If you have followed me on Instagr.am (@JustinBalog) you have probably seen these images, and a whole bunch more from Moab last week. They were from the 2nd Annual North by Northwest Photo Jamboree (#nXnw). What is nXnw you ask? Well, it dates was back to Austin, TX in 2011. Photographer and friend, Dave Wilson was kind enough to organize a photo-walk when I visited. Ever since then, we have organized epic photo expeditions with other photographer friends of ours. Last year was Oregon, this year was Moab.
The lesson I have learned from these adventures is a simple yet profoundly powerful one. Art is an incredible force. Without it, I never would have met any of the guys from the #nXnw adventures. Heck, until they arrived at the airport, I had never met most of them. After four full days of shooting the Utah desert, with very limited sleep, you become good friends rather quickly. That is what Art can do. It can take your world and expand it in the most amazing ways. All we have on this ball of rock are the human relations we create and maintain. They are the greatest gift the world has granted us. Art is the great uniter that builds strong bonds between good people. So go out there…make some art, meet new people and I guarantee you will create great friendships.
Here are the links to the member of the #nXnw team. I recommend you check out all of their work. It will be time well spent.
