American Mixtape™

Route 66 Sessions

Commission a portrait along historic Route 66 and become part of a documentary project celebrating the people and stories of the Mother Road.

Route 66 has called for my attention.

I’m starting the less-traveled route and documenting the journey by photographing people I meet along the way.

I believe these people and their stories matter so that the history of Route 66 stays alive.

When people are seen and remembered in their stories, they feel encouraged and uplifted.

With a listening ear and camera in hand, I’ll begin in Chicago and travel Route 66 all the way to Santa Monica, California.

Join me!

I invite those who have worked tirelessly to keep their businesses alive and those who have supported them to be a part of this.

THE BACKSTORY

American Mixtape™ | The Mother Road is a journey to photograph the people and places of Route 66, built session by session through what I call The Route 66 Sessions.

I am betting 2,400 miles that we’re moving back to what is real and tangible. That it is filled with people who know that the future belongs to those who s l o w d o w n, and come together in community.

This is a project to drive, listen, and share the images and stories that show the heart and soul of America, that it is still here.

WHY SARAH WATERS

An American Mixtape™ of Route 66 stories

THE MISSION

To travel Route 66 and document the people and places that have kept Route 66 aka The Mother Road alive for 100 years.

THE VISION

The unknown stories of Route 66 are told so the people and the places are recognized and remembered.

THE LENS "ANALOG SOUL IN A DIGITAL WORLD"

I’m a GenX mother of twins + a 3rd generation portrait photographer. I’m approaching the stories I find on this road, less with my iPhone, and more through film photography.

THE VISUALS

My photography will capture the people who’ve kept the road alive, preserved historic landmarks, traveled the road repeatedly, and cared for scenic byways that create the American experience. I believe traveling off the beaten path is where untold stories and images lie.

WHY AN AMERICAN MIXTAPE™?

I grew up making mixtapes.

Every song reminded me of a person, a place, or a moment I didn’t want to lose.

This summer, I’m taking that same idea on the road for the centenial of the Mother Road.

I'll be driving the road...stopping to photograph and hear the stories of people ready to be seen, ready to share. A mix of business owners new and old, travelers, supporters of the original route and it’s establishments.

Because Route 66 has always been more than what you pass through.

It’s easy to photograph an old motel or a faded sign, but it’s the people who give this road its soul. Their stories are what make it matter.

American Mixtape™ is that belief, recorded in real time:

● An America with patience. Like the time it takes to record a mixtape, waiting until just the right moment the songs ends to hit STOP, and again after the ads, hit PLAY.

● An America with passion, the kind that waited through 39 songs to hear Kasey Kasem's #1.

● An America that waves to its neighbors. Not for "likes”. Just because they’re neighbors.

Every portrait becomes a track.

Every story becomes part of a living archive still being recorded.

This is the American Mixtape.

A sampling of my Film and Digital work…imagine the possibilities for your commissioned session.

Why Route 66? Raised with road trips and analog…

My mother, Shurlee Waters • needlepoint, decoupage, empathy, humor and joy. She instilled a love of making things ~ She passed when I was 11.

My father, George Waters • darkroom, film, a Rolleiflex, the arts. He modeled lifelong learning and how to truly see ~ He passed when I was 22.

Dad spent his life photographing and storytelling. After a career at Kodak, he was trusted by Ansel Adams to print his books with precision and care.

George taught me how to wait for the right timing, always have a listening ear, approach challenges patiently, savor the beauty in still moments, and notice small things.

As a photographer and photolithographer, he was my greatest teacher of these values, and they’ve stayed with me as a way of moving through the world.

It is with these values I’ll be traveling this road.

And I’d love to travel with you beside me.

Choose how you'd like to become part of American Mixtape™

Commission a Route 66 Portrait

Beginning at $500

or

Support American Mixtape™

Beginning at $50

This first series of Route 66 portrait sessions are available during my August 2026 journey and are extremely limited.

Portrait sessions begin at $500

Please hit the button below for available dates and times or message me at sarah@watersphotographs.com

BECOME A PARTNER

Brands and organizations, there's a seat at the counter with your name on it.

OR SIMPLY SUPPORT THE PROJECT