Alabama Tourism COVID CARES Campaign

Local attraction photography supporting Alabama tourism recovery

Role: Photographer
Client: Alabama Tourism Department
Campaign: CARES Act Tourism Recovery
Timeline: 1 week engagement (2020)
Distribution: State tourism marketing & publications
Agency: Intermark Group

Project Overview

In 2020, the Alabama Tourism Department launched a statewide marketing initiative funded through the federal CARES Act to help support tourism recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign, titled “Take It All In Responsibly”, highlighted outdoor destinations and attractions across all 67 counties in Alabama where visitors could safely enjoy wide-open spaces while maintaining appropriate health precautions.

As part of this effort, the Alabama Tourism Department partnered with local newspapers to source authentic photography of regional attractions that met safety guidelines.

I was invited to contribute photography for Geneva County after being recommended through the Geneva Reaper, a local newspaper I had previously worked with as both a designer and correspondent journalist.

The Challenge

My Role

Locations Photographed

The campaign identified several key outdoor attractions within Geneva County that represented safe recreational destinations.

  • Robert Fowler Memorial Park (The Junction)
  • The historic Centennial Oak at Robert Fowler Park
  • Geneva State Forest
  • Geneva County Public Fishing Lake
  • River Oaks Golf Course

These locations were selected because they offered large outdoor spaces where visitors could safely enjoy nature and recreation during the pandemic.

Photography & Submission Process

Field Photography

I photographed each location with a focus on open spaces, natural scenery, and inviting environments that reflected the campaign's message of responsible outdoor exploration.

Image Review

Watermarked images were submitted to the Alabama Tourism Department for editorial selection. The photo editor reviewed submissions and selected images that best fit the campaign's visual direction.

Campaign Production

Selected photographs were incorporated into campaign materials produced by the Alabama Tourism Department's advertising agency, Intermark Group.

Results

Tools Used

Digital Photography
Lightroom
Photo Editing
Location Scouting
Editorial Submission

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates how local creators can contribute to statewide initiatives by documenting regional destinations through authentic photography.

The campaign played a role in encouraging safe travel and outdoor recreation during a challenging period for tourism, while also highlighting the importance of local partnerships between state agencies and community media outlets.

Need photography or design for your project?

I work across design, photography, and digital production.

Contact Me