Burning Man photographer's astonishing images

Raul Aragao from Brazil in front of the Tree of Ténéré at Burning Man 2017, the largest outdoor arts festival in North America, in the Black Rock desert of Gerlach, Nevada. ("Sidney Erthal works with the Burning Man Project as an archivist, photographer, and translator.") less Raul Aragao from Brazil in front of the Tree of Ténéré at Burning Man 2017, the largest outdoor arts festival in North America, in the Black Rock desert of Gerlach, Nevada. ("Sidney Erthal works with the ... more Photo: Sidney Erthal / Burning Man Photo: Sidney Erthal / Burning Man Image 1 of / 124 Caption Close Burning Man photographer's astonishing images 1 / 124 Back to Gallery

Professional photographer Sidney Erthal has been shooting Burning Man for several years and once again shared his photographs with SFGATE.

Erthal, who works with the Burning Man Project as an archivist, photographer, and translator, says he noticed many among the 70,000 participants at this year's Burning Man who were there for the first time. He found most of them had misconceptions about the art festival.

"A lot of people thought they were going to Coachella," Erthal said.

One of the principles of Burning Man is to welcome everyone, Erthal noted. He hopes sharing his photos will help acculturate prospective participants about what to expect from the festival.

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The art theme this year's festival was "Radical Ritual," which focuses on the attempt to reinvent rituals in our post post-modern world. It took place from Aug. 27-Sept. 4 in the Black Rock Desert of Gerlach, Nev.

The Brazilian-born Erthal found his way to California to study English. After earning a degree in tourism, he "accidentally" ended up in Sausalito, where he had the opportunity to meet people who introduced him to the art of photography.

Many of his images are in the book "Burning Man: Art on Fire: New and Expanded Edition," and he also shares many of his photographs from Burning Man and his other projects on his Instagram page.

I just love doing what I do," said Erthal. "And I do it with passion, and it is that zeal for life and living that is reflected in each of my photos."