While still in school, photographer Shelby Lee Adams was exposed to the images of the Farm
Security Administration and its depiction of the crippling effects of the Depression in the American
South. Adams immediately connected with the images and related to the subjects. He was later
driven to create the work in From the Heads of the Hollers, a project he began in 1973. From the
Heads of the Hollers is a collection of images of the people and culture of the secluded mountain
life of Appalachia.
‘In the Eastern Kentucky mountains, I try and create a strong connection with those I’m drawn to. I
find the most generous, direct and transparent people live in the hollers (a ‘holler’ is a narrow valley,
usually with a single lane road, found in isolated mountainous areas). I learn from my subject’s
habits and we work collaboratively, the photographs made are of subjects sitting or standing in
a way that feels natural to them. In this manner, we make pictures. Folks get to know me and we
communicate in many ways, again and again, over time. Mountain folks are generally modest
and may seem somewhat shy; many are strongly devoted to their religious beliefs. Most are kind,
sharing and patient. Each is unique.’