I am Hinda Schuman, the photographer and writer. DEAR SHIRLEY is my true story. The book is being published by Daylight Books, a nonprofit dedicated to publishing art and photography books which explore the documentary mode along with the more conceptual concerns of fine art.
I have documented the beginnings and the endings of my relationships, captured in bursts of 1/125th of a second. DEAR SHIRLEY is filled with humor, anger, missed cues and discouragement. It is also about falling in love and the promise and excitement of finding someone to spend my life with. I see 2018 as the right time for a conversation about the hopes for queer marriages and the risks entailed. Like others in the 1970’s and 80’s, I was seeking a new path for myself. Ever been in love? Ever seen it all called into question? By the mid 2000's, the joy was being replaced with frustration, misunderstanding and an inability to crawl out of deep ruts. All the ingredients for a perfect afternoon read. And who doesn’t like to read other people’s mail?
Daylight Books is designing, printing, and marketing the book. However, I must make a substantial contribution to this process. I want to make that contribution with help from friends, old and new. I am asking you to make a contribution either as a cash donation (which includes a perk) or passing along the link to the campaign via email and social media. Your support is crucial to bringing DEAR SHIRLEY to a wide community.
My personal work has been exhibited locally and internationally. Images from the second chapter of DEAR SHIRLEY, entitled A True Story, were awarded first prize in the open category of the International Pride Photo Awards 2011.
For twenty years I was a full-time photojournalist at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Currently I teach photography of many genres. You can read student comments on my website. (http://hindaschuman.net).
Because this book is both so personal and public, I see DEAR SHIRLEY as an opportunity to speak to people who find their way to this story. It is both a portrait and a visual memoir.
What We Need & What You Get
My share of the publication costs is $32,500. That is an annual salary for many families. Knowing that, it makes it all the more difficult for me to ask for help for a personal project. But I have seen that DEAR SHIRLEY can touch many people. I hope to make people laugh and speak out loud of thoughts kept bottled up inside. I hope it is a catalyst for many discussions.
Perks are a small way for me to thank you for your support. Advanced, signed copies of the book are the top offer. There are also options to own a signed print from the first edition. The sizes are from 8 ½” X 11” to 17”X 22”. A terrific tote bag with an imprint from the book; an opportunity for an individual 1-hour critique of your photographs via Skype are among the other perks offered. There will also be Secret Perks so stay updated to find out about what I have yet to reveal. I have chosen a flexible goal for my campaign because the thought of not quite reaching my goal and having the momentum slip, and the book not reaching a broad audience seems too much to lose. With your help DEAR SHIRLEY will be in print and available for sale.
Risks & Challenges
I have many friends supporting my Indiegogo campaign. They are truly the spine and spirit of this goal. They advised me about long walks off short piers. They offered marketing tips and created spreadsheets for me to keep track of the financial end of the crowd sourcing campaign. Special thanks and gratitude to the team at 6 Eighteen Studios, Shelagh Byrne and Linda Johnson, who created the video of my Indiegogo campaign. (http://6eighteenstudios.com). My dear friend Eve has provided invaluable help with the financial calculations and editorial nuts and bolts of this campaign. I have received so much encouragement that I find it fills me with emotion. With their help and with yours we will reach this goal.
Other Ways You Can Help
I so value your acknowledgement that what I am creating is worth the effort – some of that will be via your support with financial contributions. There are many who would like to offer support but can’t do a cash donation. I value cheers and loud proclamations of “yea!” Sending links to social media or letting friends know via email or word of mouth is a most welcome gift. My email address is dear1shirley@gmail.com, for those who want to communicate directly with me. Any funds raised above the $32,500 I will contribute to public libraries and LGBTQ organizations.
