Support the Gwadzilla Cycling Themed Photo Books and Podcast
Donation protected
Support the Gwadzilla Cycling themed photo books and Gwadzilla Podcast by Joel Gwadz
Help Transform Years of Captured Moments into Stunning Photo Books and a Podcast that collects the oral history of DC Bike Messengers past and present.
For over two decades, I, Joel Gwadz, have been deeply immersed in documenting the vibrant and diverse cycling culture of Washington, DC and beyond. Through the Gwadzilla Blog and the Gwadzilla Facebook Page, I have shared countless words and images on the topic of cycling. I've been taking and sharing photos of all sorts of people passing in front of my camera; diverse urban cyclists, daring bicycle messengers, competitive local racers, and the spirited community rides that define this city's biking scene.
Now, I'm embarking on an exciting journey to turn this extensive visual archive into a series of beautifully curated photo books and a Video Podcast. These books will celebrate the unique stories and experiences of cyclists from DC. The photos are more of a documentarian effort, than an artistic one. It's a form of Street Photography where photos are a mixture of snapping shots of passing cyclists and then also quickly shot portraits as I shared moments exchange with the bicycle rider on the sidewalk or stopped at a Red Light. Often, the photos were taken while I was on the bike riding to and from work and then also while stepping out of the office for lunch or a breath of fresh air. The Podcast will be an extension of the ideas. The Gwadzilla Podcast will be the Gwadzilla Blog in Audio - Video form.
Why Now? The Moment to Act is Here
Recently, I faced a significant life change when I was let go from my job as a bicycle mechanic—a position that, while modestly paid, allowed me to stay connected to my passion of cycling. This comes on the heels of navigating the challenges of post-divorce life and recovering from a past injury, all while managing mounting expenses. Now, trying to get back into IT as a Desktop Support specialist seems almost impossible. These are tough times for many of us.
The time is ripe for me to dedicate myself fully to bringing these photo books to life. To make this happen, I need your support. Creating these books is not just a passion project; it’s a full-time commitment. While I will continue to work part-time jobs to sustain myself, the bulk of my time needs to be devoted to curating, organizing, and publishing these images.
The Vision: Capturing the Essence of Cycling Culture
The Gwadzilla Photo Project aims to produce several themed photo books, each delving into different facets of the cycling world. The first set will focus on:
Bicycle Messengers: The gritty, dynamic life of those who navigate urban landscapes with speed and precision.
Urban Cyclists: Everyday riders who weave their stories into the fabric of city life.
Cycling in Krakow, Poland: During a week long visit to Poland I snapped shots of people passing by on bicycles in this beautiful city filled with history and culture.
These books will be self-published and available through Blurb.com. Early supporters will have the exclusive opportunity to pre-purchase these books at a special discounted rate.
UPDATE - First Edition of various books are available on Blurb Dot Com.
Your Support Makes a Difference
I’ve spent countless hours over the past month delving into old hard drives and dusty computers, rescuing and organizing a treasure trove of images. Despite some losses, there remains a wealth of photographs that can vividly tell the story of nearly 20 years of cycling culture.
In addition to self publishing a series of photo books, I have spent a good amount of time learning how to use the video, audio, and editing equipment needed to start the Gwadzilla Podcast. Much of the video I have taken thus far has been while I am downtown making flower or food deliveries on the bike. The pilot episode of the Gwadzilla Podcast that is now on YouTube shows the city from my perspective on the bike while at work.
Your contributions will:
Enable Full-Time Focus: Allow me to dedicate the necessary time to this project without the constant pressure of financial instability.
Cover Production Costs: Help with the expenses of self-publishing, from high-quality printing to distribution.
Preserve Cycling History: Support the documentation of a rich cultural tapestry that might otherwise fade into obscurity.
How You Can Help
Please donate to help bring the Gwadzilla Photo Project from a dream to a reality. Your generosity will directly support the creation of these photo books and help me manage my ongoing expenses during this critical period.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As a longtime follower or new supporter, your involvement means the world to me. For years, the Gwadzilla Blog provided a window into the cycling community without asking for anything in return. Now, I’m reaching out to you for the first time, seeking your support to continue this journey in a new, creative direction.
Expect regular updates on our progress and special previews of the work as it evolves. Donors will receive personal thank you messages and early access options for the finished books.
Together, we can preserve and celebrate the spirit of cycling through the Gwadzilla Photo Project. Your support today is not just a donation—it's an investment in capturing and sharing the joy and culture of biking for generations to come.
Thank You for Your Generosity and Support
Joel Gwadz
UPDATE: I have in fact created a number of books on the topic of DC bicycle messengers.
I self published a five book series entitled, Gwadzilla Presents 20 Years of Bicycle Messengers in Washington DC. These hard back books are LARGE with MANY pages. Somehow I did not estimate how expensive these books I created would be through this self publishing format. Being that these five books were cost prohibitive. I immediately created a series of MINI BOOKS. There is a MINI book for each of the five books in the main series. Then I went beyond that to create themes including Female Bike Messengers, Bike Messengers in Chinatown, Bike Messengers on Capital Hill, Bike Messengers Carrying More than an Envelope, and even Bike Messengers passing a Hot Dog Truck.
These mini books are roughly 25-30 bucks on BLURB Dot Com
People could purchase those books as a form of support if they do not wish to donate here, but still want to help to support my projects.
The Gwadzilla Podcast will collect an oral history of DC Bike Messengers that I will work on a future edition of these photo books.
Smaller book, more affordable, fewer photos, and words. The current Gwadzilla Presents series only has a short introduction. The riders are not named and no stories are told.
I appreciate the support.
Both practically and emotionally.
My life can use a boost both practically and emotionally.
thank you
and
here is a link to
Episode Zero of the Gwadzilla Podcast
Who is Gwadzilla?
Organizer
Joel Gwadz
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC