Hi, I’m Corey and I’ve been working as a music photographer for the past 10 years. On the 31st of October, my peli case filled with all of my photo and video gear was stolen from right behind my back on a train. I’ve lost everything and I’m absolutely heartbroken.

It’s not like me at all to ask for help and I feel so so embarrassed to have to, but after being urged by my music photo community around me and my loved ones, here I am. I feel so much shame to be in this position and my pride and confidence is taking a huge knock, but I don’t really have any other options. The outpouring of kindness and support has been so hugely overwhelming and I’ve had so many messages from so many people offering me help and asking me to set something like this up. I’ve got several big jobs coming up that I really can’t afford to lose, and after working as hard as I have for as long as I have I’m not willing to quit just yet just from an (albeit huge) set back.

Some of my equipment was brand new and literally purchased a week ago as part of a well overdue upgrade. I’ve been shooting with a damaged, 12+ year old camera and had finally got to a place in my career where I felt I had earned and deserved some new equipment, and now that’s gone. Some of the equipment I’ve had with me since the beginning, has huge sentimental value and has travelled the world with me. I’m absolutely gutted. I’m not in a place at all financially to be able to replace my stuff and I don’t really know what else to do. I’m taking this as a tough, painful lesson to research business / photo insurance providers more thoroughly to make sure I’m more than adequately covered, as sadly this time round that doesn’t seem to be the case.

I know all too well that times are rough for everyone right now, but anything you can spare to help me start to recoup my losses and get myself back together and back on the road would be incredible. Thank you so so so much.