A New Camera for Witchy Words!

Hi everyone! My name is Marietta and I'm the content creator behind Witchy Words, a blog about modern witchcraft and paganism.  If you're from the Kansas City community, you may know me as the volunteer event photographer for most of the public rituals in the area.  Being able to volunteer my time and take these photos is my way of giving back to a community that I truly love and want to support in any way I can. 

I currently work with a Sony RX100.  The RX100 is the best low-lighting and quick movement capture camera on the market for being a mix between a DSLR and a Point-and-Shoot. 

In layman's terms, the RX100 allows me to discretely take excellent photos at events without hauling around a giant camera and making lense changes.  It ensures pictures come out clear even in very dark settings or when ritual attendees are moving quickly. 

I have owned my current RX100 since 2013.  I've been having stalling issues with my camera, which can interrupt my ability to take all of the essential photos I need, missing some of the most important key elements of ritual.  My camera has been struggling to focus for probably almost a year leading to blurry photos.  The LCD screen is partially damaged from general wear and tear.  All of these problems have increased greatly over the past few months.

In addition to all of this, I have a crack in my lens that is becoming harder and harder to edit out of final photos.

I started a GoFundMe campaign seven months ago and raised $275 ($250 after fees).  A thank you to those who donated there will be listed below.  Unfortunately, I need the funds in a more timely fashion as my camera is likely to go within the next couple of months.  Having a camera allows me to continue to produce the same content I always have, to continue to volunteer as a photographer in the pagan community.  If you have a spare dollar or two lying around and wouldn't mind contributing to keep a blogger working, I would certainly appreciate it!

What I Need

In order to continue taking photos, I need a new camera.  That's indisputable.  However, after my experience with the Sony RX-100, I would like to stay with the same kind of camera.  While the Sony RX-100 is up to their fifth incarnation, both four and five come with overheating and technical issues that concern me.  Instead of looking at the most recent camera in the market, I'm looking at the best one for what I do: The Sony RX-100M III.  It's still being sold by Sony brand new and makes improvements upon on what the RX-100 line is known for - low lighting event photos, quick capture and high resolution.

I'm not asking for the latest, newest or brightest.  I'm just asking for something that keeps me functional.

The Sony RX-100M III is currently going for $698.  With the $250 raised from GoFundMe, that brings it down to $448.  Add on the 5% IndieGoGo fee and I just need $470 to get a camera that keeps me blogging.  In addition, I would need a new carrier for the camera since the RX-100M III is a different size from my current camera.  That brings us up to a nice, round $500.

I'm setting a time limit of 60 days to obtain these funds.  I don't think my current camera will last much longer than that.

Over the next two months, I'll be working alongside supporters to gain the funds necessary to replace my camera.  Even if I don't hit my goal here, that camera will need to be replaced.  Any funds here will go strictly to that.
 

 

Stretch Goals

Let's say I raise more than the $500 I need.  This would give me a chance to get some much needed filters and lenses for my camera that would help me take even better photos!  Here's some stretch goals I have in mind:

• $555 - Adding UV, FL-D and C-PL filters.  Sometimes it's really bright outside, which can wash a photo out (overexposure).  Sometimes, indoor lighting makes skin look a sickly yellow color.  These filters will allow me to adjust my camera for any lighting situation I might be in.
• $690 - Adding a telephoto lens.  A telephoto lens will allow me to take pictures that look like I'm closer to the action than I actually am.  This is particularly handy in rituals where I can't break from the circle.
• $765 - Adding a macro lens.  Kind of the opposite of a telephoto lens, this will allow me to take even better up close photos of altars and items.  It lets me capture details and focus on the tiny item in front of me.
• $960 - Waterproof housing.  While I'm unlikely to need to take photos underwater, waterproof housing can allow me to take photos in the rain without worrying about destroying my camera.  While I've been incredibly fortunate that public rituals outside have always been sans rain, one day, that won't be the case and I won't be able to take pictures!

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can't contribute, I completely understand!  I wouldn't be asking for assistance if I had the money to put towards this.  However, there are other ways you can help out:

• Get the word out and make some noise about this campaign.  The more people that see this, the more likely I am to hit my much-needed goal.
• Indiegogo has a share tool.  Use it to share this to your favorite social media platform!

A Special Thank you to GoFundMe Contributors and In-Person/Paypal Donations:

These wonderful people contributed to my new camera fund before it become a matter of urgency.  I still want to recognize them here.  This is also a place to keep track of those who have supported me in person or via another online payment method.

Jessica Leffler - $50
"For the camera!"

Hugh Carey - $25
"Thank you for such a great blog!"

Abby Morris - $20
"Happy house warming dear!"

Heather Hitchman-Lambert - $20
"Go forth and take pictures!"

Robin Hicklin - $10

Jana Springer - $20
"you are appreciated! I always enjoy the way events are captured through your camera lens!"

Anonymous - $150

Anonymous - $10

Gwenhwyfar Wyrrd - $20
"Good luck meeting your goals. You are so appreciated!"