Detailed, and oft times horrific images of Hurricane Katrina brought home the reality of the devastation to millions across the globe by photojournalists.

With the help of wireless technology, thousands of digital images were published online within hours and helped highlight the plight of those left helpless.

The Royal Gazette’s <$>veteran photojournalist Tamell Simons has also seen his share of the catastrophic effects of hurricanes, including Fabian.

He was one of a handful of photojournalists who was first to capture images of the devastation left in the wake of this Category Three storm on September 5, 2003.

“The Royal Gazette <$>has a contingency plan for hurricanes and emergencies, which means each photographer is assigned a certain section of the Island and we’re responsible for coverage of that section,” Mr. Simons explains.

“But I always say we have families and we need to make sure they are safe before we wander off.”

He adds the first thing photographers do is establish some type of radio communication with their colleagues to find out what areas are more damaged than others and what the situation is before they go out.

During Fabian, Mr. Simons says he received information that the Causeway was damaged and there was possibly a loss of life, so despite blocked roads and downed power lines, he made a “b-line” towards the East End.

“As soon as I got close to the area, emotions were high, you could feel the tension because obviously the Police are there and potentially some of their colleagues were missing,” he recalls.

“But you’re a photojournalist so you put that aside and get in there and capture what’s happening. That’s my job, capturing what’s happening.”

Photojournalists are not always welcomed at scenes of tragedy and destruction, especially when emotions are high, but Mr. Simons says he takes it as it comes.

“I understand their response and I always try and put myself in their situation.

“I don’t know how I would feel or react if that was a close colleague or family member and someone is coming around that I don’t know and photographing a really bad situation.

“So I do understand their feelings and I just try and be respectful to their feelings and the situation, but at the same time I have to do my job.”

He adds that one of the best things about Bermuda is that natural disaster always seems to bring the community together and people put their differences aside and work collectively towards a common goal, “which is restoring Bermuda back, or helping each other. I just like the way people look out for each other.”

Despite the potential danger, Mr. Simons admits that he went out during the height of Fabian.

“The night before we had an editorial meeting and discussed going out shooting during the hurricane,” he says.

“And I did go out for a while, but after a few near-misses with plywood and debris flying around, I had to re-evaluate the situation and headed back in.”

Mr. Simons adds that it was near impossible to shoot during the hurricane with the wind and rain as the camera can become waterlogged.

“But I wouldn’t mind being out during the actual hurricane since The Royal Gazette <$>places more emphasis on the after-effect of the storm than the actual hurricane,” he chuckles.

“This year I have a plan in place to go out in an actual hurricane, in a stronger vehicle, like a Police Land Rover or something.”