Wild Open Roads is a series of selected works from photographer Zachary Spears, curated by chapters marking different parts of his life. Each piece was photographed on traditional black and white 35mm film.
Chapter 2: California
In 2016 my friend Sean and I embarked on a journey driving across the country from Lawrence, KS, to our home state of California. Traveling through Colorado, Julian, Moab and other scenic locations this trip was documented in 35mm black and white traditional photography. Originally produced for an art exhibition, the expanded selection is available here. I hope you enjoy this collection of work from a trip that helped define the person I am today.
This chapter funded in part by my wonderful supporters on Kickstarter.
Stay tuned by joining our mailing list!
If you wish, you can support the development of this project here.
Wild Open Road
Poster image for Wild Open Roads project, this image was taken on the Road to Julian, California.
Traversing Colorado
At the end of a tunnel through the Colorado landscape shines a bridge crossing over the stream.
Arrival
Greeted by the lonely mountain during our trek across the state.
Centennial Kid
Graffiti and soda in the heart of Denver.
Pulpit Rock Summit
At the summit of Pulpit Rock, Sean dreads the way back down.
City in the landscape
In the beautiful Colorado landscape sits the town of Colorado Springs.
Highway White Water
Lining the highway through the Colorado mountains, a white water river sweeps this rafting group.
Colorado Postcard
A postcard-esk photograph from roadside Colorado.
Road to the Golden State
It was not documented when along the route this photo was taken.
California at Last
The beach at Santa Monica felt like we had finally arrived at our destination.
Santa Monica Pier
The Ferris wheel standing out on a casual day at the famed Santa Monica Pier.
Pier Busking
A talented musician sings an acoustic bluegrass ballad at the Santa Monica Pier.
Just Coasting
The rollercoaster full of angsty teenage couples passes overhead.
Dwelling LA
A unique abode found near Little Japan in LA.
Road Trip Shotgun
Awaiting relatives for dinner, we climbed a tree shortly after this was taken.
A Rich Smile
Sean, excited to visit his uncle and tour the mansion.
Japanese Garden
Not a roof, a Japanese garden for the mansion.
Unveiled Staircase
The stairs remain in their protective casings.
Malibu Overview
The view overlooking Malibu for a multi-million dollar home under construction.
San Diego
With only a few days to Comic-Con, San Diego was preparing for the rush of tourism.
Lorikeet
The inquisitive bird seemed excited to be photographed, but not to be held.
Smallscape
An N scale miniature train and landscape.
We are here
The winding roads connecting the Cabrillo lighthouse and tide pools of Point Loma.
This is Point Loma
The view from from Point Loma, which cascades off of San Diego.
Cabrillo Edge
Walking to the tip of Point Loma from the notable Cabrillo Lighthouse.
Tide Pools
An overview of the tide pools residing in Point Loma.
Cabrillo Coastline
The jagged coastline of Point Loma.
Point Loma Pathway
An old dilapidated trail leading to the ocean.
Low Tide
The tide has begun to creep back in where I sit peacefully in the tide pool.
The Winding Road to Julian
The serpentine road through the desert on the route to the small tourist town of Julian.
Forest Family
Three Trees stand solid in the wake of a controlled burn.
Quiet in Julian
A usually bustling tourist town sleeps during the weekend, preparing for a hoard of shoppers.
Anzaborrego Skyline
The desert landmarks brush the Californian Sky.
Beach Watch
A short break for the Coast Guard before continuing their rounds.
Wedding Photos
A professional photography crew attempts to capture the love of two individuals.
Corinado Sunset
Children playing with the tides while the sun sets quietly.
Coronado Tides
Waves crash against the scattered rocks of Coronado.
River in the Valley
Slightly off the riverbed trail in Moab.
Moab Moments
A short reprieve in the shade from the heat advisory.
Sean
This is my friend Sean.
Updates
Wild Open Roads Art Show! [Nonbacker]
Wild Open Roads Art Show! [Nonbacker] I am ecstatic that the Wild Open Roads art showing is finally here! Tomorrow, July 27th, will be the grand opening at Aimee's Coffeehouse in Downtown Lawrence. Join me for live music, food, and wine. If you...
Please Note: Chapter 1: Lawrence is still under development, as not all rolls of film have been developed.
Supporters
This project is not possible without these awesome individuals!