Two friends searching for America

Wednesday morning saw two visitors to Thermopolis, who stopped for a bit on their journey to find the "State of America." Photographer Nate Bressler and his friend Zach Scheffer had been travelling the country for two weeks - starting in Pensacola, Fla. - with another two still ahead of them as they prepared an article for the inaugural issue of Argonite magazine.

A former archaeologist, Bressler switched gears and began taking pictures about 20 years ago. He described the sudden career change as a moment where he didn't find his career; rather, it found him. In that time, he has worked for publications such as the New York Times, L.A. Times Magazine and Men's Journal, to name a few.

As for the State of America project, Bressler said it was an idea he'd been considering for some time, and it became reality after he pitched it to the magazine and they liked the idea of finding people across the country, interviewing and photographing them. The interviews focus on the people themselves, where they live and what they think of America.

Four time zones and nearly 30 states later, the journey is only half complete, and he's had good reactions and turnout along the way. Sticking mainly to the two-lane back roads, there's no real map as he and Scheffer drive wherever feels good; a southern heat wave drove them north to Thermopolis.

As for who's chosen for interviews, Bressler said it's all about immersing himself in the culture of wherever he might be. Generally, he walks around and sizes people up to determine if they might be up for an interview. He's also found an icebreaker that generally works is asking about the area he's in, as it shows people he has a genuine interest.

Along the way, he's also kept an eye out for unique, stand out people, what some might refer to as "eccentric." He came upon one in a town of about 100 in Indiana, a 33-year-old entrepreneur who one day decided he would simply start selling hamburgers out of his trailer.

"He was the coolest little entrepreneur," Bressler said.

As they head out from Thermopolis and continue their journey, there's no set destination; as Bressler noted, "We go where the wind takes us, whether it's north, south, wherever."