About
THE INSPIRATION
Two years into my advertising design career, I found myself bored, uninspired, and rarely challenged. I was going through the motions of life and had no real direction. Sure, I had a cool, creative job at a great agency. I lived in a cool loft in downtown. I rode a motorcycle. But I felt like something was missing.
One day last spring, I was sitting at my desk daydreaming about adventure. A voice inside my head said "Go backpacking. Go to Yosemite." I had never been backpacking before and I knew nothing about Yosemite, but I listened. My life would be changed forever.
While at Yosemite, my camera and I were rarely separated. The beauty of Yosemite's backcountry struck me in a profound way and I discovered a great deal of clarity while trekking through the landscapes that were dominated by towering waterfalls, majestic mountains, and gargantuan trees.
It was among these giants that I discovered my passion for adventure photography, and rediscovered my childhood passion for the outdoors.
Others quickly took note of my calling and wanted to see firsthand what it was all about, so I led them...
On each journey, I challenged my companions both mentally and physically. They learned more about themselves — and discovered a new appreciation for adventure and travel as I guided them through the outdoors while documenting their experience.
I wanted to elevate my adventures, so I took a winter mountaineering course with the American Alpine Institute — one of the most respected mountaineering schools in the world.
During that course, I learned how to survive in extreme winter conditions and how to climb alpine style. The course culminated with an alpine summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
My passion for photographing and exploring the outdoors led me to a critical turning point in my life and career. I was no longer content sitting behind a desk. My purpose was clear.
So I quit my job. Moved out of my loft. And sold my shit.
THE ADVENTURE
On September 6th, 2014, I'm flying one-way to Iceland. Then to Nepal. Thailand. Cambodia. Laos. My flight's already booked. I'd like you to join me.
We're going to explore ice caves in Iceland. Climb volcanoes. Trek across glaciers. And chase the Northern Lights.
We're going to trek through the Himalaya, sleeping in the shadow of giants — while experiencing the humble culture of Nepal.
We're going to explore caves in Thailand. Waterfalls in Laos. Ride quads in Cambodia.
THE FILM
I'm going to record every step of our journey with photography and video, then make a film documenting our experiences together. The film will be inspired by you!
Have you always wanted to go ice climbing in Iceland? Spear fishing in Thailand? Tea hut trekking in Nepal? We'll go! I'll document it — that's what the film will be about. Our adventures together. Film speaks to audiences on such an incredibly deep level and our story of adventure will inspire others to go out and explore themselves.
THE BOOK
I am going to take tens of thousands of photos on this adventure, featuring some of the most beautiful places in the world. I'm going to produce a stunning, 13x11" hardcover photography book documenting the experience, start-to-finish. This will be filled with stunning landscapes, adventure photos, and portraits from every place that we explore.
SWAG
I'm going to make beautiful prints and gallery wrapped canvases with photos from the adventure. A custom-designed "Explore the Unimaginable" t-shirt. I'll even send you a postcard while adventuring abroad!
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
• $15,000 — Production
• $12,000 — Post Production/Editing
• $2,000 — Audio Mastering
• $1,000 — Film Festival Entry Fees
THE TEAM
Guide & Director/Photographer: Chris Brinlee, Jr.
Risks and challenges
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." — Mark Twain
[Risks]
Without the Kickstarter backing, I'm still going to go on an epic, transformative adventure. I know that it will be life changing. I am confident that I'll produce beautiful photography and video. But being alone in the wilderness for a great deal of the trip, all of that would be about me. I don't want to tell my story. I want to facilitate and tell others' stories. I want to do something bigger than myself.
However, if I'm involving other people — paying clients if you will, I'm not going to be able to do everything involved in a production like this on my own. Guiding in itself can easily occupy all of my time and energy. Having the Kickstarter backing will enable me to bring a (small, but invaluable) production crew along. People I trust who can not only help me with adventure-related chores (camp set-up, cooking, logistics, etc.) but the dozen+ tasks involved with production. 2nd Camera/shooting. Recharging batteries. Footage dumps/file management. Having a crew will allow me to focus on telling the story of these peoples' adventures to create the best possible film that I can.
[Challenges]
• Logistically, getting those who come on the adventure to the right places at the right times. Most of the countries we'll be adventuring in do not require visas for American citizens. The ones that do require them on arrival, so that process will be much easier than traveling to countries that require visas in advance.
• Ensuring that everyone who comes along has the adventure of a lifetime. I don't anticipate any problems there — I've guided/photographed dozens on adventures; everyone has walked away fulfilled.
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Funding period
- (30 days)