Welcome to my blog post series chronicling Burning Man 2014! If you are just joining us, click below to catch up on the 7-part series:

Part 1. Burning Man Photo Preview {Principles}
Part 2. My Chosen Gear {Nuts & Bolts}
Part 3. Cherie & Hedley {Sunrise Wedding}
Part 4. Matty & Peter {Caravansary Wedding}

Two words encapsulates my experience this year:

• Unconditionality : Love is unconditional. Period. Same goes for friendships, business relationships, and the respect we show strangers. No judgement… all ego and status checked right at the front door. You are my friend just by reading this far.
• Altruistic : Burning Man is a place to practice altruism. Having selfless concern for the well-being of others strengthens community.

There is no perfect world. However, the basic tenants of Burning Man CAN be brought back into the real world.

Why do I go to Burning Man?

Burning Man allows me to stretch myself creatively while practicing self-reliance. I can’t rely on others for my happiness. That is too much pressure to pass off. Being prepared allows me to thrive, knowing the measures will be time-consuming, expensive, stressful, uncomfortable. The rewards? They will go beyond that what money can buy.

What nugget of inspiration can I share with you now?

Time offers perspective, a measuring tape for wisdom over years. My father-in-law’s wisdom comes to mind as I write:

Age 3 we start remembering life, or so. Age 13, our perspective in life (a.k.a. “our tape measure”) extends about 10 years back. We recollect memories from age 8 or 9 easily, yet can’t imagine being 65. Our perspective grows with age. Understand the duration of a decade allows us to visualize the next 10 years. “I want to go pro / become an astronaut / who cares about retirement” becomes paramount.

By age 23, 20 years’ memory shapes expectations for the next 20 years. Our tape measure doubles. “My how time flies,” we grasp at our first, big high school reunion.

Carbon Dating Myself

I’m 36, which means my carbon dating for memory goes back 33 years. I can draw with ink of paper three decades of life… helping me to sketch with pencil the next three decades until I’m about 69. Many hit this perspective, fall into a rut, a mid-life crisis (“What have I done with my life so far?”). These are important questions we must ask.

Why do I share my perspectives here?

I’m humbled, perhaps, 2014 marked was my third trip to Burning Man. First in 2010, then 2012. Same Boy Scout uniform. Same perspectives. But seeing what slivers of life in 2 years increments can do for my personal life, love life, and business life have been earmarked as important volumes in my life. These volumes measure more than time, but life-shaping experiences. Helping me recover from divorce, becoming a full-time wedding photographer, to starting a family. Recap:

Jump to the chase, RJ. How was Burning Man 2014: Caravansary?

2014 marked my best year to date. Why? Several reasons… all having to do with the PEOPLE:

My brother and best friend, Sean, ventured along. Sean’s sphere of influence is rather focused to the military and medicine. I was proud of him for venturing waaaay beyond his comfort zone this year, embracing not only the Burning Man experience, but expanding horizon’s in what he calls, “The most important trip of my life.” I dedicate this post to you, Bro! Sean travelled from Hawaii (note the Hawaii-inspired garb and Army hat). He shared the among the best gifts on the playa: very cool hand made pins and necklaces and water spritzes. Very cool!

My inner circle including Sean, my good friend Matt Steaffens, and long-time Nat Geo buddy Alan Warner made for the full “Caravansary” experience epic. Matt and Alan drove out from Denver, bringing along a mini-van we called the “Man Van.” Good times! Here were are in the final photograph leaving the playa in the dusty van:

This year’s Freaks Camp far exceeded my expectations! First up, I owe my initial Burning Man experience enthusiasm to my friend, Becker, and I really enjoyed spending time with him and his love, Ashley. Next, I’m so glad the trio of guys I can’t imagine Burning Man without: Nick Adams, Tony Bisson, and John Mireles. And the female compadre: Krista & Rocket. Scott McCall… wish we had more time together…. love your engineering marvels and mind! Loved meeting Cherie and Hedley, Paul Hurschmann.

The ‘official’ Freaks camp photo:

And friends!

And of course long-time arm wrestling friend, Joe Photo and his love Denise!

I was proud to be apart of the Burn Man Doc Team 2014, an amazing group of creative individuals (photographers, writers, directors) called to serve Burning Ma. Use your imagination to see things clearly (photo by Alan Warner):

Apart of this group was connecting with legendary Burning Man creatives responsible for the awesome coffee table book “Burning Man Art on Fire” featuring photographer Scott London (left), author Jennifer Raiser (center), and photographer Sidney Erthal (right). They gifted me a book, signed, and it has become a cherished possession! Posed for their first photo together:

Running into old friend Patrick Roddie is always a treat! (His 2010 photo I shot was his favorite photo of him to date… I’m honored!).

A typical day in the life of R. J. at Burning Man (documenting myself):

Buckle up, here’s the photographic journey of my favorite personal photographs from Burning Man 2014 (keep in mind this post is dedicated to my bro):

Our adventure at Trader Joe’s in Reno started off on Sunday around 5pm. We left shortly thereafter only to arrive 11 hours later at Burning Man… within minutes of the gate closed due to weather (everyone was turned back).
We went through the gate around 5:30am on Sunday. Here my trio of “Virgins” get dusty.
Once we found our camp, we set up the tents, then grabbed our bikes and headed out to watch sunrise in a rainstorm (the reason the gates were closed).
I do love the art at Burning Man… the paintings, the sculptures, the architecture. So Inspiring. Even better than a MFA program!

Brotein-Love.

Brotein-Surf.

Brotein-Sleep.

Setting up camp is always a chore… but we have a good attitude, bring our hardworking spirit, and have a good time (special thanks to the girls for the grilled sandywhiches).

Sean loved his pipe, camo hat, and Hawaiian shirt (and I love that Matt took the photo in the background).

Matt, makes sweet, sweet love to the playa.

R. J. makes sweet, sweet love to the playa.

Sean really enjoyed connecting with Becker. And I loved seeing my brother connect with these important people from my past and the energy from making new connections!

Times like these I’ll never forget, just chilling in camp.

I love my new Merit Badge courtesy of Rocket! And “Safety” merit badge takes on a new meaning.

“Grandma” Hazel’s pickles were a big hit among the camp. They were chilled to perfection before serving in 90-degree heat!

Catching up after almost two decades. (photo by Matt Steaffens):

Alan and I doing our thing… just walking, talking art, and enjoying the experience (photo by Matt Steaffens):

This guy told one of the funniest jokes I’ve ever heard! (Ask me it).

Pictured center, one of my favorite clients, Marc (from Kirsten and Marc), surprised me in camp (with an amazing charter flight… yet to be redeemed), featured alongside Alan and Sean on our last night (we stayed up the entire night!):

One of my favorite images of Sean and I at Cherie and Hedley’s Wedding (photo by Matt Steaffens):