Photographer Traveling Cross-Country to Capture Diverse Portraits of Americans in All 50 States

Photographer John Mireles is on an impressive quest to shoot portraits of citizens in all 50 states of America. The ongoing project is titled Neighbors, and it aims to demonstrate the incredible diversity of the country by showcasing people from all different backgrounds in locales between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

So far, Mireles’ travels have taken him to the West Coast, where he visited six states—California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Utah—in 13 days. While there, he sought out people who “represent the spirit of the community,” whether that’s through their profession, location, or the groups of which they’re affiliated.

All of these striking portraits are taken against the same beige-colored background and present a straightforward view of the subject wearing their own attire. Sometimes, that’s work gear with a hard hat, flashy pieces like leather bodysuits, or casual dresses with flowing skirts. Regardless of the person, they each represent a small part of America’s giant melting pot.

Mireles recently began his trek along the East coast. Once he’s completed Neighbors, the images will be compiled into a book and the portraits will be exhibited in some of the original communities where their subjects reside.

Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton, Washington

Lost Horse Saloon in Marfa, Texas

Capitol Hill in Washington, DC

Humboldt Truck Repair in Eureka, California

Chicano Park in San Diego, California

East Detroit in Detroit, Michigan

Chicano Park in San Diego, California

Chicano Park in San Diego, California

Religious Compound in Palmer, Texas

Soulsville in Memphis, Tennessee

Capitol Hill in Washington, DC

AllWays Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana

Rodeo in Delta, Utah

J. Raymond Mireles: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Geralyn Maloney.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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