American Character

American Character: A Photographic Journey is a celebration of the extraordinary people, from all walks of life, who make this country what it is. Conceived by USA Network, this book is an outgrowth of Character Project, an ongoing artistic initiative inspired by USA's "Characters Welcome" brand. USA assembled a group of eleven photographers and asked them to capture the character of America. Each artist's vision was as unique as the people and places they photographed. From Alaska to New York, the subjects they encountered are a stunning reminder of our country's diversity. The musicians and mothers, fisherman and farmers, athletes and artists, at home, at work, and at play, are a true representation of what it means to live in America today. Legendary photographers Mary Ellen Mark and Sylvia Plachy are joined by Dawoud Bey, Jeff Dunas, David Eustace, and Eric Ogden and emerging talents Marla Rutherford, Anna Mia Davidson, Joe Fornabaio, Eric McNatt, and Richard Renaldi, each of whom brings their unique style and interest to bear on the subject of character. Featured Photographers: Dawoud Bey Photographed a diverse cross-section of young Americans near Chicago's Columbia College. Anna Mia Davidson Photographed portraits of sustainable farmers in Washington State. Jeff Dunas Shot a color series in and around Los Angeles documenting the American summer experience. David Eustace Shot portraits and landscapes as he traveled along the entirety of Route 50, one of the oldest transcontinental roads. Joe Fornabaio Photographed individuals at barbershops and salons in the New York metro area. Mary Ellen Mark Documented the spirit of New York festivals, parades and summer traditions. Eric McNatt Photographed the "wild and wooly, quiet and intense, quirky and idiosyncratic spirit" of his hometown, Brownwood, Texas. Eric Ogden Shot portraits of idiosyncratic American musicians who all hail from Michigan, including Iggy Pop, Andrew W.K., Bootsy Collins, Deastro, Andre Williams, and Detroit Cobras. Sylvia Plachy Photographed the spirit of the South in Mississippi, in color and black-and-white portraits and panoramas. Richard Renaldi Photographed the character of Alaska on its 50th anniversary as a US state. Marla Rutherford Shot individuals from around Los Angeles who had never before been professionally photographed.