I'm an Ypsilanti guy. I wear that badge (as many of us do) pretty proudly. I am a member of the growing community that can see the budding artist's haven that our town is becoming, and the opportunity for business growth that can usually follow in it's path. There is a blending of cultures across the city, and a diversity that is hard to put into words. I think maybe that is why photographer Erica Hampton is trying to put it into photos.

A Quick Overview The Ypsi Project is a photo journal of sorts, compiling the people, places, and things that make up the city of Ypsilanti. A quick stroll through the official blog, or the project's flickr page will give you an idea of the types of things that have been catching the lens around town. Pets, people at work and even an entire patrol of state troopers leaving The Bomber all make an appearance so far in this work in progress.

Would you like to be added to the project? An event has been planned for this Saturday at Bombadill's Cafe on MIchigan Ave in Ypsilanti. From 10 a.m.-7 p.m., the photography team will be on hand to try and reach their goal of 147 more portraits for the project. If you live or work in Ypsilanti, they want you to stop by for a free portrait, and hang out with a great cup of coffee while you take in what the project is all about.

If you are unable to make the event but still want to be included, I would suggest reaching out to Erica Hampton yourself. She seems (much like myself) to have a love for all things that fall under the social media realm and can be contacted in a variety of ways.

Why should I be a part of this? Because cool projects and causes are starting to pop up all over Ypsi and you want to be a part of something cool. Also, you'll look darn good in a free portrait and can have a nifty new picture for all of your profile pictures. Lastly, it feels good to do something good for people that are doing good for a city that is blossoming into something good.

Kyle Stuef is a marketing professional who blogs on Internet/technology trends, and being a young professional in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor for The Deuce and AnnArbor.com

You can contact him at: kstuef@gmail.com @KyleStuef www.linkedin.com/in/kylestuef www.facebook.com/kylestuef