Dana Damewood Photography

Trucker Project Part 3

dirtd10 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:33:28 +0000

Trucker Project – part 2

dirtd10 — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:30:16 +0000

My driver, Kristen, picked me up in Wahoo, NE – my hometown. It was a beautiful foggy morning with snow on the ground. I remember feeling uneasy but kept reminding myself that this was going to be an adventure. Kristen did not like to stop. She drove hard to get any given load in ahead of time and move on to the next. We were on the road all day long, stopping only for quick restroom breaks. It didn’t take long realize that shooting was going to be a challenge. I struggled to find photos but there was no time to talk with other drivers or explore the truck stops. For the most part, I ended up snapping a few images on my way to the restroom or shooting out of the cabin window. Bedtime came early and at night the truck was very cold. Kristen didn’t run the heat when we were parked so I bundled up in fleece, my coat, a hat and layered two sleeping bags. It wasn’t the cold but the stale, stagnant air of the cabin that kept me awake most nights.
Before sunrise, we would get up and begin to drive again. We were very isolated and I loved it. Being far away from everything I knew was refreshing.

We ate at a lot of places like this. I stuck with the basics every time. I felt safe with mashed potatoes with gravy and a salad.

I love this photo. This sums up the trip.

I don’t remember his name, but this man told me he just proposed to his girlfriend and they were to be married soon.

Truck stop showers aren’t that bad. 10 bucks for a private bathroom. Kristen stopped for a shower every 3 days or so.

I only saw the sun a few times on this trip. It was rainy and overcast everyday.

Dee – a driver from Florida. She was a little shy at first but warmed up to me pretty quick. She was delivering her last load and wasn’t going to drive anymore.

I was so happy when I saw my first trucker dog.

lot 2 in Benson

dirtd10 — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:03:10 +0000

Food shots for Brad and Johanna Marr’s incredible new restaurant Lot 2 in Benson. Chef Joel Mahr has put together a stellar menu. Everything is out of this world.

Thanks to Jackie Sterba for styling and Brianna Hall for assisting.

The Trucker Project – Part One

dirtd10 — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:57:19 +0000

This is the first round of photos from the Trucker Project. These photographs were taken on the road last winter with my Rolleiflex camera. I regretted that I did not bring more film, there is nothing like it. I came up with the idea for this project when I was restless and needed an adventure. I wanted to have a nomadic experience. The first thought was to travel with a band but reconsidered. Bands get plenty of coverage and I wanted a more original experience. After much thought, I settled on going out with a truck driver. This excited me the most as I knew this experience would remove me from all my comforts, mentally and physically. These three photos will be on display at the Museum of Nebraska Art beginning April 14th.

I talked with this Truck Stop Minister for a while. I asked him if there was anything I should be worried about and he told that human trafficking is a big problem. He advised me to be extra safe and stay near my driver at all times. I was anxious finding my way back to the truck that night..

This mobile chapel was at a different truck stop, I can’t remember where exactly. This was our last day on the road.

This is Jeff, a driver I met in West Virginia. He told me some dirty stories and jokes. He had quite a personality. I loved what he was wearing.

the union for contemporary art – brigitte mcqueen and fellows

dirtd10 — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:19:49 +0000

This was a shoot for Brigitte McQueen, the director of The Union For Contemporary Art and the six inaugural fellows. The weather was fantastic, the snow made for a perfect session.