Written by Ariana Armen
Covid, CNN
I have arrived in Charles Town, West Virginia, less than an hour before my long trek into the beautiful valley. It is exactly 9 p.m. and the road is deserted.
The hollows are quiet; the trees fall away quickly as I cross the crest of a ridge from the outside. Charles Town marks the point where the water cuts off from the Allamuchy reservoir. I am in West Virginia. It is freezing cold and rainy but I smile because the thought of me outside of New York City just because of a weather forecast has never been possible.
My hiked-up boots are hot, the trail is muddy and dark, the breeze off the river, umbrellas and most importantly, the wolves are at my back. These are special moments in New York City.
A photographer and multimedia artist, Bradford Christopher is known for his portraits in nature with wolves, elk, elk antler, skunks, horseback, deer, dragonflies, beavers, bats, owls, I think it is – and yes – white wolves.
A lot of photographers in New York are fascinated by us rather than fed up by us. I guess it is our history in the Wild West.
Covid, West Virginia
West Virginia has been an enemy but friend to me for more than a decade. I always bring home story ideas to share with America. This is not only my creative outlet but my way of generating necessary images for humanity.
I decided it was time to take the question “Wolves across America” from a concept to an actual concept where I would hike across United States to make portraits of wolves. What is amazing is to find a place where we can share the beauty of nature with more people so I may be on the trail for one day in my 40 years of life.
Every Day Is Frightening has been approved by Warrior’s Behind Scenes who have put me on a five year contract to document the wolves while on my hike across United States.
I had to do this trip as I am required to donate 100% of my profit from this project to Operation Wildlife.
The entire country with their natural beauty shines through in the water, the brilliant colors and breathtaking sunsets.
The views of the mountains in West Virginia have also been phenomenal.
The landscapes have been personal to me since I met the wolves, the wilds have come to me in a way like no other place I have ever been in my life.
Astrid Alexander
Astrid Alexander in her “After A Magical Experience” theme
“Astrid Alexander’s photographs of wolves in West Virginia will make you feel like you are there.”
CNN anchor Carol Costello announced the winner of the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute earlier this month.
Watch more CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute stories here.
