Bucket List Kenya Photo Safari
Donation protected
An African photo safari has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. The thought of visiting masterful beasts like lions and elephants in their natural surroundings and capturing images of them thrills me to the core. Last month I stumbled upon the perfect safari-- put on by a great photographer that I would follow anywhere, with a group that does good work in the hosting country while on the safari. Wild beasts in Africa, doing good, and a inspiring leader--it's the perfect trip.
(PLEASE GO TO BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO CHOOSE REWARDS RATHER THAN HIT DONATE)
Fate had it that I acted fast enough, and after a short wait list and generosity of other women on the trip, I was accepted and could send in my deposit. Unfortunately, at about the same time I was informed that one of my regular freelance writing gigs was cut back severely. I didn't have that income to pay for the trip.
For the last six years I have been working part time as a travel photographer in the Northwest and have a website Barb Gonzalez Photography . I've wanted an excuse to devote myself more to photography. Several portfolio reviewers have encouraged me to sell my photos. A couple called my current work "stunning!"
I didn't want to come on to GoFundMe asking for charity for my trip. I want to jump start my photo business at the same time I raise the money for the safari in Kenya. To that end, I am offering my photos as a reward for the GoFundMe campaign, at far below my regular selling price.
I need to make this happen. It is the life path ahead of me.
Thank you so much for visiting my GoFundMe campaign!
a bit more about me...how I got here
I wouldn't have found this amazing opportunity had I not been searching (isn't that always true?). Those same reviewers said that they felt I was holding back from my full expression in my photos. That started me on an inquiry as to what was holding me back and why.
For the past year I've been taking workshops and reading books and devoting myself to getting in touch with my inner self. Turns out that I had been protecting my heart from the emotional pain I endured for over 8 years as I cared for my husband who had brain cancer and ultimately lost him. It took a lot to steel myself to that and I didn't melt the steel when it was over.
A Creative Live workshop with Ann Rea led me to an amazing book "Code to Joy." When I completed those exercises a few things became clear: I would have to open my heart completely to feel both the deepest love and all other emotions if my photos were to reflect my full self expression; that the time to do the things we want (both my photo business and the safari) is now because I have seen how short life can be; and that I'm the one who has limited myself.
After opening up, I was primed for the next step. While researching where to take photos on Kaua'i, I came upon a blog mentioning a book called "Vision and Voice" by David duChemin . That's what I wanted: to add my voice to my vision. The book was well written and inspiring. When I looked up duChemin, I saw he was offering the photo safari to Kenya in February 2016.
It is put on by Socially Responsible Safaris that are designed to generate dialogue, encourage inter-cultural learning, and create economic and environmental benefits for the host population. To achieve this goal, guests stay in environmentally-sensitive accommodations, plant trees to off-set their carbon footprint, enjoy locally-grown organic food and coffee, and support local schools, health clinics, and orphanages along the route.
The details...
The Safari is in February 2016, but I need to pay the balance by December 1, 2015 ...I need the money by this upcoming December. (update--I've raised this)
and I need to buy a plane ticket before then for about $1200 (unless someone has miles to donate). (Update--I've raised this)
and I need immunizations and special clothing to keep mosquitoes off me as I will get bit if there is a bug withing 100 miles of me for about $1,000 (yes, it's expensive!)
and I need to rent some photo lenses for about $500
and I need $500 for ground money.
Yes, I alone am joining the group of 12 others.
If I raise more than $6,000, I will be able to get equipment that will enhance the trip and my photography business.
About the rewards...
The prices reflect my cost for materials to print and/or frame the photos. I am making only a small profit after my costs).
Yes, you can buy multiples at any reward level.
The mailing address is for those who need items shipped (unfortunately I can't disable it for digital rewards). I will never ever share any of your information.
To redeem your reward, you will receive a thank you email with instructions when I receive notification of your donation.
You can pick a photo from most of my collection, but I will email you a link to a photo page for the most popular pictures to help you choose.
Below the $200 reward, the choice of photos is from my current collection unless otherwise specified. Above $200, a photo can be chosen from my current collection, or photos from the Safari.
