02/11/2024
Hi,
As, a few of you know, I am Rachel, a professional photographer whose career suddenly stopped after a car crash in last year.
Many months were spent minimizing the incident and attempting to regain my footing by working for others before I have to acknowledge the necessity of making a gofundMe.
My goal is simple:
replace my camera gear and car, pay back some debts so that I can get back to work.
To understand why I am asking for help, I want to share with you a little background to my job as a photographer.
I made the decision to trade the office life for the freedom to create a life as a photographer back in 2019.
Since then, my camera has taken me around the world to remote places and spectacular natural events.
I am proud of what I have been able to achieve and photograph, but it's been a life I've had to sacrifice everything for:
Instead of stability, I have scarcity.
Instead of comfort, I have curiosity.
Instead of savings, I have stories.
Photography isn't just my passion; it's my livelihood.
CLICK.
My camera has been my compass, steering me through life.
Living life out of a suitcase means I've often had to enjoy the simplicity of sleeping in rental cars over the comfort of hotels, all to stretch every dollar to get to more remote places to photograph.
Utilizing airline points for flights and finding affordable accommodations has allowed me to explore on a budget that is often times lower than the living costs in the USA.
Travel can be cheap if booked in advance.
Photography is the expensive part.
Photography and helping others is not just a hobby,
it's my profession; my job.
My purpose.
But all this was abruptly paused when I went to pick up a friend from their long 14 hour shift at the hospital, but ended up in a car accident.
Being without a camera for the past 3+ months has impacted my income and mental health.
I am lucky to be physically well now.
But in the months that followed the wreck, there were times that I wish I had gone to the doctors to help me with some health things, but couldn't for I have no health insurance or savings to cover the costs of a visit.
CRASH.
Since the accident, I've faced the reality of selling my camera gear and everything else of value (I dont have much) to cover living and recovery expenses.
I have gone from 2 suitcases to one.
This period has underscored my need for health insurance and exposed me to the consequences of living without a safety net of savings.
CREATE.
Acknowledging the need for help is tough, it’s not in my nature to ask for help.
But after months of silently struggling, it's necessary for me to swallow my pride and seek help.
My immediate goals are:
$10,000 - would cover a year of health insurance, ensuring I don't have to forgo medical care. And I would be able to replace my prescription glasses, and cover the costs of one camera, one lens, and one mini drone so that I can get back to work.
$27,000 would enable me to replace my friend's car —a white 4x4 4Runner—that they have lived without since November. The absence of their only vehicle has significantly burdened them financially, especially as they have also been taking care of me.
How You Can Help:
1. Donate: A contribution of $25 or $50 would significantly help.
2. Spread the Word: If you are unable to donate, sharing this page with your friends and family would mean the world to me.
Your generosity extends beyond financial aid; it revitalizes my purpose and ensures the continuation of sharing global narratives through photography and art
Hi, I’m Rachel, a professional photographer whose career suddenly stopped after… Rachel Wood needs your support for Click. Crash. Create: Help Rachel Recover
