The Kings of impersonation: How Elvis lives on through his tribute acts who take to the stage night after night with rhinestone jumpsuits and black quiffs Photographer Michael Dvorac has spent several months capturing hard-core Elvis tribute artists across America His black and white images highlight fans' enduring love for the King The award-winning snapper has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his 'Long Live the King' year-long photographic journey It's a case of burning love for these Elvis impersonators who don their blue suede shoes and rhinestone onesie to honor the King of Rock'n'Roll. Minneapolis shooter Michael Dvorac has spent several months photographing hard-core Elvis tribute artists (ETAs) in all their glory in shows across America, displayed on his website Michael Dvorac Photography. Even though he is not an Elvis fan, his black and white shots prove he is 'definitely an Elvis ETA fan.' 'It takes a lot of guts to get up there and do what these guys do,' he said. 'GaryElvis' impersonates the King and even changed his name to show his Elvis love Shooter Michael Dvorak photographed Elvis tribute artists across the country Dvorac's photographic journey through American clubs and pubs began in Waterloo, Iowa - and he still remembers the shock of that first intense show. It was like walking into a John Waters film. I had no idea what to expect,' he told Slate. 'I walked in there and I was like, 'Wow, am I even on this planet anymore? But Dvorac's portfolio doesn't poke fun at the men - and women - who take fandom to the next level. Flexible: Chris Solano performs as Elvis and Buddy Holly Michael Dvorac spent a year following Elvis tribute artists across America to capture them in their element Are you lonesome tonight? Obviously channeling Elvis in his final years Anthony Shore from London is an 'international Elvis impersonator', pictured with Deb Shore The project started a few months ago, when Dvorak was introduced to an ETA through a friend occasionally dressed as Cher. After going to a few events, the curious photojournalist set about making friends to ensure more shots. 'Everybody is weird if you look at them through a certain lens, so that's what I'm trying to stay away from,' Dvorac said. I really want to show an honest portrayal of this subgroup of people. I was blown away by the sincerity of the people, by the diversity of the people, the age of the people. I was blown away by the performances. Quirky: Dvorac was 'blown away' by the characters at the Elvis shows Proving you don't even have to look like Elvis to channel him... He might not have the blue suede shoes, but he has the bling This little fan wasn't even born when Elvis swiveled his hips and ate his last hamburger Dvorac said he's learned the definition of devotion by following these performers. He's met guys who have been dressing as Elvis since they were teenagers. Impersonator 'GaryElvis' - yes, it's one word - changed his name to prove the depth of his Elvis love. Whenever you're pointing the camera at people they're a little bit guarded, so a big part of my job has been making people feel comfortable,' Dvorac told Slate. 'It's amazing to me the fandom that's carried on to these guys. My friend Anthony has people that follow him all around the country and go to his shows. 'They support him almost as if he's Elvis.' Don't be cruel: Robert 'Black Elvis' Washington was the first African American to win the World Champion Elvis Impersonator title What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Elvis impersonator Matt King has a three octave voice range Elvis is still so popular, even the guys who impersonate him have fans Mechanic Elvis or The Devil in Disguise? The award-winning shooter has now launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a yearlong photographic journey that will take him to Memphis for Elvis Week, where the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist is crowned. After that, Dvorac plans to visit 11 different competitions and celebrations around North America and wind up the year in Memphis for Elvis week 2014 to exhibit the work he's produced. He said any money he raises about the goal amount will go towards the publication of a book of Images from the project, notes from the road, and quotes from fans and tribute artists. Maybe his 'Long Live the King' journey will see him transition from passive observer to hip-swiveling, stage-strutting ETA. Dvorac has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a yearlong photographic journey that will take him to Memphis for Elvis Week searching for the best ETA These fans probably threw their undies at Elvis back in the day When he's not channeling Elvis, Nick Gutierrez pays tribute to Ritchie Valens He looks more like Roy Orbison, but this ETA is rocking the black glasses