Other rewards available: There may be other rewards available including photography lessons, one-on-one camera lessons, and deals on event and product photography.
(PLEASE GO TO BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO CHOOSE REWARDS RATHER THAN HIT DONATE)
Fate had it that I acted fast enough, and after a short wait list and generosity of other women on the trip, I was accepted and could send in my deposit. Unfortunately, at about the same time I was informed that one of my regular freelance writing gigs was cut back severely. I didn't have that income to pay for the trip.
For the last six years I have been working part time as a travel photographer in the Northwest and have a website Barb Gonzalez Photography . I've wanted an excuse to devote myself more to photography. Several portfolio reviewers have encouraged me to sell my photos. A couple called my current work "stunning!"
I didn't want to come on to GoFundMe asking for charity for my trip. I want to jump start my photo business at the same time I raise the money for the safari in Kenya. To that end, I am offering my photos as a reward for the GoFundMe campaign, at far below my regular selling price.
I need to make this happen. It is the life path ahead of me.
Thank you so much for visiting my GoFundMe campaign!
a bit more about me...how I got here
I wouldn't have found this amazing opportunity had I not been searching (isn't that always true?). Those same reviewers said that they felt I was holding back from my full expression in my photos. That started me on an inquiry as to what was holding me back and why.
For the past year I've been taking workshops and reading books and devoting myself to getting in touch with my inner self. Turns out that I had been protecting my heart from the emotional pain I endured for over 8 years as I cared for my husband who had brain cancer and ultimately lost him. It took a lot to steel myself to that and I didn't melt the steel when it was over.
A Creative Live workshop with Ann Rea led me to an amazing book "Code to Joy." When I completed those exercises a few things became clear: I would have to open my heart completely to feel both the deepest love and all other emotions if my photos were to reflect my full self expression; that the time to do the things we want (both my photo business and the safari) is now because I have seen how short life can be; and that I'm the one who has limited myself.
After opening up, I was primed for the next step. While researching where to take photos on Kaua'i, I came upon a blog mentioning a book called "Vision and Voice" by David duChemin . That's what I wanted: to add my voice to my vision. The book was well written and inspiring. When I looked up duChemin, I saw he was offering the photo safari to Kenya in February 2016.
It is put on by Socially Responsible Safaris that are designed to generate dialogue, encourage inter-cultural learning, and create economic and environmental benefits for the host population. To achieve this goal, guests stay in environmentally-sensitive accommodations, plant trees to off-set their carbon footprint, enjoy locally-grown organic food and coffee, and support local schools, health clinics, and orphanages along the route.
The details...
The Safari is in February 2016, but I need to pay the balance by December 1, 2015 ...I need the money by this upcoming December. (update--I've raised this)
and I need to buy a plane ticket before then for about $1200 (unless someone has miles to donate). (Update--I've raised this)
and I need immunizations and special clothing to keep mosquitoes off me as I will get bit if there is a bug withing 100 miles of me for about $1,000 (yes, it's expensive!)
and I need to rent some photo lenses for about $500
and I need $500 for ground money.
Yes, I alone am joining the group of 12 others.
If I raise more than $6,000, I will be able to get equipment that will enhance the trip and my photography business.
About the rewards...
The prices reflect my cost for materials to print and/or frame the photos. I am making only a small profit after my costs).
Yes, you can buy multiples at any reward level.
The mailing address is for those who need items shipped (unfortunately I can't disable it for digital rewards). I will never ever share any of your information.
To redeem your reward, you will receive a thank you email with instructions when I receive notification of your donation.
You can pick a photo from most of my collection, but I will email you a link to a photo page for the most popular pictures to help you choose.
Below the $200 reward, the choice of photos is from my current collection unless otherwise specified. Above $200, a photo can be chosen from my current collection, or photos from the Safari.
Other rewards available: There may be other rewards available including photography lessons, one-on-one camera lessons, and deals on event and product photography.
Organizer
Barb Gonzalez
Organizer
Bend, OR
