We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!
Photo-main

A 10,000 Mile, 100 Day Photographic Tour of America's Lost Highways by Liz Caldwell. Every $1 pledged will support 1 mile.

(Project Image: Santa Barbara, CA - N 34 31.393 W 119 47.590)

Twentynine Palms-Morongo Valley, CA - 34°19'55.68"N 116°29'13.20"W

This is a living project, I welcome your comments and suggestions.  This project is for you.

Project Quick Stats:

Miles: 10,000

States: 48

Days on the Road: 100 (beginning March 2012)

Goals: Preserving and Photographing America's Back Roads, Picking Up Trash, Sharing Great Roadside Stops, Recording GPS Coordinates of Scenic Locations for You to Experience, then, Creating A Lovely Coffee Table Book for You to Enjoy!

Yosemite Nat'l Park, CA

Occasionally, I pile into a car with a friend and my camera and head out into the world!  We rarely have a destination, our only plan is to discover some forgotten road and see where it takes us. It's on these trips that I've managed to see some of the most beautiful, strange, and amazing sites; and many times I've been lucky enough to capture these images and preserve the moment forever.

It was on one of these recent, aimless drives that a thought occurred to me... I've seen and photographed so much of Southern California's back roads and lost highways, but there's still so much out there.  Just up that next road are new sights and surprises... A small town of 35 people, and 7,000 cows?  The simplicity of desert sand dunes?  Oh look, a joshua tree!

On this project, I want to share a new view of America... I want to share the experience of America with out a map, to share all of those “Stop the car!”  moments, while preserving the history tied to these forgotten roads.Our plan is simple, start in Southern California and head east(ish) via the southern portion of the country, photographing as many back-roads and lost highways as possible.  Each day will be a new, uncharted adventure that you can follow via the Backer-Only Blog.  Once we make it to the south east coast, we’ll start heading north and then westward via the northern portion of the county.  Our goal is to travel roughly 10,000 miles, and photograph as many lost highways of the continental 48 states as possible.  Then put it all together into a lovely hardcover coffee table book. 

Forest Falls, CA - 34° 4' 52.84" N  116° 53' 36.90" W 

Donations received will be put toward the cost of producing the project.  I really thought a lot about how much would really be needed for this project, and have been getting some help from experienced road-trippers.  10,000 miles is quite a distance!  Gas alone will likely be $3,000 or so (depends on how many times we get lost, lol) There would also be a need for maintenance along the way (oil changes, flat tires, hopefully not tow trucks, lol).  We do have a few friends and family members in other states that will offer couches and ease the cost of lodging.  

I've put together a full expense report, check it out:

Report does not cover the backer gifts, as that is TBD at the end of funding.

Got questions about backing this project?  Bookmark this page then visit Kickstarter's Backer FAQ

This project cannot happen without your help, please consider helping me preserve a little of America's forgotten roads by making a pledge.  Of course, every backer gets a gift for their support, so don't forget to check those out on the right :)  You will only be charged if we reach our goal, and every $1 pledged will sponsor 1 mile in the journey to photograph America's back roads. 

Want another way to help? Share this project with your friends!  Just copy and paste the link toward the top of the project description into facebook, twitter, or G+ and show your support.  I need all the help I can get in raising awareness for this project, and every little bit helps!  Thanks for your support!

Also, if you'd like to get to know a little about me, check out the panel in the lower right corner.

Santa Barbara, CA

Riverside, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

Twentynine Palms-Morongo Valley, CA

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my project!

FAQ

  • Kickstarter uses an all-or-nothing funding approach, which means if the funding goal is not met, your card is never charged. Paypal is designed for instant payment, so there's really no way for them to hold the payment or cancel it based on the success of funding.

    Last updated: Tuesday Nov 22, 6:48pm EST
  • Yes, In fact, I did. 

    Last updated: Tuesday Nov 22, 6:48pm EST
  • I'm glad you asked!  Here are a few of my favorites :)

    Why are elephants big, grey and wrinkly?

    Cause if they were small yellow and fuzzy they'd be tennis balls.  

    What the difference between an elephant and a plum? 

    The color.  

    What did Tarzan say when he saw the elephants stampeding?

    OH MY GOD! The elephants are stampeding!! 

    What did Jane say when she saw the elephants stampeding?

    OH MY GOD! The plums are stampeding! (What? Jane was color blind...) 

     

    How many elephants can fit in a VW?

    How do you know when there has been an elephant in your refrigerator?

    Feet prints in the butter. 

     How do you know when there have been 2 elephants in your refrigerator?

    2 sets of feet prints in the butter. 

     

    How do you know when there have been 3 elephants in your refrigerator? 

    3 sets of feet prints in the butter. 

    How do you know when there had been 4 elephants (yes, 4 elephants) in your refrigerator? 

    There's a VW parked in the drive way.   

    Why did the elephant paint his toenails red? 

    To hide in a cherry tree. 

    Have you ever seen an elephant in a cherry tree? 

    It works. 

    Last updated: Tuesday Nov 22, 6:48pm EST
  • Absolutely :)  The biggest thing you can do to help is to share this project with your friends and family on facebook, twitter, G+ or your other favorite sites.  

    Last updated: Tuesday Nov 22, 6:48pm EST
  • You can email me either through the Kickstarter site, or via email: Liz@LizCaldwellPhoto.com

    Last updated: Tuesday Nov 22, 6:47pm EST
  • Ok, just 'cause I like ya :D

    What is big and grey and comes in quarts?

    An elephant.

     

    What do elephants have that nothing else has?

    Baby elephants.

     

    What is gray, has four legs, and a trunk? 

    A mouse going on vacation.

     

    What is brown, has four legs, and a trunk?

    A mouse coming back from vacation.

     

    How can you tell that an elephant is in the bathtub with you?

