Lake Tahoe based photographer Nick Cahill shares his first-hand experience on the Playa during Burning Man 2014.
Words and photos by: Nick Cahill // Cahill Films
At Burning Man you create the experience. You choose which activity to join, which art piece to interact with, and which people to mingle with. Your cup is always full, your stomach is content and your heart is happy.
Burning Man operates on a gifting economy, not to be confused with the barter system. A gift doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. A genuine hug is a perfectly acceptable way to express gratitude.
I carried a Polaroid camera and gifted instant photos to anyone I connected with. Gifts I received included wine, brownies, gemstones, handmade crafts and more. The only items that require money are ice and coffee.
Nearly 70,000 people travel from all over the world enduring the harsh desert environment with the common goal of creating a place where everyone is free to celebrate his or her self expression and creativity without judgment or fear.
No one is an outside observer on the playa, everyone becomes part of the community. Everyone builds the experience.
In Black Rock City, no one cares about your social, economic or marital status. Burning Man is a much needed reminder that we are all part of a connected community with open hearts and open minds. When leaving the Playa, we each aspire to bring our renewed sense of appreciation for life and humanity back to our place in society.
Nick Cahill is a Lake Tahoe based photographer who works to share the human experience through photo and video. To view more of his work or follow him on his next adventure visit cahillfilms.com or follow him on facebook.com/cahillfilms.
