Hello beloved community, family, and friends,

As a community documentarian and photojournalist, my camera has always been more than a piece of equipment; it’s been my way of seeing, connecting, and honoring truth. Through it, I’ve found a language for joy, beauty, grief, resilience, and everything in between. Beyond it being my creative tool of choice, my camera is also my tool for livelihood and survival; my purpose and chosen path of spiritual service to my community and the world around me.

A little over a year ago, when Hurricane Helene struck our home, a tree fell on the power lines, causing an electrical fire in the basement and leaving our home uninhabitable. Though the damage was significant and frightening, we were safe, thank God! My camera was affected, but it kept going, allowing me to keep documenting and working. That act of creation and connection helped me stay grounded during those times and continue serving my community through storytelling.

Now, that camera has reached its limit, and I am in urgent need of a new one. Unfortunately, we are unable to afford this investment on our own at this time, which is why we're reaching out to our community to ask for support and assistance in continuing on. I’ve chosen the Canon EOS R6 Mark III with a 24–105 mm lens, a camera that can keep up with the way my storytelling and career are growing. I’m now venturing into video work as another way to tell stories and connect with the world around me, and this camera is especially equipped to handle both rigorous photography and video work. I have several meaningful projects lined up over the next couple of months, with one starting early February, and being able to rely on the right tools will make all the difference. My hope is to have this camera in my hands by mid-February the latest, so early support truly helps me meet that deadline and be ready for the work ahead.

Asking for help when times are hard for so many is never easy for me. But if you’re in a position to contribute to my camera fund, your support would mean more than I can express. Sharing with others who may be in a better position to support is also incredibly valuable. You’d be helping me stay employed and able to provide for my family, and to continue doing the work I love and feel called to do of documenting our shared humanity, preserving truth, and making sure the beauty of everyday life doesn’t go unseen.

Thank you for always believing in me, for the encouragement, and for seeing the value in this kind of work.

With love and gratitude always,

Claudia

xx

If you’re interested in seeing my work, here are a few examples I've loved creating:

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Camera Info:

- Full kit (body + lens) + one SD memory card + 3yr protection plan + tax (Amazon) - $4,612

- Full kit (body + lens) + 4yr CarePAK PLUS (Canon protection plan) + tax (Adorama, B&H, Canon USA) - $4,747