I’m hiking from Georgia to Maine!
Self Portrait on a section of the old Appalachian Trail | October 2023
Dear friends,
I’ve decided to attempt a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail next year, a 2,200 mile bipedal epic in one of the oldest mountain ranges on the planet. For privacy and safety, my dates for doing so aren’t disclosed publicly. I wanted to take some time to write a journal entry in an effort to explain why, demystify some things you may be wondering, and give some framework as to if I’ll be taking on commercial projects next year (hint, I will be.).
WHY DO IT?
My reasons for thru hiking the entire AT are a touch complex at the time of this writing. I feel that it doesn’t serve myself or others well to give out all the reasons I’m doing it. However, here’s some reasons I am giving up 5 to 7 months of 2024 to do this:
I have an insatiable pull to take my camera and photograph my thru hike in first person.
I’ve been a professional photographer for 15 years, and it’s hard for me to carve out “me time”. This apparently, is my version of me time.
I feel my best when I’m outside in nature. Living in a condensed urban environment has had a cumulatively negative impact on my mental health over the years.
I want to challenge myself mentally and physically, while also pushing myself creatively and spiritually.
I don’t want to live with any regrets, and I may regret not trying for this.
IS THIS A PHOTO PROJECT?
I’m walking with my camera, that’s all I know. I find it can be harmful creatively and personally to know for sure how something will turn out. I can’t speak to what I’ve captured until I’m back in my home, pouring over negatives and scans. This is the most realistic answer I have right now.
The goal of this is to create a body of work, and healthfully complete the entire trail next year. Once I can say this is accomplished, I can begin any additional exploration with the work.
WILL YOU BE TAKING ON PHOTOSHOOTS IN 2024?
I’ll be taking on photoshoots in January, and until Feb 5th next year. After that (with some exceptions), I likely will not be booking again until October or November.
HOWEVER - If you’re interested in working with me please send me an email, especially if you’re shoot is on the shoulder areas of either of those dates.
AREN’T YOU A MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER? WHY TAKE A CAMERA AND DO THIS?
I’m a classically trained portrait photographer and have always loved and been inspired by 20th century black and white works, ranging from Bruce Davidson to Mary Ellen Mark. My work in music is only one of many things I love about the power of photography.
ARE YOU GOING TO START A PATREON?
Yes! I’ll share another journal entry once I get that going. I am not sure yet how I will be doing that. Cell reception is very limited on the Appalachian Trail so however I structure a Patreon, it likely can’t be anything terribly interactive unfortunately.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF SUPPORT TO MAKE THIS AND THE WORK HAPPEN? IF SO, HOW CAN I HELP?
100%, absolutely. I worked hard to save up as much as I could, and I live a very modest life in most regards. I saved up enough to pay for the thru hike itself, but there are some financial gaps that I am working hard to fill. I am a very resourceful person and have ways to mitigate costs where I need to, such as avoiding occasional hotels and opting for as many nights of wild camping as possible.
Some areas where I need support: film, ground shipping costs for film, and occasional trail angel support.
If you or someone you know and trust lives near the AT, I’d likely be down for meals, a bed, a shuttle, help shipping film, etc.
IF I OR SOMEONE I KNOW LIVES NEAR THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, WOULD IT BE ALRIGHT TO MEET YOU?
In most cases, yes absolutely! I also may be willing to trade a simple portrait for a ride, a meal, a shower, a bed, and so on.
In some cases where someone may just want to say hi and meet me, I’m ok with that too, but it ultimately depends on my plans. If I’m mid hike or need to make it to another destination that day, I may not be able to stop and wait.
I KNOW SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE IMPORTANT TO THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, PEOPLE YOU OUGHT TO MEET AND PHOTOGRAPH.
Let’s make it happen! Click that contact link and send me an email asap.
WILL YOU BE POSTING YOUR JOURNEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
I’m looking to implement a Patreon tier that would involve exclusive access to my private travel log during my 2,200 mile trek. Otherwise, I don’t plan to post much about this, as my primary focus is the walk and photographs during this time.
YOU’RE ON TO SOMETHING HERE! HOW CAN I HELP? CAN I BUY A PRINT?
YES! I will be having a flash print sale in Jan/Feb. Selling prints and a Patreon are going to be very important to the hike and the work being successful.
OKAY…..BUT I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.
Click that email link!