Please check out my web site at DavidStahler.com

Help Me Photograph Every Lighthouse in Florida — A Fine Art Journey

My name is David Stahler. I’m a 78-year-old retired photographer and designer, and I’m asking for your help to complete one last dream project — capturing every lighthouse in Florida in a single, fine art photography book.

For decades, I worked behind the lens, combining photography and design into storytelling. Now, living on Social Security, I no longer have the resources to travel the state I love. But I’m not ready to stop creating. I want to spend 60 days traveling to each of Florida’s iconic lighthouses — from the Forgotten Coast to the Keys — and transform those journeys into a stunning photographic book for everyone who shares my love for history, beauty, and the sea.

I’ve already authored seven books, including one dedicated to Florida’s Forgotten Coast lighthouses. This next volume will be a full tribute to all the lighthouses across the state, many of which are in remote or hard-to-access places. With your help, I’ll be able to bring their stories to life with new images and insights.

What the Funds Will Cover:

• 60 days of photography travel

• Gas and vehicle expenses

• Campsite fees (camping to stay affordable)

• Basic food and supplies

• Camera and storage backups

This budget is modest, but enough to help me complete the journey and publish a high-quality art book. Any extra funds raised will go toward book printing and promotional costs to help share the project more widely.

Why It Matters

Florida’s lighthouses are more than just scenic spots — they are beacons of history, resilience, and craftsmanship. Many are disappearing due to neglect, storms, or funding cuts. This project will document their legacy before it’s lost, through the lens of someone who’s spent a lifetime photographing the world with care and love.

This is more than a trip. It’s a legacy project from an old-school storyteller still chasing the light — quite literally.

How You Can Help

If you believe in preserving history, supporting art, or simply want to be part of this unique journey, please consider donating. Every dollar helps, and even sharing this page would mean the world to me.

Thank you for helping me keep the lights burning — one photo at a time.

—David