Holt Webb

Director, Vanishing America

I'm a professional artist. A photographer, writer, videographer and creative soul inspiring people to pay attention to and care for the world around us.

Any major travel plans?
I am living full-time in a motorhome, traveling the US until this project is completed. Hopefully within 3-5 years. I will stop in large towns, small towns, and out in the middle of nowhere to get the photos and stories I need. My next stop will be along the Gulf Coast to document the spirit and collective effort of Americans fighting the damages caused by the oil leak.

What travel philosophies have you developed for yourself? Are there any do's and don'ts, definite musts, etc?
Be as self-sufficient as possible, reduce my consumption and carbon footprint and leave each destination a little better off for my having been there. I also insist on only publishing images that will inspire people. Pretty pics are a dime a dozen. But truly inspirational imagery is rare. My goal as an artist is to effect change with beautiful images that would stir your soul, tug on your heartstrings, and compel you to protect those things in your world that you cherish most. Take special care of those places and things that stir your soul. Because, if you don’t, they’ll be gone before you know it.

Is there anything particular in your gear set that you absolutely will not leave behind, can't do without?
Yep... My camera.

To date: What has been your favorite adventure?
Experiencing the magical Salton Sea. So many people despise the place, but only because nobody has shown them the incredible strange beauty that it offers. It's surreal

What activities or projects are you working on?
I am traveling the United States on my Vanishing America Project -- a mulit-year journey I’ve undertaken to use my skill as a photographer and a writer to promote conservation and raise awareness about what we are losing – our culture, our wildlife, and our landscape – in hopes that some of it will still be around for future generations to enjoy.