricanes over the years. The strength of a community, and the vision of unity.

There were always families fishing. Every night I was there, I felt like I was the only person who came alone. Couples together on the beach, Citizens from Houston with their families seeking sunshine from a seemingly endless quarantine.

But once I immersed myself in the soul of Galveston Island, I too felt a sense of peace.

The sound of the Gulf, The Grackles and Seagulls along the Coast. The constant hum of cars passing down the Seawall Boulevard, The screaming of Children at Pleasure Pier.
There was beauty all around, if you just stopped to immerse yourself and slow down feel it.

I saw my first Dolphin, while being careful of Jellyfish, Alligators too. The weight of the Seawall and the constant abuse of the Gulf crashing against it. Walking around I endured some of the worst Mosquito’s in my lifetime. Like a bumbling idiot, I even came within inches of paper wasp hives without one sting.

I lived out of my car over the course of four days, listened to hours worth of “The Last Podcast on the Left” to give myself a good October scare, even though I already had some of my own to share.

The effect Galveston had on me was deep. Partly because of its History, but also because of my willingness to experience it on my very own. Just me. I had nothing but my favorite things. And a new lens to challenge me. So I took pictures of Birds ( lots of birds ) the too friendly paper wasps above, Sunsets and Stargazed on the Beach.

I must’ve rode my bmx over 10 miles. I eagerly tried new coffee at a super hip and modern Coffee/Bar/Artist Residence called The Proletariat Gallery & Public House in Downtown ( called the Strand ). And if you haven’t parked your vehicle on the beach and woke up the waves crashing.. You’ve gotta try it.

So to compare the vibe of what I felt, the weight of the heart of Galveston. Compare it with the busy, modern vibe of cities like Charlotte where I was just several months ago is quite a beautiful contrast. I mean Charlotte is super old, Originating in 1768. But it certainly didn’t preserve the essence of its history like Galveston.

the difference of what I experienced through the lens.

Here are some of my favorite images from my trip to Galveston, Texas. And a few of my favorite images of Charlotte, North Carolina. A city where its origin is an entire century predating Galveston, But carved a modern look over time.

Purchase a selection of these prints from my store

Galveston, Texas 1836

Charlotte, North Carolina 1768