Let's start here: My name is Nate Johnson. I'm a photographer based out of Nashville, TN. I'm going to bike across America. Alone.
It's funny, of all the people I've told about this trip I don't believe a single person has asked me the question "why?" I find their silence here mostly reassuring; as though they are acknowledging that a good reason to venture out in a such a way need not be had. Or perhaps they assume I won't have a good response. At any rate I'd like to take a minute to speak to the "why" because I believe it's pivotal to understanding who I am and might give skeptics a good reason to follow along.
When I was interning at a newspaper in Maryland years ago I remember having a conversation with the chief photographer about finding feature photos. His only suggestion was "get out of the car and walk." And that's exactly what I did. That choice to overcome any apprehension about just getting out on the street, approaching people, asking questions, and taking pictures was something that quickly ushered me into more of an adult mindset and also allowed a bit of childlike curiosity to play out. Doing those things taught me that I love to be out meeting people and telling their stories through photographs.
I'm getting out of the car and hopping on a bike with my camera in an attempt to tell the stories of the folks I meet while sharing the broader narrative of my trip and my own experiences.
So, what this blog won't be:
-A place for gear heads to get reviews on the equipment I'm using.
-A sugar coated account of what my trip is like. I'm going to be honest (as though my parents aren't reading).
-A commentary on personal growth - anyone who has ever done something new has changed as a result. Let's jot those things down in our moleskins.
What this blog will be:
-A place where folks can come and view photos and stories of the southern half of the United States.
-A place where folks can find out where the hell I'm at.
-A place where people can share resources with me about individuals they know along the way, roads to avoid, good camping spots, etc. I'd be kidding myself to believe that I'm actually capable of doing this ALONE. I hope this can be a hub where people share in the experience and contribute as well.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any ideas or info as I share more in coming weeks about my route, timeframe, etc. I'd love to hear from you and I look forward to the new relationships that result from this adventure.
