A Photo can capture a moment in time, preserving it for eternity. But a photo can also be a powerful tool for storytelling, raising awareness, and driving change. For Daniel Pullen, a photographer based on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, a photo of a flooded pool table in an abandoned rental home became a symbol of the island’s vulnerability to climate change and the resilience of its community.
From Disposable Cameras to Digital Storytelling
Daniel’s journey as a photographer began in the era of disposable cameras and analog creativity. This early experience instilled in him the importance of thoughtful composition and making every shot count. The limitations of film forced him to slow down and truly consider each frame, a discipline that continues to inform his digital work today.
alt text: A black and white photo of a child playing pool in a flooded room.
This foundation in film photography taught him the crucial lesson of “getting it right in camera,” minimizing the need for extensive post-processing. This principle allows him to spend less time in front of a computer and more time immersed in his subjects, whether it’s a dramatic storm or a joyous wedding celebration.
Documenting a Changing Landscape
Hatteras Island, a narrow barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, is a dynamic and vulnerable landscape. For nearly 30 years, Daniel has documented the island’s ever-changing environment, capturing the raw power of storms and the subtle shifts in the coastline. This long-term perspective has allowed him to witness firsthand the accelerating impacts of climate change.
alt text: A color photo of ocean waves crashing against a beachfront house during a storm.
He balances his passion project with the financial stability of wedding and family portrait photography. This allows him the freedom to pursue his documentary work, capturing the essence of Hatteras Island and its community. The juxtaposition of capturing fleeting moments of joy and the long-term impacts of environmental change provides a unique perspective on the island’s story.
A Photo That Speaks Volumes
One particular photo, taken during a storm, catapulted Daniel’s work onto the international stage. The image depicts a pool table, perfectly racked, in a flooded rental home. This simple yet powerful image captured the attention of Time Magazine, eventually being included in their Top 100 Photos of 2020.
alt text: A color photo of a flooded room with a pool table.
The story behind the photo is as compelling as the image itself. After seeing a video of the flooded house online, Daniel ventured out with his daughter to document the scene. They entered the seemingly abandoned rental home, where his daughter playfully broke the rack on the pool table, setting the stage for the iconic shot.
The Future of a Fragile Paradise
As a self-described climate advocate, Daniel hopes his work will raise awareness about the fragility of barrier islands and the urgent need for action. He has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of erosion, sea-level rise, and increasingly powerful storms. Homes are being lost to the ocean, and the very fabric of the community is being tested.
alt text: A color photo of a beach house with the ocean encroaching on its foundation.
Through his photography, Daniel aims to tell the story of Hatteras Island’s struggle against the rising tide. He hopes his work will inform policy changes, educate the public, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future for this unique and threatened ecosystem. More than just pretty pictures, each photo is a piece of a larger narrative, documenting a community grappling with the realities of a changing world. A photo, in Daniel’s hands, becomes a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Hatteras Island.
