Hi, I’m Rachel, a professional photographer whose career suddenly stopped after a car crash in November, 2023.

Many months were spent minimizing the incident and attempting to regain my footing by working for others before I could acknowledge the necessity of seeking support.

My goal is simple: replace my camera gear and car so that I can get back to work.

To understand why I am asking for help moving forward, I want to share with you a little background to my job as a photographer.

I made the decision to trade the office life for the freedom to create a life as a photographer in 2019.

Since then, my camera has taken me around the world to remote places and spectacular natural events.

I am proud of what I have been able to achieve and photograph, but it's been a life I've had to sacrifice everything for:

Instead of stability, I have scarcity.

Instead of comfort, I have curiosity.

Instead of savings, I have stories.

Photography isn't just my passion; it's my livelihood.

CLICK.

My camera has been my compass, steering me through life. Being without one for the past 3+ months has impacted my income and mental health.

Living life out of a suitcase means I've often had to enjoy the simplicity of sleeping in rental cars over the comfort of hotels, all to stretch every dollar to get to more remote places to photograph.

Utilizing airline points for flights and finding affordable accommodations has allowed me to explore on a budget that is often times lower than the living costs in the USA.

Travel can be cheap if booked in advance.

Photography is an expensive toolkit to replace and maintain with all the softwares and storage needed to work.

I may not have savings, but I dedicate every extra dollar and all of my free time to supporting artists, volunteering, and fundraising for nonprofits.

Photography and helping others is not just a hobby,

it's my profession; my purpose.

But all this was abruptly paused when I went to pick up a friend from their long 14 hour shift at the hospital, but ended up in a car accident.

I am lucky to be physically well now. But in the months that followed the wreck, there were times that I wish I had gone to the doctors to help me with some resulting health issues that came up, but couldn't for I had no health insurance or savings to cover the costs of an ER visit.

CRASH.

Since the accident, I've faced the reality of selling my camera gear to cover living and recovery expenses.

This period has underscored my need for health insurance and exposed me to the consequences of living without a safety net.

Despite financial struggles, my commitment to supporting others hasn't waned. Thanks to a Donor Advisor Fund I established when I was younger, I have been able to keep giving.

However, these funds are strictly for donations to nonprofits and cannot be used for any other purpose.

CREATE.

Acknowledging the need for help is tough, but it's necessary for my return to professional photography.

My immediate goals are:

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: A contribution of $25 or $50 would significantly help.

2. Spread the Word: If you are unable to donate, sharing this page with your friends and family would mean the world to me.

Your generosity extends beyond financial aid; it revitalizes my purpose and ensures the continuation of sharing global narratives through photography and art.

Don't forget to check back for updates!

I'll be sharing my progress and the impact of your contributions, bringing you along on this journey of recovery and revival.

Your generosity not only helps me rebuild but also ensures that the stories of our world continue to be told.

Any help, while I continue to work side jobs, puts me one step closer to protecting and documenting this amazing, but fragile, world.

Don't just take my word for it, some reviews about me as an Artist from people who have never met me.

Thank you so puffin much!

Rachel