Prints For Stolen Camera !
Donation protected
A few friends and strangers who read my pervious post about my stolen camera have messaged and encouraged me to start a fund, and that they'd be happy to donate. While it is a very thoughtful idea, I knew I'd file a claim with my camera insurance company and would be covered. And because I had fast approaching, mere days-away photoshoots scheduled, I was forced to purchase a new camera and put it entirely on my credit card.
Now, too, and unfortunately, the camera insurance claim has been denied as I was unable to obtain a copy of the Peruvian police report. I didn't think it would come to this point and I feel weird for even asking, but I need help.
The backstory and a lesson:
I traveled to Peru last month with my two brothers to hike Machu Picchu. After a near death drowning in the amazon river and some food poisoning the next day, I became very ill. I somehow managed to climb 8+ hours to the top of Machu Picchu with only my camera and a bottle of water. I purged for the first two hours of the hike and had no food in my system. I could not believe I made it and what incredible photographs. That night we took a two hour train from Agus Calients- it was a beautiful train and our luggage was right next to us. In that two hours we all accidentally fell asleep and got woken up and carted off by a worker at the station. We rushed to catch our shuttle bus for another two hour ride to Cusco. When we checked into our hotel I opened my bag and saw that my SLR camera (a Canon 5d Mark III with a 35 1.4 lens and a 64gb card ) was gone along with all of the epic photos from our entire Peru trip. The camera + lens were purchased after months and months of saving, and working hard photographing for so many. And while I'll miss holding that which captured thousands and thousands of beautiful people and memories...it can be replaced. What can't be replaced were the photos recently taken. But they were more than just photos- the memory card held some of the best street portraits I've ever taken. Not to mention the best photos of me kissing an alpacha and some of the best shots of me hula hooping with Machu Picchu as the backdrop. I have shed tears for these photos but am of course, grateful for the experience.
There is a lesson in all of this: be present everyday of your life, enjoy each second to the fullest, choose to see the glass half-full, allow your spirit to be lifted by true friends and family and keep going because you're stronger than your mind will lead you to believe. And if you do all of this, when the moment ends (and you find your camera is nowhere), you'll have your memories to remind you of the journey.
Gratitude tells us to help how we can and be thankful for what we receive when we receive it but not to expect and I have no expectations for this. Whatever you can give or if you can just share this, it would be a big help.
After moving across country, helping my brother raise my niece full-time, and some surprising big bills, I'm was still trying to get on my feet. Now, with having to so quickly replace my camera and with no aide from the insurance company, I am reaching out.
For your gracious donations I will send:
$10 - photograph sticker
$20 - 5x7 print & sticker
$50 - 8x10 print & sticker
$100 - 16x20 print & 3 stickers
$200 - your choice of 2 sizes 5x7, 8x10, 16x20 print / hand written postcard / 5 stickers
All prints are selected by you! Just comment "PRINT" with your full name under which photo you'd like on instagram @melissarobinphoto or facebook. <3
Now, too, and unfortunately, the camera insurance claim has been denied as I was unable to obtain a copy of the Peruvian police report. I didn't think it would come to this point and I feel weird for even asking, but I need help.
The backstory and a lesson:
I traveled to Peru last month with my two brothers to hike Machu Picchu. After a near death drowning in the amazon river and some food poisoning the next day, I became very ill. I somehow managed to climb 8+ hours to the top of Machu Picchu with only my camera and a bottle of water. I purged for the first two hours of the hike and had no food in my system. I could not believe I made it and what incredible photographs. That night we took a two hour train from Agus Calients- it was a beautiful train and our luggage was right next to us. In that two hours we all accidentally fell asleep and got woken up and carted off by a worker at the station. We rushed to catch our shuttle bus for another two hour ride to Cusco. When we checked into our hotel I opened my bag and saw that my SLR camera (a Canon 5d Mark III with a 35 1.4 lens and a 64gb card ) was gone along with all of the epic photos from our entire Peru trip. The camera + lens were purchased after months and months of saving, and working hard photographing for so many. And while I'll miss holding that which captured thousands and thousands of beautiful people and memories...it can be replaced. What can't be replaced were the photos recently taken. But they were more than just photos- the memory card held some of the best street portraits I've ever taken. Not to mention the best photos of me kissing an alpacha and some of the best shots of me hula hooping with Machu Picchu as the backdrop. I have shed tears for these photos but am of course, grateful for the experience.
There is a lesson in all of this: be present everyday of your life, enjoy each second to the fullest, choose to see the glass half-full, allow your spirit to be lifted by true friends and family and keep going because you're stronger than your mind will lead you to believe. And if you do all of this, when the moment ends (and you find your camera is nowhere), you'll have your memories to remind you of the journey.
Gratitude tells us to help how we can and be thankful for what we receive when we receive it but not to expect and I have no expectations for this. Whatever you can give or if you can just share this, it would be a big help.
After moving across country, helping my brother raise my niece full-time, and some surprising big bills, I'm was still trying to get on my feet. Now, with having to so quickly replace my camera and with no aide from the insurance company, I am reaching out.
For your gracious donations I will send:
$10 - photograph sticker
$20 - 5x7 print & sticker
$50 - 8x10 print & sticker
$100 - 16x20 print & 3 stickers
$200 - your choice of 2 sizes 5x7, 8x10, 16x20 print / hand written postcard / 5 stickers
All prints are selected by you! Just comment "PRINT" with your full name under which photo you'd like on instagram @melissarobinphoto or facebook. <3
Organizer
Melissa Robin
Organizer
Portland, OR
