If you have followed along at all with my photo year, you will know that I spent a great portion of 2016 with my dear friends, Forlorn Strangers. This past August, Forlorn released their first full length album, and let me just say, it is GOLD. So naturally, in light of the release, I hopped on board Libby the van (once again) and followed these guys around with my camera for 3 months. Perhaps my best decision of the year. ;)

Man. I can't say it enough-- I love these people. They are life. They are brilliant and earnest and devoted. The motivation behind their creative work is producing music and an atmosphere that promotes wholeness, kindness, and steadiness amidst the chaos of the external world. I have witnessed this work in the band firsthand (not just this summer, but for all the years leading up to now.) Each member uses their gifts of storytelling and written communication in a profound way in order to make art that addresses the problems and pains of the environments and contexts that surround them. (And in a year like 2016, that is crucial.) I am continually amazed by the way their music is driven by spiritual truths, the human experience, and how they fit together. These guys have unknowingly taught me to use my own voice through my artistic craft, and have encouraged me to always try to usher goodness and peace into the world around me.

I could keep going. But I'll just say that I could not have imagined a better way to offer my documenting services, stumble through 2016, AND travel the wild west than with my favorite bandy crew.