For Hazelton photographer, Mike Weeber, photography is much more than capturing a moment; it’s about the people in the images, their stories, expressions and characters. “Everybody has a story to tell,” he says, “something that makes us who we are.”

That often-subtle aspect of a person is what Weeber will attempt to portray in a new coffee table book currently in the works. Not to be published until 2007, the glossy, 250-page, 11- by 14-inch hardcover will feature 230 images, including a few of Weeber’s black and white stock photographs.

Over the next year, Weeber is planning to travel across the northwest to build his portfolio. He’s inviting every-day people to model in their community, after first determining through an interview how to best depict the character of those who volunteer their time, picture and story.

People of all ages, backgrounds, and experience are invited to model for the book, Weeber emphasizes. “Anyone can lend their story or experience through a picture.” Although only the best prints will make the final cut of the book, all volunteers will receive a studio portrait of themselves as compensation.

Accompanying each print will be a short, reflective paragraph that captures the spirit and intent of what people want to share about themselves. Weeber hopes the collection of images and reflective passages will provide readers with an intimate view and understanding of what moves and constitutes the essence of people from different communities and walks of life.

Weeber wants to showcase happiness, sorrow, stress and hope—whether brought about by work, health, family, or overall life experience. Those unavoidable situations in life can manifest and reveal themselves in people in ways we don’t always see, he points out, and will sometimes come alive in a picture, to illustrate something deeper. He would like his images to convey what makes people tick—or not. “I’m equally interested in those who’ve been dealt an unfair blow, as in those who have fared unseasonably well, or have a shady side,” he said.

The associations of a single photographic image can be many, and will vary from reader to reader, Weeber acknowledges, but he hopes every reader will take something to heart. “It could be a personal reflection that strikes a chord,” he said. Personally, he hopes to glean a deeper insight into people who are different from himself by photographing them. “I’ve always wondered, for example, what it’s like to be a girl,” he says with a smile.

For readers never having experienced the life of a photographer, the book will provide them with an illuminating glimpse. All imagery will focus around Weeber’s favourite question: “Why?”

“ I’m curious about life,” he says. “We see certain things every day, and take them for granted.” Personally, Weeber doesn’t bank on anything. “I love asking myself weird things, such as if our existence is predetermined. I’ve allowed myself to look inside.”

Those interested in modeling or wishing to find out more can contact Weeber at (250) 842-5820.