Meadows visiting professor gives a lecture during the spring 2012 semester. (Spencer J Eggers/The Daily Campus)

As Louisiana’s precious wetlands continue to diminish, Kael Alford is one figure that remains constant in the region.

As an accomplished photographer, and a visiting professor at SMU, Alford’s work is drawn from her roots. The photographer consistently shoots sweeping landscapes of areas that are disappearing over time.

For her efforts Alford has been named the winner of the 2012 Michael P. Smith Fund For Documentary Photography Award. The $5,000 award is presented annually by the New Orleans Photo Alliance to a Gulf Coast photographer whose work “combines artistic excellence and a sustained commitment to a long-term cultural documentary project.”

With a grandmother from the area as well Native American roots from the region, Alford has more than just pictures to connect her to the Gulf Coast.

As part of her visiting professorship, Alford will teach several photography courses and partner with regional arts and community organizations to help students find ways to engage with the broader community through their art.