The Americans by Aaron Patton

A national photography project focused on documenting the people and stories that make up the country is making a stop in Natchitoches on April 7, with a strong push for community members to take part.

“The Americans,” created by photographer Aaron Patton, is a growing archive of portraits capturing individuals across all 50 states. The project focuses on stripped-down, black-and-white images that remove distractions and center entirely on the individual.

Patton, an editorial and commercial portrait photographer based in Wichita, Kansas, said the project is rooted in curiosity and a desire to better understand the people and places across the country.

“I do this work because I’m constantly curious and this job lets me indulge that curiosity in ways I never imagined,” Patton said. “Being in Kansas means I can go just about anywhere in the country at the drop of a hat.”

The local session will be held from 4-7 p.m. at StoryBrew Coffee Cafe, located at 780 Front St. in Natchitoches. Participation is open to anyone, and Patton said the project relies on a wide range of individuals to fully capture the American experience. Participants can expect getting their portrait taken to last just a few minutes.

The Americans Project seeks people from all walks of life, including students, professionals, retirees and workers in every field. Patton said every participant contributes to building a broader picture of the country. He’s looking for a mix of blue collar, white collar, no collar, local characters, and the people that make a place unique.