Birthday Upgrade Camera Fund

Hello lovely people. I'm trying not to be too self-conscious, but I do feel awkward. Anyway, here we go.

It's my birthday in a few days, New Year's Eve and as many of you know, I am often out of sorts this time of year. The holidays stress me out, and my birthday does even more, which is why I don't have parties, or usually ask for anything.

That said, it is the time of year for personal leveling up. In my world that means looking forward to the coming year and its possibilities. Amongst these are dreaming of artist residencies in beautiful remote places, working on larger figurative paintings, and showing more of myself in my work and online. To this end, my current camera gear just won't do. I have my eye on a entry level DSLR with a relatively modest price. It would allow me to shoot 4K video and 24 megapixel photographs in a compact, portable format that is conducive to hiking and travel. (I've done my research, and know exactly which one I want). I wish to take this camera on adventures this year, into the depths of nature and overseas, exploring other cultures and environments. I also will be plumbing more personal depths, reviving some of my old modeling skills to shoot some reference of myself as the basis for future paintings.

I never ask for anything really, and generally feel pretty invisible this time of year, but if you have a few extra bucks to contribute to a group gift, chip in anything you can spare towards this purchase of a new camera and related equipment. You will be furthering my ability to grow as an artist and to document my world for sharing with you all. I feel very cringe asking for anything, but I am working to bring myself out of isolation and be seen more, and a little community love would really help.

My heartfelt thanks in advance to everyone, and have the happiest of New Years!