Saturday, March 7, 2009 | Editorial Photography
Image Stories
BM08_Day04_028-2.jpg
Child of Black Rock City

What is Burning Man?

Located in the vast and trackless Black Rock Desert, Burning Man is a yearly gathering of over 50,000 people that temporarily makes up one of the most densely populated cities in the entire country. Over the period of one week, the desolate ground transforms to a place filled with creative expression, vibrant energy, delusion, delirium, and freedom from cultural norms. Burning Man "pilgrims" flock from around the globe to take part in an event where the rules of society are blown away like the sandstorms that swirl through the desert.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Burning Man is the accepting nature and philosophy of its participants. Burning Man allows attendees to express aspects of themselves that might normally lie dormant under the restraints of society. Fascinated by this freedom of expression, I ventured into the once ancient lakebed, also known as "The Playa," to capture participants as their alter egos. The following images are portraits of Burning Man pilgrims who have left their place in society to join a world of unity, madness, creativity and acceptance. Their former selves are merely shadows in the sand of the Nevada Desert.

bm08_day04_103_copy.jpg
The Hudocks

BM08_Day03_076 copy.jpgConor, Age One-and-a-Half

Tags:

, ,

Trackbacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Image Stories . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.catherinehall.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/130

Comments
[March 6, 2009] Mj wilson said: Awesome images Catherine! I LOVE your travel and PJ stuff. You have an incredible eye.