Corey Ward • This post is really meaningful, so you should read it.

This post is really meaningful, so you should read it.

I first met Echo for a great photo shoot back in July. Less than a month later, and due to unrelated events, my inspiration had vaporized, and I was contemplating retiring as a photographer. Today, though, I am more inspired and capable a photographer than I have ever been before, and no person has been more instrumental in my inspiration returning to me than Echo.

Between brief communications with her via Tumblr and ModelMayhem, I made a friend, and through watching her push herself and grow her soul through modeling, writing, and painting (and plenty more, I’m sure), I gained something — hope, perhaps — that made me grow. Every time I connect with a photo of Echo (which happens often), it adds a log to the fire that is my inspiration.

January 25th I am embarking on the first of many adventures I’d like to have in my life. It’s a simple one, but it carries more meaning and significance to me as a person than anything I’ve done since I quit high school in 2003. It is the beginning chapter in a book about the life I have always wanted to lead, but always been too afraid and weak to actually live. And there is nobody I can think of I would rather go on this trip with than Echo.

Despite not knowing her very well (yet) and not having a clue how long I’ll be gone, where I’m going, where I’m sleeping, how I’m paying my bills, how I’ll manage my photo-workflow on the road, or in what ways I’ll forever be changed — this feels right. This trip is the first stair of a staircase I’d like to climb for the next decade of my life.

Models, and people who have money they want to give to Echo:

I know we are heading to Nashville, Philly, NYC, Boston, Jersey, Baltimore, Washington DC, Durham (NC), South Carolina, and Atlanta. This trip is being planned primarily around where Echo is getting paying work, so I don’t really know where else we might end up. If you are in or near one of these cities (or the route between), and you want to model for me or otherwise have some compelling reason for me to come to where you are (e.g. you are Michael Neff, or Jesse Perez), email me and we can start talking so Echo has time to plan.

I will not be paying any models, and I will probably take a lifetime to get you photos from any photo shoots, but I can promise that when you do get them they will be the result of every bit of passion in my bones.

My email is (my-first-name).atx@gmail.com.

Friends, and other quality people in Austin, TX:

Over the next month I’d like to spend time with the fantastic people I know here in Austin, and overindulge in the wonderful character that embodies Austin. I’ll be doing a lot of rock climbing, rollerskating, eating at fantastic restaurants (and food trailers), and spending time at quirky events (like curious pairings at the Alamo). I would be elated to have y’all accompany me to some of these things and invite me to more, so text me or message me on Facebook and we will make memories.

With love, exuberance, and a pint of Stone Ruination IPA,

Corey