As a topography, the Black Rock Desert of Nevada is perhaps best known as the location of the annual Burning Man Festival. However this magnificent American landscape draws people to its 'playa' (flat, dry lakebed) throughout the year for all manner of events and activities. Fourth of July -also known as 4th of Juplaya- is a time when small groups of radically self-reliant campers gather to celebrate freedom in an expansive environment of stark beauty and vast openness. I made this series of photographs in July of 2009.