A Morganton resident, Barber has lived his whole life in theWestern North Carolinamountains and foothills.
But nothing prepared him for coveringHelene.
Initially, he brought an inherent understanding of the terrain and what was feasible, or not.
Credit:Jesse Barber
There was no gas, no food, it was so much worse than my editors realized.
Seeing him was my first somber realization of how personal and huge these losses are going to be.
Barbers appreciation for the rural character of those he encountered comes through in his images.
Credit:Courtesy of Jesse Barber
Im not equipped for bam, bam, here are your destruction shots and Im out, he says.
Im trying to experience and listen and see the people Im engaging with.
And the sense of place is so important.
Credit:Jesse Barber
I met so many people, people who are traumatized and exhausted, but still have positive attitudes.
Even in Chimney Rockall you hear on the news is its gone.
Well, its not.
Credit:Jesse Barber
The locals are still there.
A volunteer firefighter there stressed to me how much the community still wants the town.
Hes from Bat Cave born and raised there.
Well be all right, he told me.
Things will be a little different but well still be here.
Ive always focused my work on the rural, on telling the overlooked stories, he says.
I do feel like feel like my work and my perspective are assets.
I just want to do my people good.
To see more of Jesse Barbers work:jesse-barber.com
