A Camera for Korea

Hi, I'm Luke. If you’re a Wes student, you might know me as the “Summies Guy” (sorry if service has gotten worse while I’m abroad). If I wasn’t studying language, practicing photography (check out my photos here: https://www.instagram.com/lukefchavez/?hl=en), or doing homework, I was working at Summies. Working there 20+ hours a week, I was finally able to realize my dream of traveling outside the country. I was the first one in my family to do so since before I was born. I was even able to travel at long last to Perú, the land of my ancestors. I’ve had some amazing, life-changing experiences, and I’m so thankful for everyone who has encouraged and supported me in getting to this point.

This summer I'm undertaking a photography/journalism project in Korea (beginning in only two weeks) This is a dream that’s long been in the making–I’ve been studying Korean and all things Korea since 2020. I’ll cover everything from daily life to cultural traditions, to serious issues like elderly poverty, migrant workers, and the violent history of dictatorship. I believe this project can change the way people think about Korea, a country that is too often reduced by the media to K-pop, K-dramas, and the shadow of its northern neighbor.

Unfortunately, even with the grant, I can’t afford the tools I need to accomplish my goals. I’m studying abroad in Amsterdam right now, but due to an unlucky turn of events at home (and the university not giving me enough support in the first place), I received $4000 less than I was supposed to. I don't have a work visa, either. I’ve had to abandon all my travel plans within Europe (the main reason I chose to study here in the first place), and I don’t know when I’ll get such an opportunity again. More seriously, I’ve had to use up virtually all of my savings to keep myself afloat.

The grant is for $5000, but after airfare, accommodation, and food, I’m left with little more than $1000, which won’t cover all the actual things I plan to do in Korea, and won’t cover the losses I’ve incurred this semester. Plus, I still haven't received the grant, so I can’t pay for anything yet, even though my departure is very close. This adds a lot of stress to an already-difficult situation.

In order to conduct this project, I have to overhaul my camera setup, which is prohibitively expensive. A new Canon R6 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (a standard pro lens) will set me back $3500. Add to that a 35mm f/1.4 (a typical compliment to the 70-200mm for photojournalists) and it's at least $4250.

If you’re coming from Instagram, you’ve probably seen my photos already. It may not be obvious on a small phone screen, but I’m working with the most basic equipment, which can’t produce the high-quality results I need for my project. It’s frustrating to see people come away with better photos than me just because I couldn’t afford the equipment. With a better camera, I’ll be able to compete with the serious photographers, and get professional work in the future. This won’t just be an investment in my project in Korea, but an investment in my future as a photographer.

I want to capture the beauty of Korea, from the bustling cities to the ancient villages and small towns in the mountains. With your help, I can present a unique perspective of the country and show a different side of Korea to the world. A new camera will be the difference between some cool travel shots and an impactful project I can be proud of, one that can change the way people think.

I hesitate to ask for anything–I’ve always taken pride in working and earning things myself, but I have no other choice at this point. Any amount helps and would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks,

Luke