Salvation Mountain

Salvation Mountain is a giant, rainbow colored, man-made, mountain East of Niland, California, near the Salton Sea. 30 years in the making it was created from adobe, straw, and hundreds of thousands of gallons of latex paint by 78 year old Leonard Knight to convey the message that "God Loves Everyone". Leonard refuses donations of money or labor from supporters who wish to modify his message of universal love to favor or disfavor particular churches, and rejects fear based faith. He estimates that he has used over 250,000 gallons of paint on the mountain and surrounding structures. Steps cut into the side of the hill lead up a yellow brick road to the summit which is topped by a cross. 

Read the rest of the story and view Aaron Huey's photo essay on Salvation Mountain here.

Winters Of My Life

View a portrait of Howard Weamer by Jonathan Burhop. For the past 35 years Howard has spent his winters as a hutkeeper in Yosemite's backcountry. He fills his days writing, reading, photographing, and being an ambassador to mountain culture. This is a brief look into his world and why he chooses to stay.

One In 8 Million

A favorite example of mine of the simple, yet powerful integration of photography with audio narration is the series by New York Times, One in 8 Million. 

The project tells one story each week, focusing on one central character, someone you might brush shoulders with on the subway of New York. The subject describes, in his or her own words, anything from their own personal struggles, triumphs, daily life or something that defines them. The images work to visually capture the story with a timeless quality, in black and white.

Together, the two mediums form a very intimate local human-interest story that fosters a sense of community which is quite an impressive undertaking considering the expansiveness of New York City.

Johnnie Footman, New York City Cabbie

Johnnie Footman, 90, may be the oldest cab driver in New York City. With a cigar hanging from his mouth, a plastic spider around his neck, and a cap that reads "Old Dude made of Achey Breaky Parts," Johnnie still manages to make it to the shop five days a week.

Johnnie, also known as "Spider," started driving a taxi in 1945 after working in a garage with his uncle. He used to ride to work on his Harley (where his nickname hails from), and was notorious for picking up women. In his career he has managed to shuttle around a slew of characters including some of the most annoying customers, as well as celebrities, like Rock Hudson.

He rides to work in his Chevy Blazer with a Winnie the Pooh stuffed toy attached to the rear bumper. Although his age has limited him, he avoids highway driving and only works a day or two in the cab per week, he still remains young at heart.

Big Vinny

Once upon a time, he was a local celebrity. He earned his nickname after doing a tv commercial for a Round Table pizza named The Big Vinny. For over twenty years, he was the face and voice of a successful used car business in small town Alameda. He sold and he sold and he sold and Californians drove away happy. Today, everything has changed. The business is dead. The lots sit empty. Big Vinny is out of work. But he still remembers the good times. 

Georgiana DePalma Tedone: The Mozzarella Maker

At 90, Mrs. Tedone still makes the cheese herself, six days a week, for her Williamsburg, Brooklyn, shop.  Listen to the rest of the story here.  Photos by Todd Heisler from the New York Times.

Wreckless Willie, Part 2

Willie Chapman has 10 children in 3 states and he’s 40 years old. Professional boxing matches are still his main source of income and also the only way he can pay child support to see his kids. Because of his age and losing record, Nevada may not license him to fight anymore. Willie also shows signs of dementia, most likely caused from continued brain trauma caused by boxing.

Wreckless Willie

Willie Chapman has 10 children in 3 states and he’s 40 years old. Professional boxing matches are still his main source of income and also the only way he can pay child support to see his kids. Because of his age and losing record, Nevada may not license him to fight anymore. Willie also shows signs of dementia, most likely caused from continued brain trauma caused by boxing.