This project seeks to produce a coffee table book and accompanying DVD that will focus on 10 models as they go from their hometowns in select locations of America to areas across the country for bookings. The book will be titled The Traveling Models of America, and it is the project teams hope to produce several editions and branch into other forms of media including a website, calendar, and develop a t-shirt line to show support.

Jeff Surratt, the Kickstarter’s creator, started photographing models as a way of public engagement, dexterity, and language skills recovery from two back to back brain surgeries in the fall of 2012. During his six month recovery and time away from working for the Department of Defense (DOD); Jeff met several talented young models at a local coffee house and was introduced to the concept of the “traveling model”. As time progressed, he worked with several of these independent models from cities across America when they advertised on popular photography websites and arrived to work in Richmond and surrounding areas.  Several photography sessions later, Jeff realized that his focus should be on their stories and experiences as well as their personal beauty. Jeff has prior experience working in video production for the 48 Hour Film Project Richmond and prior special effects for Revolution Studios in Richmond, VA during the late 1990’s.

Kickstarter campaigns operate under an “all-or-nothing” funding model so if the Traveling Models project doesn’t reach its goal at the end of 30 days then it may not see the light of day in the format that is currently planned.  The project team hopes to be fully funded by the end of December 7, 2013. If so, full production and scheduling can begin providing rewards to investors as documented on the Kickstarter website including behind the scenes access to several photo sessions that have already taken place.

To follow the team’s progress or contribute please visit the following websites:

Even if you are unable to contribute at a reward level, please consider donating as little as $1 to help his project come to life.  If you decide to donate more, you might be among the first in the world to receive the Traveling Models of America coffee book and get insider news on models and the project. As with any Kickstarter funding campaign work of mouth and social media are key – your contribution could be as simple as telling 3 to 5 friends or posting the link on your Facebook page.  Thank you!

If you’d like more information about the Traveling Models of America Project, or to schedule an interview with Jeff Surratt please email jeff.surratt@travelingmodel.com or send him a message at www.facebook.com/sjdigitalphotography.