How is it possible to capture something as broad as "the environment" in a place as big as America? Back in 1971, the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thought it had the answer: lots of photographers.
In 1971, the EPA formed the Documerica Project. The effort lasted about six years and included 70 photographers who fanned out across all 50 states, according to Slate. Photographers were tasked with taking pictures "relating to environmental problems, EPA activities, and everyday life in the 1970s," according to the National Archives.
The project resulted in 22,000 photographs, some of which we've posted here. Those aren't Instagram filter effects you see — that's actual 1970s photography at work. About 15,000 images have been digitally saved on Flickr.
In 1971, the EPA formed the Documerica Project. The effort lasted about six years and included 70 photographers who fanned out across all 50 states, according to Slate. Photographers were tasked with taking pictures "relating to environmental problems, EPA activities, and everyday life in the 1970s," according to the National Archives.
The project resulted in 22,000 photographs, some of which we've posted here. Those aren't Instagram filter effects you see — that's actual 1970s photography at work. About 15,000 images have been digitally saved on Flickr.
NPR points out that the project's founder, Gifford Hampshire, gave photographers complete artistic freedom – and paid them for their work. Nature photographer Boyd Norton shot glorious photographs of the national parks in Colorado and Utah, for example. Others captured images that are of the era — looking at you, bell bottoms. PHOTOS
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