Hope In Light Imagery - Images of Forest Edges & Participatory Conservation Photography
Camera Donations Over the past year I have begun holding camera workshops for remote forest communities in Borneo. This has turned into a lifetime project. I can't express my amazement of working with these image makers. These often people who have never seen a camera. I've received about 20 camera donations this past year. That has enabled me to leave cameras in some of the forest communities where I work. It has also enabled me to begin a series of children's book projects with three forest communities. Camera donations also help forest communities to document changes of the forest, land use, and issues of direct concern to them. In the world of conservation, documenting this kind of local knowledge is key to sustaining healthy forests for generations and establishing dialog. What is more exciting is when peoples' ideas can lead to direct projects based on people's own thoughts and questions. In addition to using these images to create books and a more nuanced understanding of forest communities, I use these images to apply for grants that directly benefit local people. Within the next year, some potential projects include a tree nursery training, a permaculture workshop, forest tree seed sharing networks, and mediation training and learning exercises. What kind of equipment is useful? I am accepting digital point and shoot and DSLR cameras for donation. Cameras need to be in good working order and accept either standard compact flash cards or SD cards. These standard flashcards also make a wonderful donation. Cameras that accept regular AA or 3 volt batteries are preferred. How does this work? To minimize your costs, you send a camera to an address in the United States. The camera is then forwarded to me at my expense. Upon receipt of the camera, you'll receive a tax-deductible donation receipt. Through August, cameras may be sent to: Camera Donations - Hope In Light c/o J. Sheffy Can I just send cash? Yes. Equipment in the rainforest breaks down. We can never seem to have enough flash cards, backup hardware, cases, or silica gel. Money can purchase these supplies in Malaysia. You may send a donation using PayPal. Larger cash donors always receive a fine art print as a thank you. |