South Carolina 24/7

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Summary: The Library Journal, October 2004
Review: Book Briefs section: The series abounds with unique imagery and some surprising choices. The bottom line is that [the state books] will likely be as popular [as America 24/7], if not more so. Large public libraries should order the entire set.

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Summary: From the Charleston Post & Courier
Review: Good Morning Low Country

GMLc would like to take this opportunity to shamelessly promote South Carolina's photographic contribution to the American 2-4/7 State Book series.

"South Carolina 2-4/7" hit bookstores a few weeks ago.

Its pages are crammed with the work of local photographers, including the P&C's own Grace Beahm (who has the cover shot), Mic Smith, Wade Spees, Alan Hawes and Yalonda James... Turn the pages. You'll see people and places you know.

The books, one for each state, were the project of publishers Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohen, who also created the "Day In The Life" photo book series.

The America 2-4/7 state books showcase photos taken by amateur and professional shooters. Shooters had a one-week period in the spring to shoot pictures that would reflect the life of "America, basically," Hawes said.

Contract professional photographers for the project, like Hawes, were required to propose ideas for their shoot. "Mine was 24 hours at Mepkin Abbey," He said. "My other one was 24 hours at Folly Beach. I shot a couple of other things I saw driving around.

"It was fun. It was really not too much different from what we do on a daily basis, but it didn't have to have as much news value."

"South Carolina 2-4/7" is not typical photojournalism, Hawes said. It's a feel-good portrait of America, he said.