the Heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range For The New York Times
If we had to pick one area in Minnesota to photograph, it would be the Iron Range—hands down. There’s just something about this region that pulls you in. The grit, the pride, the people, and the land itself—it all feels raw and real.
We recently spent time up north photographing a story for The New York Times about mine layoffs and the uncertain future of steel towns across the Range. From the quiet streets of Eveleth and Virginia to the massive open pits near Hibbing, the landscape tells its own story—one of hard work, resilience, and change.
There’s a beauty here that’s both rugged and soulful. The light hits differently across the red earth, the rusted rail lines, and the rows of clapboard houses that have stood for generations. Every corner feels like a glimpse into Minnesota’s industrial heart.
We’ve photographed all over the state, but the Iron Range always leaves an impression. It’s a place that stays with you—the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
