My Story: How I Know I Want to Be a Photographer

I've been in love with photography my whole life! As a kid and a teenager I photographed objects around the house constantly. When I was 18, I got my first DSLR camera with my friends' help. I didn't know what to look for except brand names. That year, I took pictures of my friend's band at the War on the Shore concert in Habor Beach, and I discovered I really liked photographing people. I kept doing shoots, and I got paid for doing some senior portraits and weddings! In 2009 I did about 30 photo shoots. I really enjoyed the business and artistic aspects of what I was doing.

But when I moved to Chicago last year, I decided to go to school for hair design. It seemed like a practical alternative to becoming a full-time photographer right away in a new area. I worked hard and kept up perfect attendance for my whole program. I was determined to make the tuition investment worth it. I did well. But by the time I finished this June, I had mostly lost interest. I just can't see myself working full-time in a salon anymore. I've been applying for dozens of other jobs, too, but I don't enjoy any of the places I've interviewed as much as I enjoy the thought of taking people's pictures.

I love all aspects of having a photography business. I love being able to cover special occasions for people. I love editing photos, ordering products for clients, and packaging and sending them. I love to get feedback from someone who loves their photos. I love to make people happy, and I want to be able to give them the very best. It's the thing I feel most comfortable and natural doing. After being away from it and trying something else, I've recognized that photography really is my passion. Now I'm dedicated to making it a real, flourishing business.

Why I Need Money for a New Camera

One of the barriers to really launching my business has been my camera. I got a lot out of my first DSLR, but 4 years have gone by. My camera is terrible in low-light situations, which makes it terrifying to shoot at something like an indoor wedding. Sometimes it won't focus even in well-lit settings. There's also general wear and tear: the grip keeps falling off, and the USB port doesn't work. 

Now I have the experience to know what I need in a new camera. The camera I want to get is 21 megapixel and has an ISO range of 100-6400 (my current one is 100-400). It's great in low-light situations and is used by many professionals.

I can't afford to buy this camera myself because I just finished school and haven't found a job yet. I don't have savings; I have the opposite--student loans to pay! But if I've demonstrated anything, it's that I'm hard-working and willing to show up every day for my job. If I can raise the money for this camera, I will work hard to demonstrate that it was well worth everyone's contribution.

The Bigger Impact

If you help me raise the money for this camera, I will be able to make fast progress with my photography business. I will be able to take better quality photos for people, take on more big jobs like indoor weddings, and charge professional rates that make my business viable. 

If I don't raise the money for this camera, my business will be delayed. I won't feel confident charging professional prices using my old camera, nor will I be able to take on as many big jobs like indoor weddings.

I have so many fun ideas for my business: bringing hip, cute, non-traditional styles to senior portraits, weddings, and couples shoots; offering new, interesting print products and packaging. I know I'll be able to help so many people capture their special moments in beautiful photos!

I know this is what I want to do with my life, and I know that I have the talent, passion, and vision to do it well. Please help me to start on it right away, instead of having to wait around and slowly save up money while my 4-year-old camera just keeps getting older and my ideas and passion sit in my head!

What I Need & What You Get

I will need $4,000 to get my camera and lens, a Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Camera with an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens. This camera and lens are highly rated and used by many professionals. I've researched them at length, and I'm confident that it is what I need. This set of equipment could take me a long way in my career.

If I don't reach my entire goal but raise between $2,500 and $4,000, I may opt for a cheaper lens at the moment, so that I'll still be able to buy and use the camera itself. If I raise less than $2,500, I will put the money in a fund dedicated to getting me the camera after I save up the extra money needed.

For your much appreciated help, I'm also offering various incentives: photo prints, complementary photo shoots & hair services, and discount rates for bigger projects. Please see the sidebar for a full list, and keep in mind that you will get the incentive regardless of how much I raise total!

Please Help Spread the Word

Your contribution may be the most valuable thing you can provide, but I'd also ask you to please spread the word about this fundraising effort to your friends and family members. It can be as easy as posting a link on Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, or your blog, and it could help me reach a lot more people!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and consider helping me!