Carly Rae Brunault is a professional photographer, author, and hiker from Western Massachusetts. Also known by her trail name "Hippea," she has documented her experience hiking the Appalachian Trail, including her self-published book Trail Name Tales.
Carly Rae Photo is based out of Western Massachusetts, but travels often throughout New England and beyond working with a wide variety of clients including Narragansett Brewing Company in Providence, RI. From events, to portraits, lifestyle and product, Carly has been creating images professionally for over a decade.
One More Day on the AT: In 2022, Brunault received a partial scholarship from this foundation, which supports individuals seeking adventure and healing on the Appalachian Trail. She joined the organization's board of directors in 2025.
Berkshire Hills Music Academy: From 2018 to 2022, she was a photography instructor and resident photographer at this program for young adults with disabilities located in the Pioneer Valley. Brunault created a photography program as part of the Ascending Artist Program that the school still uses today.
Photographer, Creator, Author
Appalachian Trail thruhiker class of 2022
Aside from her growing business, Carly Rae spends her time dedicated to working on personal projects that sheds extra light on her creative visions and passions. Recently, Carly Rae ventured out on the long distance hiking journey of the Appalachian Trail. This transformative experience served not only as a physical challenge but as an extreme pursuit for inspiration. The ongoing yearning for travel, creating and sharing launched Carly Rae into the world of book publishing.
The Book:
Discover the adventure of transformation as hikers traverse the Appalachian Mountains. You will be carried into the nature of human vulnerability as it evolves against the obstacles of backpacking.The pages of this book hold the births of new identities as hikers in the wild bestow upon themselves and each other, the treasure of trail names. From comical, simple stories born out of navigating the wilderness without the comforts of home, to significant tales of healing from the lives they’ve left behind. Each of these stories radiates authenticity.
Carly Rae, a photographer known on the trail as Hippea took on the trek of the Appalachian Trail in 2022, documenting hikers along the way. Hippea captures the wide range of fellow hikers –some who traversed the entire trail, while others conquered it in sections. These trail names, whether formed on the Appalachian Trail, or carried on from other trails, become more than an alter-ego; they are badges of self-expression, strength and perseverance. Share in the camaraderie of those who appreciate the significance behind a trail name, a unique exchange with backpackers along their long distance hikes. Hike your own hike, forge your own trail name, and immerse yourself into these captivating trail name tales.
The Scholarship:
Carly Rae was given a partial scholarship to help fund her AT hike. She was one of the first recipients of the One More Day on the AT scholarship in memory of Nate Loftis.
The One More Day organization provides annual scholarships to individuals who have struggled with obstacles of their own and are looking to find a sense of adventure and healing on the trail. We want to help spread Nate’s love of the trail, and in the process hope to support other hikers who are finding their way.
https://onemoredayontheat.com/
The Project:
Carly Rae started the Trail Name Tales project on Instagram sharing videos and photographs of hiker stories. She soon built a large following and the project has been ongoing since.
@trailnametales
instagram.com/trailnametales
Where is the Trail Name Tales book available?
-Amazon
-Ingram Spark
-REI Hartford, CT
-Amherst Books, Amherst MA
-Book Moon, Easthampton MA
-Federal Street Books, Greenfield MA
Carly Rae launched her photography business while also beginning her work with Narragansett Beer, where she continues to collaborate today. From product photography to large-scale events, she has helped visually shape the story of this historic brand. One of her images is featured in the ongoing Smithsonian exhibition “Americans,” at the National Museum of the American Indian, which explores the ways American Indians have been woven into the nation’s identity. The featured photograph showcases a 1940s Narragansett Beer tray illustrated by Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), depicting “Chief Gansett.” The exhibit is currently on view in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as online.
2017-2023
Beginning in 2017, Carly Rae began photographing events for Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a Western Massachusetts program serving young adults with disabilities. Her work quickly grew beyond event coverage when she was offered a full-time role as the school’s in-house photographer, documenting student life and developing a full photography curriculum. Carly designed the program from the ground up, and it continues to be used by the Academy today. Berkshire Hills Music Academy offers a unique, college-like experience for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them build social, vocational, and life skills in a music- and arts-rich environment. Through the photography program she created, students produce fine art photographs and learn to sell their work for profit. While mentoring students in art, photography, and music at BHMA, Carly helped nurture a small business for one student with autism whose passion for the camera took off. From this, Spectrum Inspired Photography was founded, with a special focus on bird and wildlife photography.
KIND WORDS
"The photos that Carly takes expertly capture our brand's commitment to bridging our past with our future, delighting and engaging with our fans. We use Carly's photos for our website, social media channels, print materials, email campaigns, and more. It is safe to say that the brand would not be where it is today without her photography. Carly represents the brand in a way that we are always proud of."
"Carly was recommended to us by several different people (who had no relation to each other) when it was time for us to find a wedding photographer. After our first meeting, I knew Carly would be a great fit. We couldn't recommend Carly enough and know that not only do we have our next photographer for any occasion, but a new friend we're grateful to have in our lives."
"Carly Rae is not only an incredible photographer but also an absolute joy of a human to work with! She immediately made us feel comfortable in the space and with the process. It's easy to feel awkward or strange during a photoshoot, but Carly has the talent of creating an inviting, exciting, and joyful experience for everyone involved. Not to mention - the finished products were better than we could have imagined. Would work with her again in a heartbeat and highly recommend!!"
