Building Community.
A gathering built on word of mouth, rooted in visibility and joy. Creating belonging—one whisper, one photo, one year at a time.

overview
What started as a simple group photo in 2018 has grown into one of the most anticipated moments at Burning Man for Black and Brown Burners—a joyful, powerful annual gathering captured through my lens.
From 35 participants to over 900 in 2024, this photo isn’t just about numbers—it’s a symbol of visibility, belonging, and what becomes possible when people feel seen, invited, and celebrated.
Project Type
Creative Direction · Community Building · Visual Storytelling · Cultural Strategy · Event Curation · Documentation

What was Built
A community-led ritual grounded in trust, intention, and joy
A platform that made people feel safe, celebrated, and inspired to show up fully
A visual legacy that documents and honors presence, energy, and connection
the work
Started as an idea and a whisper: In 2018, it began as a seed of an idea Erin shared face-to-face at Burning Man. No flyers. No announcements. No pre social media posts. No cell service. Just personal conversations, word of mouth, and the hope that people would carry the message forward with care.
Word-of-mouth magic: This event has never been marketed and remains unlisted. Its growth is fueled by resonance. Once Erin arrives, she spreads details about the time and place in person—and the details ripple throughout the desert connection.
Authenticity first: Erin led with story—not strategy. The gathering grew from an emotional need for connection, community, to be seen and celebrated, and that’s exactly what drew people in.
Trust earned: There was no marketing push—just a shared trust in Erin to create something beautiful, intentional, powerful, and safe.
Compelling visuals: Each year’s photo became a moment to stand in visibility and joy. That imagery created legacy and belonging.
Consistency & vision: Year after year, Erin showed up with integrity, evolving the shoot while preserving its essence.

Impact
Grown from 35 participants in 2018 → Over 900 in 2024
Widely shared across social media, publications, and the Burning Man community
Created a signature cultural moment that draws PoC to the playa each year
Sparked new connections, collaborations, and collective healing
Became a visual anchor and rallying point for Black and Brown visibility in a space not built for us

Why it matters
This project is proof that community doesn’t need to be engineered—it needs to be felt. When people see themselves reflected with care and creativity, they show up. They bring others. And they turn up year after year to be part of something bigger.
This is what happens when the culture & authenticity leads.

A Moment in Motion (2019)
This video captures the energy, anticipation, and joy of year 2 of the group photo. No stage, no script—just a friend running toward the moment, Erin directing hundreds of voices, and a community showing up for each other. It’s raw, real, and a glimpse into how something beautiful can grow from trust and word of mouth.







