JL's Camera and Equipment Fund

Where to start? Well it's been a long strange journey. I guess the best point to begin from would be my return to college as an adult. I graduated from Antonelli Institute of Art with a degree in photography (and about 70k in loans) at the age of 30 in May of 2013. In order to walk I was told I had to come up with about $1500 by end of week or I was out of luck. The only thing I had of value at the time, being homeless and going to college at 30 is not ideal, was my camera equipment. So I did what anyone would do, I sold it. I had acheived my dream. I had my degree in photography. But at what cost? 

Flash forward a bit and I had multiple break ins, in more than a few shady places I lived trying to dig myself out of poverty and debt. My first hard drive, as well as anything of value I had was stolen from me. 

I've managed to continue to shoot through the years on begged and borrowed equipment until I was recently, June of 2015 able to purchase a very used consumer grade dslr camera off of one of my friends which I used until the weekend of 4/19/2016. It reached the end of it's life and I am stuck. I am back where I started post graduation and running out of options. 

My significant other is in poor health, I work about 50 hours a week 60+ with the commute back and forth to Wilmington, DE. We can't maintain savings because life throws hiccups at us and it's impossible to move forward. I am seriously hurting for a new camera, and a new computer with which to edit files/photos, my computer of 7 years has a huge crack from my move August 1st from Texas back to Philadelphia and is in declining condition. 

So I am here, on this site, asking for help. I am a creative artist that uses the medium of photography not only as a secondary income but as a way to show my passions and my strife. To elaborate to the world my understanding and vision. It is necessary for me to own a camera and to continue to work. It is the only thing that gives my life purpose and meaning. 

So this is my plea. Donate what you can. There are incentives to it. For those of you that donate $125 or more I will hold it as a permanent deposit to be put toward a future shoot of your chosing when our paths cross. 

Those of you that donate more than $300 I will create a custom piece of art just for you, from the shoot to the printing process to the individual hand built frame. 

More will be outlined further on. But to straight forward. This would mean a lot to me, I am quite lost not owning my own equipment and having to beg others to simply do something that is my lifes passion. Your help is very much appreciated. 

*** Edited Goal amount to only include camera and lens. I am incredibly humbled by everyone's support and love for what I do.

With love and fondness, 

JL Joseph Beaulieu.