Burners will tell you there’s no way to describe being at Burning Man; you have to experience it for yourself. These photos will at least help you imagine how it was on the playa, 2008.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky
Mind Shaft Society’s exhibit entitled “America 3.0″ encouraged people to answer the question “What is Your American Dream?”
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
(Happy) Playa Feet! Some people wore moon boots to try to keep their little piggies clean, others just gave in and embraced the dust.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
A life-size mermaid adorns the front prow of Lady Sassafras, a giant silver bus that roamed the Playa blasting out party tunes.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
The French Maid Brigade visits Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
This gentleman was giving away George Bush voodoo dolls from the depths of his fabulous gold suitcase.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
Just another day at 8:00 and Bonneville.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
The American Dream, burner-style, at sunset.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
Preparing for the impending dust storm at Center Camp.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
The Temple of Basura Sagrada, constructed mainly from burnable trash, recycled materials, and the tossed-off detritus of American society.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
View of The Man from the second level of The Temple of Basura Sagrada.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
Myk Henry’s “Bummer” art installation becomes an impromptu dance party.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
Accordion players strike up a tune at Kaleidoscope Kamp
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
Fireworks herald the start of the main event.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
The Man Burns!
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
The Temple of Basura Sagrada burns on Sunday night.
Photo by Ross Borden
Taken in a statue garden off the Esplanade at 5:45 am. This is the most beautiful time of day in the Black Rock Desert.
Photo by Ross Borden
Looking from the top of the Temple across at the Man towards 6:00 / Center Camp.
Photo by Ross Borden
The Fire Garden at 10pm — start your night with flames shooting a couple feet over your head in all directions.
Photo by Ross Borden
This place had great music, a bar that was always serving stiff drinks and was a favorite hangout for the “really, really, really, really goodlooking people”.
Photo by Ross Borden
Metal ducky: one of the cooler single passenger art cars we saw on the playa.
Photo by Ross Borden
Vegas has nothing on Black Rock City.
Photo by Ross Borden
Critical Tits. There were so many participating that it became a traffic jam of bikes and boobs before it even got going. Most ended up walking their bikes.
Photo by Ross Borden
Really good house music and fun people at this tent.
Photo by Ross Borden
Wrapping up a sunset DJ session.
Photo by Ross Borden
Flaming ping pong anyone?
Photo by Ross Borden
A super-creative art car, all made out of scrap metal and old car parts.
Photo by Ross Borden
A DJ way out near the Temple, finishing his set around 5:30am.
Photo by Sonia Zamborsky.
The Aftermath: where else in the world would you see trash quite like this?
14 Comments... join the discussion!
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Thanks!
I agree, the Temple Burn was a more satisfying experience for me, too. Any time a large group of people falls completely silent, it's a pretty amazing thing. That huge whiteout afterwards was a bit rough… But it's all part of the fun! And trying to explain Burning Man always reminds me of the parable of the five blind men and the elephant… you might be able to comprehend a small part of the event, but there's no way you can grasp the whole huge thing, in all its surreal glory.
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The pictures are excellent. Every single piece tells a story. Great job!
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The pictures are so vivid. I'm so going next year!
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Thanks, Lola! That means a lot, coming from your award-winning self.
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Bird: do it, do it! I put it off for many years before finally going. It takes a lot of planning, and it's not easy by any means, but it's an extraordinary experience. If you have any inkling of going, you definitely should.
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we were there shooting a film.
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Great pics! Thanks!
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THANKS for these! I even miss the dust storms now… There's no place like home!
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The photos are beautiful . They capture the real experience, thank you for sharing your talents Sonia and Ross. My boyfriend is the Blue Alien on a bike in the 6th photo. May we put this image on his Myspace profile? We will give you photo credit.
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hey whats up burners ive yet to sample the dusty black rock fruitsand explore the jewelz and see the unseen partipate in some anarchy…………god bless my crew the black rock cherries dawn and judi buhdi from sonoma co.. i however sent 2 sweet pieces of art [bikes] with a few ladys from humboldt. 1 bike had an acid red white and blue paint job with a box on rear fender a horh basket with a butterfly metal sculpture on it other bike was orange and similar. any pics would be sweet i forgot to take them .hope the ride was sweet im at the rock laying out some beats andkik it playa styly…………. piece MR.C
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The Lady Sassafras is a Mississippi River Paddle-Wheeler built in New Orleans by the Crown Collective. It was originally a Hurricne Katrina relief bus, and 40% of the steel used in its construction was salvaged off the streets of New Orleans after the storm. Burning Man is everywhere.
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Fantastic pictures, very tempted to a similar photo essay on some of the festivals I’ll be attending this year. I know they won’t be as good as BM, but will definately put this in my diary.
Great work,
Pete
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Great pictures!! LOVE IT!!! We have not gone in a couple years….but totally enjoyed ourselves the 4 years (2003-2007) that we did go. We only live an hour and a half away….and are definitely going again next year. LOVE YOUR PICS!! Thanks for sharing
Best Always, Tami
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