I started this blog nearly a year ago with the idea was that it would allow me to make truly independent reports on important subject matter without influence from corporate media, who often choose photographer's assignments based on what stories they think will sell magazines and not what is actually important. I thought I could use it to not only give my stories a voice beyond print media but help me raise funds to report on subject matter that is avoided by large publications.
I have worked nearly full time, and often quite a lot more, to make what I present here as interesting and informative as possible. In December I started the Behind the Image posts to give readers a look behind my lens and allow them to know more about what goes into capturing this work. In December I added the My Life section to give a look at my daily routine, travels and work in the field.
Researching stories, planning field work, traveling, shooting, writing blog posts, preparing images, uploading from the field (including from remote locations in Iraq, Gaza, Kenya, Egypt, etc.) is incredibly time consuming — not to mention sending drafts back and forth to my editor, who is an incredibly kind supporter of this blog and donates his time to make sure my posts are tightly edited… THANK YOU Jeff Cagle!! If anyone needs to hire a good freelance writer/editor/social media consultant, please contact me and I will put you in touch with him!
Although I truly enjoy working on this blog, I am afraid that I must take some time away from it and focus on making a living. The economy has had a major, night and day effect on the number of donations I am getting. In the month of February I lost all but five of my paid subscribers, but luckily continued to get a reasonable amount of one-time donations. One-time donations nearly ground to a halt in March, with only one being made all month.
I completely understand how hard it is right now for everyone to get by, which is why I hope you will understand why I am having to make this decision. The combination of a lack of donations on the blog coupled with a nearly $1,000 equipment repair bill after my last project has left me little choice.
Originally I thought I would not make any blog posts for a month and instead focus on catching up on my editorial work and applying for grants for future projects. Hopefully, if I am able to get some recent work published and some stock to agencies, I will be able to get a bit of income and begin to plan another project for the fall.
After thinking it through a bit more, I feel terrible about the idea of completely stopping my posts. I have so many images that I feel tell important stories and bring important issues to light, I just cant justify completely stopping my posts — especially considering I have five years images stacked up to catch up on. I also feel an obligation to you, the reader, as your financial and moral support throughout the last year has been overwhelming. I will do my best to keep posting as much and as often as I can, while still taking time to try to earn some money and apply for grants.
I would like to once again thank all of you for your support. I will do my best to post as often as I can and hopefully things will turn around soon and I can continue to focus on making this my full time project. If you happen to know of any to know any philanthropists, investors, advertisers or anyone else you may think would be interested in supporting this work, please point them in my direction.
Donations will help keep independent journalism alive.
$25 Per Month Subscription
hey man, take all the time you need
just make sure you keep taking awesome photos
Posted by: brent wistinghausen | March 27, 2009 at 04:47
Hey, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that soon you will be able to continue your blog the way you planned.
You are doing great job!
Posted by: jarek | March 27, 2009 at 16:40
Sorry to hear about your subscribers dropping away. It's tough out there for sure. Whatever happens, keep doing what you're doing, man. I found your blog about a year ago and I've been following it since. I'm not in the position to be able to donate, but if I could, I certainly would. The world needs more journalists like you who aren't afraid to tell the real story by picture or word, without bias and without ulterior motive. I think it's a very gutsy person that doesn't use his camera or pen to lie to people.
We need you out there. Stay safe and God bless.
- Maryam
Posted by: Maryam M | March 27, 2009 at 19:53
I am one of those who lurks and reads without donating. Not because I don't want to, believe me; I have always believed in the power of photojournalism and especially combat photography (a profession I would pursue if I had a bit more training and a lot more courage.) Unfortunately, I'm one of the chosen...doctoral students who (study what you live and) get paid a ridiculously small stipend under the auspices of further education. I do, however, promise -- something I do not take lightly -- to send some money your way as soon as I have a few bucks to spare because I *truly* believe that the work you're doing is crucial.
Posted by: wegrit | March 27, 2009 at 22:18
Are you serious?
You blog once or twice a week, upload pictures you took a while back. Are you telling us you went to these places and didn't make any money selling pictures to any of the people on your "Published in" list?
