AT portrait project commencing this coming season

[Hollis]

Thanks, I appreciate that. I feel its better if I abide by the wishes of the Park Service and the various other entities that manage sections of the trail. Like I said, not looking to step on any feet here and if I do, Ill have snickers and cold beer with me to bribe folks.

[Hollis]

So, Im getting more and more geared up to start my project and wanted to start by shooting folks who are planning on hiking this season before they even hit the trail. I want to shoot folks in their 'street clothes' and with all the gear they plan on bringing laid out. This will give me a good starting point to show the changes folks undergo while on the trail.

So, that being said, is there anyone in the Middle TN/W. Kentucky area that is planning on heading out this spring? I would love to shoot your portrait before you leave for the trail.

hit me up through my website, www.hollisbennett.com

[Hollis]

Ive also started a blog for this project. There will be updates as to where I am and where I will be shooting along with other pertinent information. There is a google maps attached as well that shows all my planned stops, at least through VA at this point. Please, go check it out...

http://appalachaintrailportraitproject.wordpress.com/

[Hollis]

And now there is a kickstarter as well, so, please head over and help me out. Thanks!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...rtrait-project

[jdg]

this looks really cool

[Maren]

This is great project.

[Hollis]

Thanks guys, I really hope to make this project happen and bring it fully to fruition. I am exploring the idea of obtaining support from organizations such as the AT Conservancy and other groups like that to help me shoulder some of the cost and distribution. We'll see what happens.

By the way, just shot at Springer on the first day of spring and lots of folks heading North. Got some great images and there are some polaroids up on the blog site. Check em out.

[Lauriep]

Hollis, perhaps you know a very similar project was done a few years ago. There was a spread of thru-hikers photographed in Maine against a white background that appeared in the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's magazine, A.T. Journeys. A photo of "Grits," a three-time thru-hiker, was on the cover. That cover can be viewed here: https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalo...d=129&compid=1.

Thru-hikers are photographed a lot. There is another significant element of the A.T. Community that is not photographed often but provides worthy and interesting subjects: A.T. volunteers--from the traditional trail volunteers to the boundary monitors to the club officers. They are harder to find than thru-hikers and usually more shy about being photographed, but you'd be filling a rather empty niche. I cannot speak for ATC's willingness and ability to fund such a project, but in addition to ATC, there are 31 volunteer trail clubs and the A.T. Museum to consider seeking funding from.

Laurie P.

[tiquer]

Ive also started a blog for this project. There will be updates as to where I am and where I will be shooting along with other pertinent information. There is a google maps attached as well that shows all my planned stops, at least through VA at this point. Please, go check it out...

http://appalachaintrailportraitproject.wordpress.com/

I just went to your blog ^ and it says it has been deleted by the author.

[Hollis]

Laurie,

Thanks for the info, Ill look into the stuff you listed here in the morning when I am a bit more rested. As for shooting the volunteers, I agree, without them the trail would not be what it is. What I am really trying to do with this project is to show the vast amount of human change that happens over the course of a season living outdoors and traveling overland.

As for the blog, try this...

http://appalachiantrailportraitproject.wordpress.com/

I misspelled the damn blog address. Awesome.

[Winds]

I wonder how pressed you are for funding? I do wish you well in this endeavor.

Folks, if you are at all wishing to help this project, VISIT this Kickstarter project page and SOON:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...rtrait-project