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@carlyraephotoPhotographer, 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
A little more about me...
When I started my photography business, I also started working for Narragansett Beer and still do today. From product photography to events, it's been a fun journey creating images for this historical brand. We even have a photograph in an on-going Smithsonian exhibit called "Americans". Americans, opened Jan. 18, 2018 at the National Museum of the American Indian, highlighting the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity. The photograph we have displays a beer tray from the 1940's when Dr. Suess, Theodor Geisel, created an image of "Chief Gansett" for Narragansett Beer. Check out the in-person exhibits in NYC and DC or online. https://americanindian.si.edu/americans/
Teaching journey
2017-2023
In 2017, I began photographing events for Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a program in Western Massachusetts for young adults with disabilities. When I was offered a full time position at the school to be an in-house photographer capturing student life and to create a photography program, I immediately accepted and designed a program that they still use today. Berkshire Hills Music Academy is a unique college-like program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are looking to expand their social, vocational, and life skills in a music and arts infused environment. In the photography program, students work at creating fine art photographs in order to sell their work and make profit. https://www.berkshirehills.org/
While guiding the students at BHMA to build careers in art, photo and music, a business blossomed for a student with autism after a camera was placed in his hands. Spectrum Inspired Photography was born; capturing bird photography and more. https://spectruminspiredphotography.pixieset.com/
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."
