Michael W. Rutherford has jumped head first into a vast project, documenting the faces of contemporary Native Americans. His camera has been welcomed by the Crow Nation and the Flathead tribe, among numerous other groups of Native Americans.
He claims that passion for his work has grown among Native Americans audiences because it hopes to spark interest in tradition from a new generation. "American Indians have the same problem we have. Their young people are losing interest. We are trying to get those young people interested again."
Capturing stoic faces in sepia tones, Rutherford adds shocking, bright colors to his photographs of Native American Indians. Saturated red, vivid aqua, and canary yellow seem to jump from his images.
The contrast of old-fashioned sepia prints and bright, neon colors captures both the traditions and the vibrancy of his subjects. Rutherford adds an exciting, contemporary approach to a historic brand of photography. He is fueled by the bravery and strength of the Native American people