    By the smell of peanuts on its breath.

     Why did the elephant wear sunglasses?

     With all the silly elephant jokes going around, it didn’t want to be recognized. 

    Last updated: Tuesday Nov 22, 6:56pm EST
38
Backers
$1,741
pledged of $10,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on December 19, 2011.

Funding period
Oct 20, 2011 - Dec 19, 2011 (60 days)

229377_10150183302799661_534424660_6626343_3701146_n.medium

See full bio

  • Pledge $1 or more

    8 backers

    Thank You! Your dollar will support 1 mile of my journey in photographing America's back roads. You'll Get Access to the Backer-Only Blog - Be in the know of where we are, see images before the public, and experience America through our eyes. It's the next best thing to a spot in the back seat! All backers will also have their name listed in the Thank You section of the book.

    Estimated delivery: Mar 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    5 backers

    Post Card, Baby! That's right, you'll get a post card from the road, complete with a personalized Thank You from the artist. Thank you! Every dollar pledged will support 1 mile in the journey to photograph America's back roads! Plus, you'll get access to the Backer-Only Blog - Be in the know of where we are, see images before the public, and experience America through our eyes. It's the next best thing to a spot in the back seat! All backers will also have their name listed in the Thank You section of the book.

    Estimated delivery: Mar 2012
  • Pledge $15 or more

    3 backers All gone!

    This one is available to only the first 3 backers of $15 or more, so you'll want to jump on this deal quickly! Get the $25 reward for only $15 :) Get a signed, dated and numbered 5x7 print of your choice from this project, a post card from the road, and access to the Backer-Only Blog! Backer-Only Blog - Be in the know of where we are, see images before the public, and experience America through our eyes. It's the next best thing to a spot in the back seat! All backers will also have their name listed in the Thank You section of the book.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    3 backers

    Thank you! Every dollar pledged will support 1 mile in the journey to photograph America's back roads! Get a signed, dated, and numbered 5x7 print of your choice from this project; a post card from the road; and access to the Backer-Only Blog! Backer-Only Blog - Be in the know of where we are, see images before the public, and experience America through our eyes. It's the next best thing to a spot in the back seat! All backers will also have their name listed in the Thank You section of the book.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    10 backers

    Just Upgraded! Get the eBook! Same as the printed version, but in a handy PDF format :) Plus, get a signed, dated, and numbered 5x7 print of your choice from this project; a post card from the road; and access to the Backer-Only Blog! Backer-Only Blog - Be in the know of where we are, see images before the public, and experience America through our eyes. It's the next best thing to a spot in the back seat! All backers will also have their name listed in the Thank You section of the book.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    3 backers

    Thank you! Every dollar pledged will support 1 mile in the journey to photograph America's back roads! Get the eBook! You'll be able to download the completed eBook, just like the printed version. Get 2 signed, dated and numbered 8x10 prints of your choice from this project, a post card from the road, and access to the Backer-Only Blog! Backer-Only Blog - Be in the know of where we are, see images before the public, and experience America through our eyes. It's the next best thing to a spot in the back seat! All backers will also have their name listed in the Thank You section of the book.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    1 backer

    Thank you! Every dollar pledged will support 1 mile in the journey to photograph America's back roads! Get the Softcover Printed Book, AND the eBook! You'll be able to download the completed eBook, just like the printed version. Plus, get a personalized Thank You letter from the artist! Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated and helps us reach our goal, but your generosity deserves a special "Thank You!" But that's not all... Get 2 signed, dated and numbered 8x10 of your choice; a post card from the road, and access to the Backer-Only Blog! (Did you know? You can get an extra softcover copy of the book with an additional $75 pledge! Yay!)

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)

    This one is available to only the first $500 Backer! You'll get everything listed in the $500 pledge reward, PLUS a very cool CAMERA BAG! A perfect size working bag for photographers on the go who use a compact laptop. The Urban Disguise 35 V2.0 holds up to a 13.3” laptop with a standard size DSLR or a 10” netbook with a pro size DSLR. A 70-200 f2.8 lens can remain attached to any size DSLR, inside the bag. it features a large opening for easy access to equipment and can be attached to the extended handle of a rolling bag. Thanks to http://www.ThinkTankPhoto.com/ for this donation :)

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    Super-Backer! Thank you! You'll get a SIGNED HARDCOVER BOOK with all the images from this project. Only our most generous backers will receive these beautiful, limited edition, hardcover books. In edition, your name will be listed in the Special Thank You section of the book! But that's not all...get a signed, dated and numbered 20x24 Canvas Print, as well as a signed 8x10. You'll also get a personalized Thank You letter from the artist, a post card from the road, and access to the Backer-Only Blog! (Did you know? You can get an additional signed hardcover copy of the book with an additional $100 pledge! Yay!)

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    1 backer

    Thank you! Every dollar pledged will support 1 mile in the journey to photograph America's back roads! Would you like a PERSONAL PORTRAIT SESSION? Show us your favorite scenic location and we'll meet up for a portrait session of you and your family :) Also, get a SIGNED HARDCOVER BOOK with all the images from this project, AND a signed, dated, and numbered 20x24 Canvas Print. Only our most generous backers will receive these beautiful, limited edition, hardcover books. Each will be signed, numbered, and dated by the artist herself. In edition, your name will be listed in the Special Thank You section of the book! But that's not all... Get a personalized Thank You letter from the artist! Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated and help us reach our goal, but your generosity deserves a special "Thank You!" Also, get a signed, dated and numbered 8x10 of your choice; 2 signed, dated and numbered 5x7 prints of your choice; a post card from the road, and access to the Backer-Only Blog!

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $3,000 or more

    0 backers

    WOW! Let's talk and make a personalized gift, just for you!

    Estimated delivery: May 2012