For her series 'The Scavenger: Adventures in Treasure Hunting,' photographer Jenny Riffle followed Riley, a modern-day treasure hunter.
Inspired by the likes of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, Riley roams through forests and beaches armed with a metal detector, his military jacket and deer-hunter cap.
Though looking for hidden, or perhaps forgotten, treasure is an unusual hobby -- it's no stamp collecting, that's for sure -- it has a distinct, even whimsical appeal. In fact, Riley notes that his bizarre pastime reflects his romantic view of life. By focusing on a singular aspect of his life, and excluding the rest of his daily activities, Riffle succeeds in creating a "larger than life character," one who occupies a space somewhere between reality and fantasy.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Outdoor Adventure Photography
- Opportunity for photographers to capture unique outdoor experiences and hobbies like treasure hunting and metal detecting.
- Unique Hobby Trend
- A trend in unique and unusual hobbies like treasure hunting, creating new business opportunities for equipment, travel, and retail industries.
- Whimsical Characterization Trend
- A trend in creating larger than life characters by focusing on unique aspects of their lives, opening new opportunities in media and entertainment industries.
Sectors Adopting This
- Outdoor Equipment Industry
- Opportunity to create specialized equipment for treasure hunters and metal detectors that can withstand different terrains and conditions.
- Travel Industry
- Opportunity to create travel packages and tours for treasure hunters to explore different parts of the world and uncover unique artifacts.
- Retail Industry
- Opportunity to create specialized retail stores and e-commerce platforms selling equipment for treasure hunting and metal detecting.
