Hurricane Katrina remains one of the most devastating events in American history. This is a story that has to be told in words and pictures. Some images I captured in Infrared. The striking black and white infrared photographs not only captures the raw experience of the storm but also illuminate the profound human struggle that unfolded during and after.
For over fifty years, Brian Lukas has been a distinguished figure in the broadcast industry, covering nearly every tropical storm and hurricane that impacted the Gulf Coast. The images you see were captured while he documented Hurricane Katrina for the media. Brian's personal journal entries enrich these visuals with critical historical context. These photographers compel us to reflect and feel deeply; they encapsulate the essence of those fleeting moments of despair and the irreversible losses endured. Through the lens, the black and white infrared images powerfully convey the invaluable aspects of our humanity that vanished in Hurricane Katrina—elements crucial not only to our identity but also to our collective spirit.

It is my fervent hope that these images inspire reflection and evoke an emotional response, urging viewers to remember the profound human experience those of us who felt the sting of the winds and water in Katrina.

These various images strive to underscore the lasting imprint of humanity on the Gulf Coast and the staggering losses the region suffered. Furthermore, images reinforce the urgent need for natural barriers, such as our wetlands, to protect against the relentless fury of hurricanes.