I graduated from college in 2007 with a degree in Environmental Studies and I am now a photographer in Richmond, VA. I am interested in combining my profession with my major by documenting sustainable farming practices in Virginia. I want to show the entire process of getting food to someone’s table in Richmond. The ultimate goal is to create a narrative with the photographs–and some text–that demonstrates how sustainable farming can lead to a healthier environment for everyone. I will make this photographic narrative visible to the public in three main ways: 1) create a blog for updates and recent photographs of the project, 2) host a gallery opening with the photographs in Richmond (and possibly other locations), and (3) print a limited edition book. As the project progresses I also plan to promote the work through local environmental organizations, educational talks and the local press.

I now want to describe in more detail what I plan to capture and convey by documenting sustainable farming. I want to photograph the farming process from preparing the soil to delivery of the food to market. I want the photography to tell the entire story of sustainable farming–thus I plan on capturing the food, faces, bodies, land and equipment to show the entire story of sustainable food production. I also plan to include photographs of the food being cooked and eaten. I hope to convey: 1) all the benefits of sustainable farming and eating locally, 2) any difficulties involved in sustainable farming and local food distribution, and 3) any benefits or problems with community networks or CSA programs, and 4) how to incorporate sustainable practices and habits into a community. My goal is to capture all of this in one growing season and then show them to the public through the gallery opening, book, blog and talks.

This project will be fun, informative and will help promote local food and sustainable production in Virginia. I will begin promoting the project as soon as it begins so that everyone can follow updates through the blog and continually learn about sustainable food production. As I prepare the final stages of the project I will also promote the gallery show and limited edition book through the press and local talks at libraries and other establishments. This promotion will also increase the visibility of your farm and products to the public.

I would like to discuss this further if you are interested, please give me a call at 804-355-1197 (or my cell: 845-702-7049) or drop me an email at gordon@gordonstillman.com. To learn more about me visit my Web site: www.gordonstillman.com and my photo-blog http://gordonstillman.blogspot.com. I am a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (www.asmp.org) and I own Gordon Stillman Photography.