Help Me Keep the Dream Alive!

This year has been a wild ride - full of crazy fun moments, ups, downs, and everything in between. All the good stuff that keeps life interesting. But yesterday, I hit a rough patch. My camera and lens, the very tools I use to capture the world, took a serious hit.

I capture the local live music scene and community events, and work closely with youth engagement and First Nations people on Gumbaynggirr Country. For those new to my work, check out www.jameslanderphotography.com or @jameslanderphotography and you'll get a feel for what I am about.

Every image I take tells a story, whether it’s the raw emotion at a gig or the vibrant spirit of our local community. My goal has always been to capture more than just a scene - I strive to bottle up feelings, engage the community, and freeze moments in time. This setback is a tough one, but with your help, I can get back to doing what I love: turning those fleeting moments into lasting memories.

My gear—Sony A7R IV and Sony 35mm f/1.4—is banged up pretty bad. There's a slim hope it could be repaired but it’ll need a proper assessment and has to be sent away. Put bluntly, it is professionally devastating, and creatively crippling. I’m not in a position to buy a new one, and the reality of being without it for weeks, maybe even months, is tough.

I was lining up a shot, camera at eye level. From side-on with no peripheral vision, the accidental perfect shot with a footy from nowhere. Didnt even know there was a footy around and I dropped everything onto concrete. Absolutely devastated doesn't even cut it. If you can imagine not seeing it coming, from the right, about to take a portrait and my glasses and camera just go flying from my face and hand. Yep. It happened. FML.

This hit is especially hard when most of what I do doesn’t pay, or at least not well. But it’s never been about the money. It’s about the passion, supporting community, authentic storytelling, inspiring young creatives, and creating connection.

I’m not insured, and replacing my gear isn’t cheap. So here’s where I need your help. I’m looking to raise $5,000 to replace my setup and keep bringing stories to life through my lens. If you’ve ever enjoyed my work or if it’s ever made you feel something, I’m asking for your support. If you can’t contribute financially, I completely understand, but sharing this would mean the world to me and would go a long way.

Help Me Keep the Dream Alive

What you’ll get in return: In appreciation of your support, I’d like to give back in any way I can.

Tier 1: Limited Edition Prints – $100+

• Exclusive Signed Print: Choose from a selection of my best work, printed and signed (8x10 size).

Tier 2: Portrait, Gig, or Event Photo Session – $200+

• Mini Event/Gig Session: A 30-minute session at a local venue, event, gig, or community gathering, capturing the atmosphere and key moments.

• Portrait Session: 5 edited photos delivered digitally, perfect for social media or personal keepsakes.

• Discount on Future Bookings: 10% off your next event or portrait session.

Tier 3: Creative Portrait Session – $500+

• Full Portrait Session: A 1-2 hour session focused on creative or emotive portraits, tailored to your vision. Ideal for artists, musicians, or anyone wanting a striking personal portrait.

• 10 Edited Photos: Delivered digitally, with the option to purchase additional images at a special rate.

• Discount on Future Bookings: 10% off your next event or portrait session.

Tier 4: Photography Workshop or Personal Project – $1,000+

• Photography Workshop: Join me for an in-person or online workshop on creative portraiture, storytelling through the lens, gig photography, or 1-on-1 mentoring/coaching.

• Personal Project Collaboration: Work with me on a short project—whether it’s capturing a local event, creating a photo essay, or documenting a personal story.

• Full Portrait/Photo Session: Everything included in the Creative Portrait Session tier, plus more.

Tier 5: Major Supporter Package – $2,000+

• Workshop & Project Collaboration: As per Tier 4, with a deeper dive into your chosen project, allowing for more time and creative exploration.

• Private Event Coverage: A full-day, on-location shoot at an event of your choice—be it a gig, festival, or special occasion.

• Custom Print Package: A set of three large, framed prints of your choice from my collection.

• Recognition: Your name or business mentioned in future social media posts and on my website as a major supporter.

Tier 6: Ultimate Patron – $5,000

• All-Inclusive Package: Everything from Tier 5, plus a custom photography project tailored to your needs. We’ll work together on a unique creative project, with full access to my skills, time, and resources.

• Lifetime Discount: 20% off any future services.

• VIP Event Access: Invitations to any future exhibitions, talks, or events I’m involved in, with special acknowledgment as a top supporter.

Thank you for considering supporting my work, and for helping me continue capturing the moments that matter. Every bit helps, and I’m incredibly grateful for any and all of your support.