As a native of Virginia, Shenandoah has always had my heart. I have so many memories there, and it was always a dream of mine to create a video that would be my best attempt at an ode to what I believe is Virginia’s most beautiful spot.

The initial inspiration for this piece came from an old postcard I found at an antique shop. It contained a poem titled “In Old Virginia” that seemed to speak right to the heart of what I love about the state. This postcard featured beautiful faded photos of Mary’s rock in Shenandoah. I instantly recognized the location, and ideas began to form.

I wanted to create a film inspired by that postcard and my memories of camping in Shenandoah. So, I set out deep into the mountains with a cinema camera.

I spent four days camping in the national park and caught every sunset and sunrise from multiple angles. I talked with locals and rangers to get knowledge of the best and most recognizable views in Shenandoah, then relentlessly pursued them with the camera strapped to my back.