Summary:

I'm looking for help from those who follow and believe in my work, art, business and storytelling. Specifically, I'm seeking help with gear and photography-related expenses for an upcoming trip to Nepal (some of which is for a client project, hence the specific timing). Due to actor's strike and other unexpected expenses, my time has run out and reserves saved for lenses, etc. have been used for rent and bills. The great news is, you can contribute towards future services: headshots, portraits, promo, landscape prints, etc!

I want to thank you for reading and considering. Im not the best at asking for help and friends have encourage this step in hopes that the network I've built through the years could help support growth at this stage of my business. It's only recently become full-time and is at that delicate stage of taking 60 hours a week and *just* paying the bills. But there are some great moves on the horizon! I believe this trip would be a huge step in that direction. Thank you <3

"Who Are you?"

Hi! I'm Risa! I started Risa Scott Photo about 12 years ago (originally RF Scott Imagery) and it's grown steadily as I've learned valuable lessons in running my own small business. In particular my growth since COVID has been the greatest leaps I've experienced both as a business and as a creator/artist. I've been able to invest back in the business while creating a wonderful network of artists to work with in my different networks.

Website: https://risascottphoto.com/

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That brings me to "why the fundraising"...

With predictable growth over the last two years I've been able to improve my offerings, gear and travel. About 6 months ago I was offered an awesome opportunity to go to Nepal to shoot/film an adventure retreat and I jumped at the chance. This sounds like a life-changing type trip and those are exactly the kinds of adventure stories I tell!

"So what's the issue?"

Well, I had begun saving for the trip months ago but one thing I didn't expect happened - The actors strike. And while a small business should be able to accommodate for these kinds of events, with the trip coming up, the 70% drop in the main source of my income (headshots for actors), and various unexpected expenses during that time - it just has become clear that in order to do this trip right, I need some help. Note: I fully support the actors strike, I have made every effort to expand my services in other areas, they just did not make quite enough given the timeline.

"What is it you need?"

I will be going on the trip - all trip expenses are paid for. What isn't covered on the front end is the gear I'd need to bring to make this trip (only 3/4 of which is for a client, I will have a lot of free time AND an entire week at the end for my own projects) to make it really stand out as the kind of adventure story you've come to expect from me. I rent lenses for many of my state-side trips because they're shorter and other business expenses have been higher priority. Renting lenses for a trip this long costs about the same as buying them. I simply ran out of time and used my reserves to pay bills while the strike is happening. So: lenses, gear-related expenses, travel-specific hard drive. This gear would then be owned and I would no longer need to rent!

Lenses: One super-wide lens, one compression lens (70-200 or 400)

Other: Gear security/insurance for travel, SD cards, trip hard drives

"What's in it for me?"

While donations are appreciated, if you expect or want to work with me sometime in the future, I'm happy to pay forward your contribution toward a future service. Example: If you send $100, you can have $100 off your next headshot session. So think of it as an advance on future services. In addition, I'd love to offer anyone who contributes a print from the Nepal trip! If you enjoy my landscape work, that offer speaks for itself.