Emmett Ferra hails from Wagontown, Pennsylvania, by way of Los Angeles. Ferra describes his family as “Reverse Hibillies,” who fled the glitz and glamour of Tinselytown to literally seek out greener pastors in the countryside, more than 90 minutes from a major metropolis. Ferra’s journey, ironically, still somehow led him to the film industry, after a brief stint in Corporate America. Now, as a documentarian, he’s passionate about human-centered narratives and seeks to tell the underrepresented stories of emerging artists and creatives, as they pursue their dreams.

Charlie Visconage is the most unconventional of creatives: a D.C.-based, self-taught multidisciplinary artist, whose artwork is fueled by psychedelics, an insatiable yearning to translate (and transmit) his unique interpretation of reality and the human experience, (oh) and “the fun and art direction of Pee Wee’s Playhouse.” Many are drawn in by his fusion of neon colors (think bright pinks, brilliant blues, intoxicating yellows, intense reds, and vivid oranges) and provoked by his raw emotion. Each piece is reminiscent of a fever dream (but that’s the point). His art is a spilling out of complex feelings — part comedic, part darkness, fully human.

In aviation, a field where the odds, resources and bias (unconscious and overt) are stacked against them, Carrie Zimmerman and Jennifer Aupke have thrived. For years, Zimmerman and Aupke suffered in silence, while never relenting in the pursuit of their dreams. And what started as a casual, poolside conversation between two pilots — one for the United States Air Force, another NASA — trading stories became a call-to-action.

Gabriela Campos, born and raised in Sante Fe, New Mexico, began cultivating her photography skills in high school and her camera is now a vehicle for telling powerful visual stories, building community, connecting with strangers and showcasing the people and stunning natural beauty of her home state.

In March 2015, STREETMEETDC started as a small assemblage of photographers. Today, it’s blossomed into a flourishing enclave of photographers and models who come together each month, using every corner of the DMV as a backdrop to create art.

Running has great utility: it promotes fitness, therapy — of the mind and body — and often builds community. Though, strip away the routine, rhythm, metrics, monotony and you often discover a deeper purpose. For unlikely distance runner Alex Takacs, its purpose is both ritual and remembrance.

Lacing up a pair evokes memories of roller skating’s heyday, when Boomboxes: the microphones of hip-hop’s arrival, impossibly short shorts, neon, and Prince & the Revolution records reigned supreme in roller rinks.

Cities, like people, are imperfect; they age, crack, and sometimes even crumble. Street art, like tattoos to skin, add an edge, evoke youthfulness, complexity, give historical context—like the changing of demographics and attitudes.

Motorcyclist-aficionados stretch the breadth of the globe and represent a variety of identities, cultures, and lived experiences. And, between them there is a shared love of throttle grips, ignition switches, foot pegs, and the indescribable vantage point of driving from the cockpit of a cycle.

With culture, news, and all aspects of media streaming at our fingertips is there still a place for print publications in our tech inspired society? Will print publications hold up against smartphones, tablets, and a growing necessity for near real-time reporting?