“Help Me Use Photography to Make a Difference”

Hello Friends and Family,

I'm currently pursuing my degree in Photography at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. As part of my graduation requirements, I’ve been offered an incredible opportunity to complete a photography internship this summer at Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand.

At the sanctuary, I’ll be documenting the lives and behaviors of seven rescued elephants who are recovering from abuse and exploitation in the tourism industry. These elephants now live in a semi-natural habitat as they heal, with the long-term goal of being reintroduced to the wild. My role will include capturing photographs for the sanctuary’s social media and promotional materials—images that help raise awareness and secure funding for their ongoing care.

In addition to this internship, I’ve also been invited to exhibit my photography at a venue in Bangkok alongside Thai and international artists. I plan to showcase a mix of new work and past images taken during my time in Myanmar, where I lived and documented the environment and people. With Myanmar’s struggles now compounded by the recent earthquakes, I hope these photos will help draw much-needed attention to the conflict and current situation there.

After my time in Thailand, I will travel to Japan to stay with my mentor, David Grant, a professional photographer based in the Kochi Mountains. David has been a guide and supporter of my work for several years. While there, I’ll have access to his studio, review my body of work, and continue to develop my voice and vision as a photographer.

This journey is more than just a graduation requirement—it's a chance to deepen my craft and use my photography to tell stories that matter.

I’m reaching out to ask for your support in covering the costs associated with these opportunities. These expenses are in addition to my tuition and student loans. Your contribution will help me:

Travel to Thailand and Japan

Cover lodging and basic living costs during the internship

Prepare and print work for the Bangkok exhibit

Support the mission of Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary

Continue raising awareness about the crisis in Myanmar through visual storytelling

Suggested Donation Tiers:

$25 – Helps cover meals for a week during the internship

$50 – Pays for one photo print for the Bangkok exhibit

$100 – Supports transportation, food and studio supplies in Japan

$250 – Funds a full week of lodging and food during the experience

$500 – Contributes to international airfare

Any amount – Every bit makes a difference and is deeply appreciated!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for supporting my journey as an artist committed to creating impact through photography.

With gratitude,

Joshua Hummel