Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon

Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon campaign photo, 1 of 7Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon campaign photo, 1 of 7
Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon campaign photo, 2 of 7

This project preserves Temple of the Moon’s story by funding essential photography gear

  • J
  • Profile photo of Lana Shapoval
  • Profile photo of No Holes Barred Comedy Club
45 donors
Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon campaign photo, 4 of 7
Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon campaign photo, 5 of 7
Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon campaign photo, 6 of 7
Fundraiser’s main image
0% complete

$6,970 raised of $9K

‌

Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon

Help Capture the Heart of Burning Man's Temple of the Moon

0% complete

$6,970 raised of $9K

45 donations
Donation protected
It’s time to document the 2026 Temple at Burning Man: Temple of the Moon.

For the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of documenting the creation of one of the most meaningful art installations in the world: The Temple at Burning Man.

I live with the crew on the playa for over four weeks as we construct this massive, ephemeral space — a place for remembrance, healing, hope, and transformation. As volunteers build the Temple, I capture the heart and humanity behind it through photography, video, and drone footage. It’s my way of giving something back — a gift to the community, and to all the volunteers who pour their energy into this space.

This is more than just a creative project — it’s my calling. After 40 years as a professional photographer, this work pushes me to my limits, both artistically and personally. I do it with love and I do it for free, because I believe in its value. But every year, it gets harder to sustain financially.

New this year is an art project related to my media project (Capturing the Heart of The Temple). I'll share details when it's ready, but it's quite exciting. The name is Moon Base Niblet, named after my good friend Niblet (Chase) who suggested this idea. I'm quite excited!

Why I Need Your Help

This project is entirely self-funded. I cover all my travel, equipment, living expenses, and the cost of staying off-grid in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. The playa is brutal — on the body, the mind, and the gear.

Every year, I end up replacing thousands of dollars in damaged equipment. And like pretty much everyone at Burning Man, I'm not paid as a photographer. The event is built on a "gifting economy" so this is my gift to the community. Since 2019 I have spent between $10-$15,000 each year. My equipment list for this year is about $10K. I can no longer do this on my own.

Can you help? Even $20 goes a long ways. Or maybe you can forward this to someone who loves that the Temple at Burning Man means. Every bit of help and encouragement does a lot.

All funds raised will pay for equipment. I'm personally committed to pay my personal expenses, personally.

A video describing the 2026 Temple of the Moon is here:




The video from 2025 Temple of the Deep can be viewed here:
Donate

‌
‌‌
‌
‌‌
‌
‌‌
‌
‌‌
‌
‌‌

Organizer

Profile photo of Rand Larson
Rand Larson
Organizer
Palm Springs, CA
  • Creative
  • Donation protected

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee