Keep Mary Matheson shooting - Gear emergency fund

Well, my nightmare happened. I broke $11,500 worth of camera gear, and that price is before tax. I had my most expensive lens and camera on my tripod and the whole thing fell over and smashed to pieces. You can see the huge crack on the right of the lens. The lens is also broke into two pieces. One half of the lens stayed on the camera and the other half smashed and rolled away. Like I said... a nightmare. I don't have this gear insured which was a serious mistake. I suppose we have to learn some lessons the hard way in life hey?

This lens is very specific to my needs. I photograph architecture for construction companies, architects, engineers, etc. The 17mm tilt shift is needed for this as it is wide enough to capture large projects and the shift aspect removes distortion. It is a specialty piece essential for my purposes. 

The gear that broke was a Canon 17mm 1.4 tilt-shift lens and Canon 1Ds Mark III camera. This gear is how I make my living and needs to be replaced.


The camera will cost $8,500 before tax to replace but there is a bit of wiggle room there. I am yet to take it in to see if it can be repaired so there is still hope on that front. Even if it cannot be fixed I think I can work up to that over time as my backup cameras will suffice for the time being. It is about time I upgrade my camera anyhow so perhaps this is just the push I needed. I haven't included the price of the damage to the camera body in this Go Fund Me as I am still uncertain what will come of that.


The immediate need is to replace the Canon 17mm 1.4 tilt-shift lens. The damage to this lens is irreparable and it is essential for my work. I currently don't have the funds to replace it. I can't do my upcoming jobs without it. I have decided to set the price of this Go Fund Me for the cost of the lens alone. This lens will cost an estimated $3,200 including tax. Any and all support for this is greatly appreciated!

For those of you who don't know me, I am a professional photographer. I have worked in the music industry photographing bands, festivals, and other arts events for nearly a decade now. You can find my body of work for the music industry on my website here: Mary Matheson Photography

I was raised by the architectural photographer Bob Matheson and trained under him since a despicably young age. I started learning photography from him in his darkroom before digital became mainstream when I was just a small child. He is now in the process of retiring and I am taking over his architectural photography business. This has been something I have been working towards my entire life and I am giving it everything I have now. I am excited about this opportunity and I am passionate about my work. You can find our architectural photography portfolio here: Matheson Photography

What do you think my friends? Will you help me stay shooting?

Please feel free to share this around.

Sending much love to you all ❤️