The region of Appalachia continues to suffer from the legacies of colonisation, including forms of cultural violence that rationalise direct and structural violence against people and the natural environment. Amidst these struggles, Appalachian mountain communities have a strong sense of regional identity and diverse cultural expressions. Through interviews with four photographers working in Appalachia, this paper discusses the impact of photographic representations of Appalachia on healing, transformation, and decolonisation at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, and ecological levels. Even though photography has been used to promote stereotypes and fuel cultural violence, photography can also challenge negative cultural imagery, raise questions around the complexities of identity and community, and support restorative and regenerative healing and justice.