The photography series “Disappearing Florida” began when I moved to Florida in 2001 and noticed that the iconic old beach motels were rapidly being demolished to make way for modern high-rise hotels. Growing up in the Midwest, I often saw magazines and postcards featuring these charming, family-run motels—symbols of classic Florida tourism. Seeing them disappear, I felt compelled to document not just the motels but also other fading aspects of Old Florida before they were lost forever.

Around this time, I was traveling with fellow photographer Ben Willmore, who introduced me to HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography—a revolutionary technique at the time. Ben and another photographer had been at the forefront of this method, which involved combining multiple exposures to create a greater range of tones and detail. The technique not only allowed me to capture the full depth of these places but also gave the images a distinct, almost illustrated quality—reminiscent of the vintage postcards that had first inspired me.

The project started on Clearwater Beach, but as I shared my images, people encouraged me to visit other locations across the state. What began as a small personal endeavor soon turned into a three-year journey, traveling across Florida to photograph historic motels, neon-lit diners, roadside attractions, and other structures that have since vanished.

Ultimately, this body of work led to a 132-page coffee table book, numerous exhibitions in galleries and museums, and speaking engagements across the country about both the images and the HDR technique.

For me, the greatest reward is that I was able to capture a “Sense of Place”—a glimpse of a Florida that once was, allowing others to experience its charm and nostalgia even as it fades from reality.