Photographer Has Lived for 2 Years on Photos Instead of Money

Photographer Has Lived for 2 Years on Photos Instead of Money

Shantanu Starick was tired of the standard model of freelance photography - one that emphasizes specialization over diversity - and the constant headache of money. So he decided to try something radical: trade his skills for his food, shelter, and transportation. In two years, Shantanu's moneyless journey has taken him to 5 of 7 continents and he has completed over 190 trades. 

In the video above, recorded at Behance's 99U conference, Shantanu goes into detail about the origins for the project, his experience, and his plans for the future. For Shantanu, the most revelatory part of the project was watching what happened when payment was replaced by trading: his clients turned into friends and collaborators. 

And though not everyone has the ability to live a peripatetic lifestyle, Shantanu is sure there is room for more trading and friend-making, and less business, in everyone's day to day:  "However you can and to whatever degree," he says, "give it a go."

You can see more of Shantanu's work at his website