Be Part of The project
This set redefines the "All-American" look by including people and communities whose identities are often left out of mainstream images. The image is about showing that being American is not about any single story, but about the many people who make up this country.
Read about the other concepts and how you can help below
About the Project
This year, America is celebrating 250 years as a nation
As the country turns 250 years old, for many Americans, it's a time marked by struggle and uncertainty. A time of division, isolation, and scarcity. If this was once the home of the brave and land of the free, which it never was, I wonder, what does it mean to be an American today?
In recognition of this milestone, I've created a staged fine art portrait series that reflects the lived experience of being American today. Rooted in the visual language of classic American history and iconography, each set holds a mirror up to America right now — not as a political statement, but as an honest, human, and visually arresting document of this era.
We are living in history, and our stories deserve to be recorded.
Candid, real and unposed photography
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Concepts in Production
*Models Needed*
All American
This photo redefines what it means to look "All-American" by rejecting the idea that there is only one American identity. It highlights that the United States is made up of many different communities, histories, and ways of expressing who we are. The image brings together groups of people who break away from traditional ideas of "American-ness" with those whose identities are often left out of mainstream images.
Needed: 5-7 groups of 2-4 people representing different
*Models + Props Needed*
Our Flag
Photographed from below, the image is filled with arms — 7 to 9 people, diverse in age and skin tone, their individuality dissolved into silhouette against the sky. Every hand holds a small American flag, each one turned upside down. The silhouetting is deliberate: this is not about any one person. It is about all of them — and by extension, everyone not in the frame.
Needed: 5-7 models, handheld flags
*Model + Props Needed*
Uncle Sam
A direct reimagining of the iconic Uncle Sam recruiting poster. The figure wears the unmistakable Uncle Sam top hat, but the face beneath it is hidden behind a skeleton mask and dark sunglasses, evoking anonymity, authority, and menace. Wearing a tactical vest and posed in the same confrontational, pointing stance as the original — “I Want You” — with a bloody hand.
Needed: Uncle Sam Costume, ICE vest, skull mask, 1 model
*Family Needed*
Mighty Proud
Drawn from the visual language of the Saturday Evening Post covers this image reframes the American family portrait through an immigrant lens. A multigenerational gathers around a young family member, the focal point of the image, as the older generations carefully groom them: The youngest, or the one being groomed, is dressed in a distinctly “American” style — the destination the family is collectively steering them toward.
Needed: Multigenerational family of 5-7
*COMPLETED*
Rosie The Riverter
This image fuses two pillars of American visual iconography — Norman Rockwell’s idealized domestic Americana and the wartime feminist power of Rosie the Riveter — and flips them. The setting is a garage, photographed from the outside looking in, the wife is the one underneath it, in grease-stained coveralls, working with the husband holding the baby on his hip, a dish towel slung over his shoulder, dogs in a stroller beside him.
Needed: Home garage for setting
*Props Needed*
Lady Liberty
Photographed in front of the Injustice Center Art Display, by Don't Shoot Portland at Oregon Contemporary, a Black woman is dressed as the Statue of Liberty in a gown constructed from micro-photographs of forgotten or erased leaders with her feet bound in shackles while she holds up a beacon in her hand.
Needed: Dress, shackles, chains, mail in ballot envelopes
*COMPLETED*
Three Patriots
Photographed directly across from the Portland ICE facility, this image draws on the classic “three wise monkeys” parable to indict political complicity. Three figures in conservative dress each perform one of the iconic gestures: stand composed and still, deliberately ignoring the chaos unfolding around them.
Needed: 2 models
Directly in conversation with Dorothea Lange's iconic “Migrant Mother” this photograph transposes that despair into a contemporary setting. A parent of any gender sits on the curb outside a gas station, the kind with prices posted on a sign that feels almost satirical. A bag of groceries sits beside them. Their children are present but turned away from the camera, their faces withheld, their identities protected
Needed: Family of 3-4
American Choices
*Models Needed*
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Americana 250 Portrait Series
Production Schedule
April 18 - 25
Finalize the Concepts
While I have the overall idea, the finer details are intended to be a collaboration with those participating. The concept meetings give us an opportunity to work out those details and finalize the session.
April 25th - May 9th
Photograph the concepts
It's time to bring the vision to life! Each set includes specific details and will mimic classic iconography. If you aren't interested in modeling, but want to help, several sets need support with props, locations, or production support.
May 10th - 15th
Edit and review the images
Because this is a collaboration, I want to make sure that what is submitted reflects OUR vision. After I edit the images, I'm asking participants to review the work and provide feedback before we put the images out into the world,.
May 17th
Submit the Photos
The project is being created for the Gallery One America 250 exhibition in Ellensburg, Washington. This is a juried show, and selections will be announced by May 27.
Regardless of whether the work is accepted into this exhibition, it WILL be shared and promoted throughout the year in connection with the United States' 250th anniversary.
FAQ
Are you open to other concept ideas?
Absolutely! The project can take so many different directions, and I'm open to ideas. While my goal is to submit the max number of images to this exhibition, I'm not limited to this only showing.
Do I need experience to participate?
Not at all! No modeling, photography, or creative experience is necessary to be part of or support this work. Only a willingness to
Is there a fee to participate?
I'm asking $11-$15 from folks to help pay for the submission fee. I will take care of the printing and shipping costs, along with anything that comes up during production. If you're unable to help finically, you can still participate. What's most important is that the work gets produced.
Do you need production help?
Yes, I would love some production help. This basically means, you would help with set up, be another set of eyes during the session, and support me with any technical needs like holding a light or reflector. You do NOT need experience, only a willingness to make the project happen.
Will I get a copy of the final image?
Yes!! I will be gifting all participants with a 4x6 photo print from their set.
Ready to make a statement
This project is only made possible with the help of people like you
Be a Model
Support the Production
Help with Props
Donate to the Project
If there's a specific concept that you're drawn to please let me know when you schedule our meeting. I'd love to know how you'd like to support the work, and what message you're most interested in conveying through this project.