Hi! My name's Andrew Chenault (ShinobiChenault) and have been a photographer for the past almost 12 years, with this currently being my fulltime freelance job for the past 6 years. I've been lucky to have worked with countless families, newborns, non-profits, various orgs and businesses, and amazing artists and craftsman to tell their story and bring their visions to life. I truly love what I do when it comes to the craft and collaboration of like-minded and unique peoples, and I hope to be able to keep it going.

Recent events have compounded with degrading the equipment I use to make and sustain a living. Combined with the constant waves of layoffs, economic uncertainty, and lack of funds to properly replace or fix my gear. It's left me in an incredibly tight spot and soon I will be unable to take on new work let alone replace gear by myself. I am reaching out to the community that has supported my craft along this awesome journey in hopes that it will allow me to continue taking on work and sustain my living.

This past weekend was the straw that broke the camel's back. My decade old camera that's been with me this whole journey (bless her heart) is finally on its deathbed; there are constant errors that pop up on my lenses forcing a reset that gives no guarantee of fix or consistent shooting, my shutter has begun dragging and freezing which makes any shot taken during it, unusable. I had to actually stop shooting this past weekend because the issues kept arising during shooting and it happened back-to-back Sunday more than it has over an entire decade of use. On top of that, my equipment wagon that I use to hold my gear and travel for shoots was broken when a teen unfortunately sprinted without looking into it. Breaking the frame, breaking 3 wheels, and breaking further lighting mounts and degrading my already older lighting stands. Though the kid was remorseful and incredibly apologetic, their family refused to take any accountability and simply left me with the cost of damages. These things are not the end of the world, but I've had car troubles combined with all the lingering camera issues and 4 laptops worth of repair and replacement in the last year and a half alone. This past weekend was simply the tipping point, and I cannot afford to replace or fix literally any of it at this point.

I don't believe my camera will last the year, and once it's out of commission I will be unable to properly take on work. While renting is always an option, that involves more costs I can't exactly afford and it's a band aid at best. Especially if the car troubles are actually worse than expected.

I am asking for help to fund a new camera and help replace or fix my current photo gear that was damaged. This will not only allow me to continue to take on new work and sustain my living, but I will be able to confidently expand my craft in ways I haven't before. I am not asking for more funds for my car or laptop, I will use the work coming in to handle those issues. But the camera needing to be replaced is simply a must if I am to continue taking on work.

I greatly appreciate any and all help to get me back on my feet. Words cannot express enough my gratitude. Truly to everyone who can help or who has already helped me in any way, thank you so much.