Tommy Corey’s visual podcast series has been on our radar for a while. These personal, in-depth short films that he has created of people who are passionate about the outdoors had us entranced. We knew we had to learn more about him. So, we asked him to join us this month for Coffee Talk and luckily, he agreed! Without further ado, we bring you the man who created Hiker Trash Vogue (yes, you’ll learn more about it in this interview)!
**Warning, be prepared to be blown away by Tommy’s imagery and videos in this interview.
DC: How did you get started as a professional photographer/filmmaker?
TC: I started taking photos with my Dad’s 35mm Olympus OM-1 when I was 12 years old. As a freshman in high school, I was inspired by an upperclassman who took beautiful portraits of other students. It wasn’t so much the photographs, but the reactions of his subjects when they would see themselves. One day in class, he made a girl cry because she loved her photos so much. This was 20 years ago, but I am certain this was the moment that inspired me to want to take portraits and make people feel beautiful.
As for filmmaking, I just started making films in December so I am very new at the craft.
You thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2018 – how did that experience impact your life and your work?
The biggest lesson I learned while on the PCT was that I really like spending time with myself. Not just being alone, but actually, my own company is enjoyable. I was really lost in my career when I started the PCT. I had this hunch that maybe if I did something crazy like walk from Mexico to Canada, how could that not inspire me to dream big?
The PCT helped shape my career as an outdoor photographer; I am not sure if it was because my work was unique or because it was more outrageous, but regardless, the body of work I created on the PCT pushed me into the career I had always dreamt about as a kid.
We have to ask: how did you earn your trail name “Twerk?”
It’s a name you earn. I’ll leave you with that.
Tell us about Hiker Trash Vogue, how it came to be, and how the response to it changed your trajectory.
Hiker Trash Vogue was a fluke, to be honest. I wasn’t going into my thru-hike hoping to get any recognition, let alone have so many outdoor enthusiasts see my work. One day I just thought it would be funny to make my hiker friends pose with some outdoor gear and pretend they were high-fashion models. It was kind of mocking the fashion industry in a sense. I had always wanted to be a fashion photographer from the time I picked up a camera and obviously, those dreams shifted as I got older. This project integrated my love for editorial style photography and the love of the humans you meet outdoors. While some of the work is very sarcastic or silly, it’s still really special to me.
Your visual podcast series is such a cool project. How did this get started, and what are you hoping to accomplish through this powerful storytelling medium?
At the end of 2020, when it came to my work, I was feeling pretty defeated, unsuccessful, useless – but I had all this pent-up creativity that I needed to just throw up, for lack of a better term. I knew I wanted to tell stories but not just through photographs and Instagram posts. I wanted for people to tell their story, but somehow I got to be a part of it all. I basically wanted to challenge the “norms” of the outdoor industry in my own beautiful way.
My first film, “Alexis: I Do This Too,” is my friend Alexis Martin. When I had the idea for this project I texted her and said, “Hey, I want to make a film about you.” She was really excited about the project. We started shooting a week later. In the film, Alexis discusses what it’s like to be a woman of color in the outdoor industry. The launch was way bigger than I had expected, especially seeing as this was my very first film ever. It had an incredible response, almost as if people had been waiting for something like this to surface.
Through the stories I am telling with these incredible people, I hope to bring more understanding and empathy to accessibility in all forms. I want to hold outdoor companies accountable from the people they hire, the advertising and social media content they produce to the gear they make – I want the outdoors to be inclusive on all platforms, for all people.
The topics you cover in the series, including racism, body inclusivity, and mental health in the outdoors, are intense and deeply personal for your subjects. How do you find people to profile, and how do you get them to open up and show such vulnerability and strength at the same time?
I started with a list of about 70-75 people I wanted to film. These were through people I have met through outdoor activities and/or people I follow on social media. I narrowed that down and sat down on Zoom calls with about 40 of them. I narrowed that down to about 25-30 people on my “wishlist” to interview for the project. In the Zoom calls, I could tell within the first 5 minutes if I knew I wanted to film someone. The story is obviously vital, but our human connection was also very important for me.
I think I have had the ability to create these films and get people to be vulnerable because it’s such a reflection of my work that came before. I like building people up, I give them gratification as I film and hopefully make them feel comfortable. I also laugh, joke with them and act incredibly silly. The films are serious but behind the scenes, we are actually having a BLAST. There is never a dull moment.
