“Boardwalking,” from the “Sheltered Passions” portfolio by Richard S. McWherter.
Since this series includes both religious and non-religious rituals, I sometimes get asked how I decide if something is included or not in the collection. Mostly these are activities people usually do without payment or immediate, tangible rewards, but require great sacrifices or efforts. But sometimes the decision is based on how people are dressed, especially in gatherings. Early on I noticed that groups that identify as cohesive often use clothing and hair as a unifying tell, either intentionally or subconsciously. This included everyone in subculture groups as diverse as outlaw motorcycle clubs, musicians, church goers, survival preppers, and even skateboard cliques. The styles will change over time, but each member will often be connected through either obvious or even subliminal uniforms.
"My work champions some of the hidden and temporal natural treasures on this planet and hopefully challenges everyone to be actively engaged in protecting our surroundings. Promoting this understanding of our world, and our place in it, will help us make sure it is here for generations to come."
-RS McWherter