Cross Sections of the Americas: An Overland Journey and the Characters I Meet Along the Way
Travel overland from Canada to South America collecting portraits and twenty-three question interviews with people from as many cultures, classes, and backgrounds as possible.
While on an 18 hour bus ride through Vietnam I came up with an idea for a book which would help pass the time. A simple interview to cut through the usual traveler small talk and bring about stimulating conversation. It began with eight questions:
1) What is something you are good at?
2) What is something you are bad at?
3) What is something you like about yourself?
4) What is something you don't like about yourself?
5) What was your dream as a child?
6) What is your dream now?
7) What is something you think is overrated?
8) What is something you think is underrated?
Finally I had every interviewee add one question to the interview. After seventeen interviews I had a total of twenty-five questions and my bus ride was over. I reworked the interview that night, arriving on fifteen questions I liked and continued interviewing throughout the rest of my trip.
Three years later the interview consists of twenty-three questions and has been asked of roughly one hundred different people from about ten countries.
Over that same period of time photography has grown from a hobby of mine into a passion and the portraits I have taken during my travels the best souvenirs I could ever hope for. My hope is to combine my interview with my photographs to create something that is more than just beautiful to look at but also tells the story of people from all cross sections of society.
I will seek out people in urban areas as well as rural, those in the ethnic majority as well as minorities, CEOs of organizations as well as the homeless that beg outside their offices. Aided by my mastery of the English language, fluency in Spanish, and years of experience traveling I am excited about the opportunity to turn this dream into a reality.
36 Comments
I voted, maybe I should join too....
you got my vote chico. if you win you are coming to são paulo :-)
brilliant dreaming!
After all that to register, it better be worth it...Good luck Adam!! Hope to see you soon xx
Didnt realize you had to register just to vote. Sorry, thats annoying
The registration has discouraged many a person. Too bad, it makes it tough for some. Your dream is good Adam and I'll give it a support vote. Good luck!
The registration is indeed a hurdle... we'll still try to promote you.
xoxoC
to start is the beginning of something great - go for it!
love it love it love it
interseting idea. I voted for it, check out mine and vote for it or leave a comment if you like. good luck!
Nice idea, but it could be so much more than just portraits. Voted for you. Feel free to return the favor and vote for my project on Zimbabwe.
Good luck Adam!
Boa sorte!
Helpin a brotha out:) Good Luck!
Good Luck Adam!
Looking forward to your photo exhibit at the 142 Throckmorton in Mill Valley, CA!
~Cheryl
I am a bit offended that I have not been interviewed yet.
Your idea sounds good, the judges will like yours if you reach the final.
the judges are mostly documentary photographers which is not to my favour.. coz my project is conceptual. I really believe in my project but i don't think it'll do well with the judges.
anyway.. good luck
G'day mate.
You have my vote. I could use yours.
"From Australia With Love"
I would appreciate it.
Thanks, and good luck.
-Adam
interesting idea good luck let me know what you think about my idea
get a job
I love the Adams.
"get a job" - good one.
You winning this might be the chance for us to finally travel together...so good luck Adam. And take care. Kisses from Madrid.
I guess I voted by just getting registered... Good Luck
Love it.... I want to read these interviews some day! Go Adam!
I totally remember answering those questions on the bus ride back from PEPY! Haha.
Adam, can't think of a more perfect candidate for this contest. You take the most amazing photos, are the most amazing person, and this would be an amazing opportunity for you. Good luck! Your #1 fan, Mom
Great idea. Good luck, Adam.
Well Adam,
It would be cool to have you sit here on the deck in Mexico again. You can ask as many questions as you like. Photo too.
Mike Kleimo
Yes I do recall when the survey all began...could there be a more perfect candidate for this?nope. just YOU. good luck
Hey challenging, you haven't ask me the last two questions yet, i thought you were hitting on me by those questions. what are you going to do with $50K? you got my vote.
Ohhhhh, I like it! Can I come? :-)
Fantastic Adam! Best of luck...
this is amazing. good luck
Interesting idea, check out mine and vote for me if you like it. Its about poverty and society in 3rd world countries and how they are controlled, devastated by their governments and western industrialized nations. http://tinyurl.com/chy79g
You have my vote... please return the favor!