Help Replace a Beloved Camera for Continued Success

If I don't laugh, I'll cry.

My long time main camera is dying. The batteries gave out this morning, which would seem to be an easy fix. The problem is that the censors are giving out, the reflexes just aren't what they used to be, and it's taken on the normal wear and tear of having a camera on me consistently for the past 13 years. It's had a very long and useful life.

My grandparents helped me buy the Canon EOS 60D way back in 2011. It was a huge investment for us with a whopping $1400 price tag. It came with the promise and hope that I would move to New York and make it all happen. Both of my grandparents have been gone for almost four years now, and surprise! I've been in Brooklyn 11 years and have made it all happen. Might not be a star, but on my best days I feel like one.

I remember in college people being like "Oh you don't have a full frame? Oh you use the kit lens?" as a way to keep me in my place. "Baby, you're too poor to make it here!" Boy oh boy do I have news for them. That cropped censor and kit lens have allowed me to stay here, and make a name for myself. I'm proud of that.

I told myself I wasn't going to make another gofundme as long as I could help it. The past year has been my biggest year of growth professionally and that is thanks to years of hustling, and just refusing to quit. My camera has worked tirelessly along side me, and as of today has let me know it's time to go.

This is where the problem starts. Similarly to when my trusty laptop died after years of editing a year ish ago: I cannot make work without a camera. Which means I cannot make money. Which means I cannot afford to buy a new camera. It's a vicious cycle.

This money would go towards upgrading my main camera to the Canon 5D Mark IV, along with a couple lenses to replace the EFS lenses I've been using with my EOS 60D all these years. Things have gotten radically more expensive than they were over a decade ago when I was picking out a camera. I do not believe in gear, but I do believe in setting myself up for success.

I'm hoping here that I can use some of the money raised to cut away at the total cost. A community backed discount, if you will.

I want to give back to everyone who donates. No donation is too small. I'm happy to send prints out to everyone, or offer a mini session shoot. Whatever makes it worth your while, I am happy to do.

Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Love y'all.