Five years ago this month, I started Panoramic United States Abstracted, not knowing just how much it would shape both my creative journey and my connection to the landscapes around the country. The idea was pretty straightforward: travel across the U.S., capture panoramic shots of both famous and hidden landscapes, and add something extra by placing real mirrors in the foreground. The mirrors aren’t some digital trickery or Photoshop magic, they’re the real deal. I physically carry them with me to every location and carefully position them into the scene.
For those of you who haven’t seen my work before, Panoramic United States Abstracted is all about mixing the beauty of the land with the abstract reflections in the mirrors. The idea is to create a dialogue between the natural world and its mirrored counterpart, and in doing so, spark some deeper thoughts on how we see and interact with nature. This project has taken me across some of the most awe-inspiring—and sometimes hard-to-reach—places in the country, and along the way, I’ve learned a lot about both art and myself.
Let’s Clear Up a Question: Yes, the Mirrors Are Real
One question I get asked pretty often is: Are the mirrors real, or are they added digitally? And the short answer is: Yep, they’re real. I actually lug them around with me, sometimes through some pretty challenging terrain, setting them up carefully at the perfect spot for the shot.
Some people have pointed out that the mirrors look too perfect—like they might be a digital insert. But no, they’re there with me, in person, holding their own with the landscape. I’ve even added some behind-the-scenes photos below to show you what it looks like when I’m setting up these mirrors in places like national parks, deserts, or forests. Sometimes that means balancing the mirrors on uneven ground or just standing by to make sure they don’t fall over (which, trust me, they do try to do!).
And just for the record: I can’t always put stakes in the ground to anchor the mirrors, especially in places like national parks or sacred sites. So, it’s all about creativity and making sure the mirrors stay put!
A Little Fun Fact About Hauling Those Mirrors Around
Now, here's where things get a bit ridiculous. In the early days of this project, I would hike for miles with 60+ pounds of mirrors strapped to my back. Yeah, you heard that right—60 pounds of reflective glass, on my back, on rocky trails, through forests, and across deserts. It was a pretty brutal (and honestly, kind of insane) way to go about it. But hey, dedication, right?
These days, though, I’ve wised up. Enter the wagon. It’s a game-changer. Instead of slinging heavy glass across uneven terrain, I now roll my mirrors on a trusty little wagon. It’s much easier on my back and just makes sense when you're hauling so much weight over miles of rugged ground.
Five Years In, and a Map to Show for It
As I hit the five-year mark with this project, I wanted to take a moment to look back at some of my favorite memories, locations, and photos. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve learned so much about both the art of photography and the world around me. Some of the places I’ve visited have left me speechless, and others have tested my patience and creativity.
To celebrate, I’ve put together a special anniversary map that links to all the photos I’ve taken in each state so far. It’s been an adventure, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward, finishing the country, and starting work on a book to bring it all together. Oh, and keep an eye out for a few “project-in-progress” books I’ve made.
Thank you for following along on this journey. If you’re just discovering Panoramic United States Abstracted, I hope you enjoy the work, and I can’t wait to share more as I keep moving forward with it.
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