Journey to Mount Rushmore: A Road Trip, like a Multimedia Project, and the Heart of Storytelling
When my wife and I embarked on an 18-day adventure from Rhode Island to Mount Rushmore, pulling our Airstream Basecamp 16x behind us, I couldn’t help but see the similarities between this trip and the multimedia projects I create for my work at Indermaur Media. Each day was meticulously planned, just as I schedule shoots and edits for a project. We stayed in seven different locations, visited friends and relatives, and even picked up a Penske moving truck to haul additional furniture from Wisconsin and Ohio to our new home in Rhode Island. But beyond the logistics and the miles covered, this trip was a testament to the power of storytelling—something I hold dear in both my professional and personal life.
The Art of Planning: From Road Trips to Storyboards
Much like a well-produced photography or video project, our road trip began long before we hit the road. I planned each day of the 18-day journey, mapping out our stops, the sights we wanted to see, and the people we wanted to visit. In my work, every successful project starts with a detailed plan and a storyboard that outlines the narrative arc, the key moments, and the emotions we aim to capture. Similarly, our trip was carefully crafted to ensure we experienced everything we set out to see, from the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore to the warmth of time spent with loved ones.
Capturing Moments: Through the Lens of a Camera and the Heart
As we traveled, I found myself not just enjoying the scenery but also capturing it through my camera lens—much like I do on assignment. Whether it was the awe-inspiring grandeur of Mount Rushmore or the simple joy of setting up camp in our Airstream, each moment was a story waiting to be told. Photography and videography are my tools for freezing time to capture the essence of a moment, and this trip provided countless opportunities to do just that. These personal snapshots mirror my work for my clients, where I strive to tell stories that resonate, move, and stay with you long after the project is done.
The Unexpected: Flexibility in Life and Work
One of the most significant aspects of any road trip—or any project—is the unexpected. Just as I had to adapt to changes on the road, from weather conditions to unplanned detours, I often have to pivot during a shoot or in post-production. This trip reminded me of the importance of flexibility, of being prepared to change direction when necessary, and of embracing the journey, even when it takes you down an uncharted path. It’s a lesson I apply daily in my work at Indermaur Media, where adaptability is key to capturing the best stories.
Bringing It All Home: The Final Product
At the end of our journey, we returned home with more than just memories. We brought back furniture that would become a part of our new home life in Rhode Island, much like how I deliver a final multimedia project that becomes a valuable asset for my clients. The process of unloading the truck, setting up our new space, and integrating these new pieces into our home was the final step in our trip—much like the final edit is the culmination of a project. It’s the moment when all the planning, capturing, and flexibility come together to create something meaningful.
The Heart of the Journey: Connection
Ultimately, what made this trip special was the time spent with loved ones, the connections we strengthened, and the new experiences we shared. Whether it’s through a road trip or a multimedia project, at the heart of it all is the desire to connect—through stories, through moments, through shared experiences. This is what drives me in my work and in my life: the opportunity to create and share stories that bring people together.
Just as our Airstream Basecamp 16x took us on a journey across the country, my work at Indermaur Media takes me on journeys into the hearts of the stories I tell. And whether I’m behind the wheel or behind the camera, the goal is always the same: to capture the essence of the experience and share it in a way that resonates, inspires, and connects.