HIKING GUIDES

From North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest to Acadia National Park in Maine, I've documented my experiences camping and hiking focusing equally on inner and outer exploration.

Check out Hatchet Hikes for all of my hiking guides.

​"There’s no feeling I like better than seeing that impossible line where sky meets water. Nothing humbles me, makes me feel small like being confronted with the limits of my vision sandwiched between what appear to be limitless and primitive features of nature: ocean and sky..."

Read the full Guide here.​

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"I’ve heard that the western practice of summitting mountains can be traced back to an idea of conquering, that western explorers had a desire to break, to own the mountains. It’s hard to feel that way here due to the relative shortness of the hikes. Ascending 500 feet in .3 miles doesn’t evoke any feeling of conquering. It’s all play. In well under an hour, with some challenging moments, you scale and scramble to a short summit, which does not feel like some god-like vanquishing of Mother Nature..."

Read the full Guide here.​

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"I went out on this cold grey day to see Beech Cliff in the snow. Somehow distance casts the world in nearly black and white. Up close, you can see bright green ferns, dusty pale green reindeer moss, the dark green needles of evergreens, the red tips of bare birch branches..."

​Read the full guide here.

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INTERVIEWS

For borough-bred fashion boutique Alumni of NY, I conducted their eponymous interview series highlighting community leaders, politicians, business owners, artists local to their brick-and-mortar stores.

Check out Alumni of NY for the full interview series.

You talk about how photography allows you to create “on [your] own terms.” What does that mean and why is it so important?

I think it’s important to have some sense of control in a society where it’s definitely not guaranteed. After all the years I’ve worked at retail, as a custodian, and the list goes on, the one consistent theme of my unhappiness was that I was never in control of where my imagination could go. With photography and creative direction, my thoughts are free now. 

Read the full interview with Steve Sweatpants here.

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I understand that you were born in Elmhurst Hospital, grew up in Queens. Are there moments from your childhood that you turn to that define Queens for you? 

I went to the Academy of American Studies in Long Island City right as its skyline was beginning to change. Coming of age with the gentrification of the area sparked a quest to understand and question displacement, an interest in urban planning, and inspired the love to protect my neighbors. 

Read the full interview with Senator Jessica Ramos here.

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In tight-knit communities, there are often those who feel a need to get out and those who never leave. Could you talk about what it feels like to open a shop among the community that raised you?

Well, I’m gonna be honest. I was born and raised in this neighborhood. I remember when crack was prevalent and gun violence was the daily ritual. I wanted nothing more than to get outta this place. So, first chance I had I took it. Went away to college in Florida. While away I was able to appreciate all of what NYC had to offer from the outside looking in. Hard to appreciate the full spectrum when your world revolves around one zip code. Now that I’m back, I’m encouraging everyone to stay. Build and grow at home. 

Read the full interview with Mike Nicholas here.

BE IN TOUCH