I find that the interview portion is when the subject starts to feel intimidated about the filming process. Most people are worried about not saying the right thing or not answering the right way. I make it apparent that there is no right way to answer a question, just be yourself. I think the part that really helps them open up is how intimate the interview is, meaning it’s just me and the person in the room when we are starting to create the story.
Have there been any episodes that have been particularly challenging or moving for you personally?
They are all challenging. On top of that, it’s intimidating to make these films because the most important thing to me is to make the person feel beautiful, seen, and special. Showing them the final draft before it airs is the scariest part for me. However, 6 out of the 6 films I have made all of them cry… so I think that means they liked it!
The first 3 films were all people I was friends with already. I think those were moving to me because I got to see a new side of them and hear stories I had never heard. I also got to see them cry when I showed them the videos in-person, which was really special. I feel a lot closer to them now.
It’s intimidating to make these films because the most important thing to me is to make the person feel beautiful, seen, and special.
Tommy Corey on his visual podcast series
Episode 6 featuring Ash Manning has to be my favorite thus far. The filming process was so fun and enjoyable and the story just seemed to stab me in the heart in the right ways. I think when it comes to body issues, everyone can relate in some shape or form. Hearing Ash speak about how much she loves being outside but can’t find the correct gear or can sometimes not feel welcome, is literally the reason I am doing this project. I cried the entire time I was editing that film and I still cry when I go back and watch it. She’s just a beautiful human and I will always remain honored she let me bring her story to life.
Is there a “dream guest” you’d like to feature on the series, and if so, why does their story need to be told?
This might sound weird but my dream guest is myself. I think at the end of this project I want to see myself the same way I see all these beautiful people. I’m not sure what that will look like but I am excited to find out.
As an inspiring member of the outdoor community, what changes would you like to see from the industry to ensure that the outdoors truly are for everyone?
Internal inclusion and diversity. I think if companies are actually going to be inclusive and diverse, they need to change what their team looks like. You need people of color, you need LGBTQ+, you need plus-size people, you need disabled folks. You need people that experience what it’s like to be marginalized, left-out, ostracized, etc. to help others feel included and seen. How can we build understanding in our community if you only have a team of people that don’t understand?
This series has taken you all over the country, including our neck of the woods here in the Southeast for the Ash Manning episode (sponsored by Astral). Is there a specific place in all your travels that stands out as a hands-down favorite?
I think you’re fishing for compliments because of course rafting on the Chattooga River in South Carolina was my absolute favorite spot to film so far! The South is wonderful and people are so genuinely kind.
We work with a lot of gear companies so we always like to ask – what is the most underrated piece of gear you own? What gear won’t you leave home without?
I never leave home without my Darn Tough socks. I am not sure if they are underrated, but I wear them whether I’m going to a fancy dinner or going on a long-distance backpacking trip.
You post some really entertaining camp cooking videos on your Instagram feed (@twerkinthedirt). What is your go-to camp meal?
Salmon with lots of butter, salt, pepper, cayenne, lemon, rosemary, and thyme, wrapped in tin foil. I let that sit over the fire for 25-30 minutes. Fire-roasted veggies on the side.
What advice would you give a burgeoning outdoor photographer trying to break into a competitive industry?
Don’t compare yourself to other photographers. Comparison will get you nowhere, only leave you feeling like you’re not good enough. Be good enough for you, work hard, follow your passion – success will come (I measure my artistry by the value of my work, not the monetization of it).
When you’re not busy organizing photo and video shoots, how do you recharge and relax?
I go camping for a night or two and cook fancy meals or sit in bed and watch X-Files.
What are some must-visit spots in your home base of Bend, Oregon (outdoor areas, restaurants, etc.)?
The Three Sisters Wilderness is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s an absolute must-see.
What song/artist is playing on repeat for you right now?
I’ve been on a big 80’s kick as of lately: Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Cure. I’ve been listening to that stuff since I was a kid so maybe I’ve just been feeling nostalgic lately.
We obviously recommend your visual podcast series to anyone reading, but what are some podcasts or documentaries that you really enjoy?
I don’t really listen to podcasts, but I do sometimes listen to random paranormal podcasts with a focus on Sasquatch or aliens. Which is problematic when I go camping by myself.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve never been in love.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that we didn’t ask today?
I’m a Scorpio that doesn’t like long walks on any beaches, I prefer the forest🌲.