INTRO:

My name is Mei Lai On, Lead Photographer of OnPhotobox located in Montreal, Quebec. 

By this December, I am planning to raise $3500 to fund a 4 Month - Documentary Photography Project in Ecuador, Latin America. 

THE MISSION OF THE PHOTO PROJECT: 

The overall purpose of this project is to raise awareness on the social injustice & inequality that is happening currently in Ecuador, in Latin America. (CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF ECUADOR THROUGH PEOPLE + LAND)

By the use of my camera lenses, I will present a story through the eyes of the people, and create meaningful portraits & landscape shots. There are a few ways that I plan to do this. Volunteering is the main platform where I can start off by helping their community - a hands on experience and using the camera as a tool to tell their story. Secondly is being part of a camera club + hiring a guide to walk the streets to capture candid shots.

After careful research there are a few volunteering options that I plan to choose from and be involved with 1) Nizag Indigenous Community - where the daily tasks is to help take care of the animals, community work and organic farming 2) Sachahuasi Amazong Community - where the daily task consists of teaching kids in the community, english, construction work on school and community centers 3) Animal Rescue Center - help feeding and helping to rehabilitate the animals before they are released. 4) MetoWe- Ecuador, build a school for children, helping out with enviromental work.

VOLUNTEERING OPTIONS:

1)http://www.ecuadorecovolunteer.org/volunteer-work/andes/nizag/

2)http://www.ecuadorecovolunteer.org/volunteer-work/amazon/sachahuasi-amazon-community/

3) http://www.ecuadorecovolunteer.org/volunteer-work/amazon/amazon-rescue-center/

4)http://www.metowe.com/volunteer-travel/youth-trips/ecuador/

SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT:

To be part of this photo project all you need to do is show your support!

1) Select from a perk located on the right side of the page. Ranging in heartfelt thank yous, awesome 8x10 & 11x14 metallic prints, exclusive access to the the blog - updates of the project, where I will be volunteering, other kewl perks!

2) Please spread the word - let your friends/co-workers/family know through facebook, twitter, email, any social networking site + send me a message on my Indiegogo comments section. The more people see it the more VIRAL it will go and reach others.

Without your support I would not be able to fully fund this entire project on my own. With your HELP & GENERIOUSITY - this Photo Project will be a reality, and possibly one day I will be able to showcase this body of work at an Exhibition!

If I am able to reach my goal and generate more than my $3500 amount- I will use all the extra funds towards getting my photo's exhibited in the near future and a portion of those funds will be donated to the communities I will be visiting.

All creative perk supporters will get there names listed at the event. :)

HOW WILL I USE THIS MONEY:

 - Volunteering Fees: Yes you read this correctly, in order to volunteer there is a cost involved ( room and board)

-  Hiring a guide - To shoot in areas that have high reputation for muggings and pick pocketing.

- Indiegogo ( Fee )

- Transporation,Lodging,food

- Camera Equipment 

- Extended Visa 

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART:

I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to look at the campaign, showing your support, and being part of this cause.

Photography is not only a passion of mine, but  I believe it conveys a story,an idea. By the use of the photography medium, we (photographers) are able to showcase to the world that story, or that moment in time. This project is aiming to bring awareness to  the social inequality that is happening in Ecuador. 

Thank you + much Aloha - Mei Lai On

Website - www.onphotobox.com

"Beauty is everywhere if you take a closer look"