Alabama Snow is a term used to refer to the numerous cotton fields blanketing the Alabama landscape each fall. Through an interesting series of events I’ve come to know a few members of an amazing family based in Autaugaville, AL who farm cotton. I was allowed to photograph on their land as the cotton was being harvested this year. I spent an enjoyable and beautiful fall day in October capturing part of the process.
I could not help but think of my mother often that day. My maternal grandparents owned some land in Clanton, AL. Although land owners they were by no means rich. They built and lived in a dogtrot house, raised chickens and hogs for food, and planted cotton. My mother was the youngest of 14 children and they provided the labor for the planting and harvesting of the cotton. They never owned a car but used a horse-drawn wagon for transportation.
My mother hated working in the cotton fields. She was terrified of worms all her life because of the ones she imagined were reaching out to her from the cotton as she picked. It was interesting to look at these acres and acres of cotton and imagine a family working together to harvest it by hand. Of course, my grandparents did not own nearly as much land as shown in these images, but I can still imagine it was a daunting task for a little girl.
My grandfather died before I was born and my grandmother lived in that dogtrot house until she died. I remember many nights in that house covered with piles of hand-sewn quilts padded with that cotton.
Some of these images will be included in my stock portfolio. If you’re ever in need of stock photos please check it out at diannapaulk.photography.