Reads like your begging to me.
Posted by: Rich | March 28, 2009 at 03:22
Thank you all for your comments and support, I am doing my best to keep this going and thank you all for your understanding.
Rich: I am afraid that your comment shows your lack of knowledge on this subject. Of course I make money selling to the people on my Published In list. For example: My images that appear in Newsweek, bring in a whopping $150 per image. Images for the United Nations, UNHCR etc, I get $70. That is when they want images, most of the subjects I cover are of no interest to most publication. The last two months I spent in Kenya and Egypt, I have sold two images so far. Of course there will be some stock sales in the future. Stock photo sales depend on the year, but average between $500 and $3000 for ALL of my stock, seeing as photo agencies sell photos for as little as a couple of dollars.
Now, consider how much it costs to produce these stories. How much airfare costs, buying and MAINTAINING all of my camera and computer equipment, buying my own body armor for war zones, food, lodging, transportation, wireless or satellite internet connections so I can post from third world countries, blog and website hosting fees etc etc etc.
I have learned to live on an extremely limited budget, gone without having my own apartment for nearly seven years, sold most of what I used to have, all so that I can continue to do what I believe in. So, if you still think my decision to focus on making money instead of spending as much time on blog as begging, I respect your right to think whatever you like.
Posted by: Zoriah | March 28, 2009 at 05:03
Zoriah, I'm sad to hear about this situation. However, I'm sure the core group of your readers will forgive you for not updating as often. Just keep on fighting the good fight.
And I wish I could be of more help, but as a student it's hard to donate monthly. I will try to chip in when I can.
Best of luck.
Posted by: Fredrik Berg | March 30, 2009 at 00:18
Zoriah
I totally understand your position and how hard it is to make a living while shooting and wandering the globe. Most photographers that have a 'steady' home base also have their local/regional assignments on which they can rely in between travels. That's something you don't have either.
BUT... Don't underestimate the economical value of your blog. And I am not talking about paid subscriptions here. You seem to have got a lot of readers that to come back on a frequent base. Your feedburner counter says 847 but that's only the count of feedburner rss subscriptions. The amount of non rss visitors should be way higher since not some many people are using rss already.
You give the people who read your blog insight in your life and work with a result that your readers (myself included) feel somehow bonded to you by reading your personal stories, eventhough most of 'us' do not even know you in person.
Your group of readers will mostly be fellow photographers but I am certain there's also a fair amount of photo editors amongst your readers.
Therefor I believe that you should also look at your blog as an extension of your advertizing activities and the most silly thing one can do in times of financial crisis (but what lot's of companies still do..!) is cutting down on advertizing!
I am convinced that any photo editor who reads your blog on a regular base feels that same 'bond' just like all your other readers. I would think of that as an added value when it comes to getting assignments or grants. Wouldn't it be a waste to let that go?
I am not in the position to tell you what's best for you to do. I believe that you are more than capable of that your self. there just my thoughts.
Keep up the good work!
Michel
Posted by: Michel de Groot | March 30, 2009 at 17:22
There is something very special about you and your work. I am hoping you find the venue which allows you to not compromise your deep integrity, and will recompense you properly.
Thank you for what you have given us, and for what you shall continue to produce. I hope we will be honored enough to continue to see your work here.
Peace and safety,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | April 01, 2009 at 05:45
Zoriah, you have much support. I forward your updates to every person I know each time I get one.
Posted by: Helen Bascom | April 01, 2009 at 20:28
Zoriah,
I got introduced to the world of your wonderful creation today only! I am passionate about sensible photography..and the way you are representing the reality I am speechless to see. Even I work in the development field and see this reality touching my feet to heart everyday.
I will try to donate as per my capacity
be well
Posted by: Priyanka Choudhury | July 15, 2009 at 11:06
As more and more consumers use their credit cards to purchase the necessities, more are finding themselves in trouble and unable to keep up with the payments.
Posted by: Annie Masias | September 23, 2009 at 13:50
Why can I not see any of your photos on this site? Is it just a slow download time? Just curious.
Posted by: Nigel Amies | February 03, 2010 at 12:17