All Narfed Up photography and words by Bryan Villarin

I need your help

I’ve been enthusiastic about photography these past eight months. (Why?)

In addition to all that, I’ve photowalked almost twenty times1.

However, I need help addressing the following problems ASAP.

Problems

Currently, I have equipment worth over $2,000. If my camera/computer dies, or if I need more hard drive space, I don’t have money saved for that. I also don’t have money for additional hard drives – I’m currently using 188 GB just for photos and Lightroom catalogs. In addition, I’d like more lenses to expand my photographic abilities.

I’m a struggling student going back to school in January 20092, which means I’ll be getting a loan.

I’m in debt due to credit cards3, which add up to at least $4,000.

Lastly, I don’t have an emergency fund or a savings account.

How you can help

  1. Buy some prints. I love compliments, but it won’t help keep me going if I don’t have funds for upgrades and new equipment.
  2. Request for photography services. I’ll do a photo session with you: portraits, family portraits (Christmas is around the corner!), senior portraits, events, or be a second/third photographer for your wedding4. I also love band photography. I pretty much love portraits in general, can you tell?

Whether or not you’re able to help me monetarily, I really appreciate the love and support you’ve given me this past year. I won’t forget. You all inspire me to improve.

  1. with more than one person
  2. assuming Cal Poly Pomona accepts me
  3. not entirely my fault, it’s a long story that I don’t want to be public
  4. not enough experience to be the primary photographer – yet

 

7 Comments

You’ve only been at this for less than a year. Oh my god you kick my ass hard. Your stuff is amazing and your eye, your eye is incredible. I only wish I could commit so much to photography like you have. I’ll see what I can do to help since you are a talented guy who deserves the help to only get more awesome!

Posted by BenSpark on 3 September 2008 @ 4pm

@ BenSpark:

Wow, thanks Drew!

Posted by Bryan Villarin on 3 September 2008 @ 5pm

Why didn’t you kill the debt before going to get the equipment :(

Posted by Chris on 4 September 2008 @ 1pm

@ Chris:

I got the windfall of cash to buy it and…yeah. I guess I’m a moron.

Posted by Bryan Villarin on 4 September 2008 @ 2pm

Bryan, your photography skills are great. Concerning your statement of having “not enough experience to be the primary photographer”, have you considered applying for employment on a per-job basis with a local professional photographer? Most event photographers hire (and train) their additional photographers on a per-job basis. I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone looking for an apprentice.

Posted by James on 5 September 2008 @ 11pm

@ James:

Thanks! I have a wedding lined up (as a second photographer) with someone in December, so hopefully that goes well and I’ll have a portfolio of photos to get the ball rolling.

Posted by Bryan Villarin on 6 September 2008 @ 2pm

I wish you luck then. From what I’ve heard, it’s a great way to get started in the professional industry.

Posted by James on 6 September 2008 @ 11pm

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Look at that form Great, now I need a cell phone