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on September 16, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #125 month anniversary!
Post CommentHey you guys!
In a few days we're coming up on the 5 month anniversary of departure. The world is a beautiful place, and I've been trying to do my part and show you everything I've been seeing. I had a few days in Mongolia to just sit around and I filled my website with some of my favorite photos so far. You should have a look!
Thank you all for being a part of this. I'm sending out big love to you.
Sonya
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on March 8, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #11!!!we did it!!!
I love you all!! Big time!! Thank you!!
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on March 8, 2011Funded!
A Search for Heartbreaking Beauty by Sonya Louise Barham
A project about sacrificing security for the sake of experience.
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100% funded $10,005 pledged
- 142 backers
- Funded Mar 08, 2011
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on March 6, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #1037 hours!
Post CommentIt's the last day, and there's still a long way to go!!!! I have five 20x24 prints framed and matted (to about 22.5x26.5) from the show that I am offering as rewards for the next 5 people who pledge $150 (shipping only in the US).
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on February 24, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #9Merci! Grazie! Danke!
Post CommentThank you friends and thank you new backers! Spreading the word is working, this little project just might meet its goal!
Please don't forget about the photo exhibition on March 5th. There will be framed 20 x 24 prints for sale. The proceeds will go towards the Kickstarter goal. I'm hoping that, coupled with everything you all have been doing to help, it will give the final push at the end. I would love to see every one of you make it so I can give you all a hug! For now it is a humble thank you, but when I am in a position to do so, I'm going to find a way to repay this debt of gratitude.
http://www.fifthfloorgallery.com/a-search-for-heartbreaking-beauty
11 days to go and then no more emails from me and Kickstarter clogging up your inbox :) They have a system set up where when the deadline has passed I can collect your address info and then I'll be able to send you all your postcards and presents once I've hit the road.
I hope to see everyone who will be in Los Angeles on March 5th at the show.
Lots of love and a million thank yous!
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on February 20, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #8An opportunity to refine the message...
Post CommentI received an email this morning inquiring about the validity of the project and its goals. I think the questions Katie asked are questions a lot of people have been silently asking as well. The scope of this project is so broad it has been difficult for me to define it. Katie's inquiry presented me with a wonderful opportunity to develop my thesis further, so I am sharing it here:
Dear Sonya,
I’m just wondering.
What exactly is the difference between me giving you some money to pay for your world tour with a camera, or me giving hundreds of my dear friends or family money to do the same thing? I would choose my family or friends over an unknown person in this case.
This whole project smacks of you trying to get money for doing nothing more than having a “personal” experience of a lifetime.
I’m really happy to fund projects which help communities or people/animals/environments in need, etc, but this request seems like a darn cheek.
Please help me understand what you are giving to the world, except pictures, which honestly I receive so many of, from so many places around the world, and I’m not paying for any of them.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
With love,
Katie
Hi Katie,
I think the difference is that your friends and family have not taken this on in their life. I could be wrong, because I don’t know them but, do you know anyone in your personal circle who has just quit their job, sold everything that they own, aside from socks, underwear, and a few pairs of jeans, and is getting ready to fly their cats to a foster home and say goodbye to every person they know and love because they believe living life unconventionally and sharing experience is something that we all should be doing more of? If you do, then of course you should be supporting them over me, it only makes sense.
Maybe it is hard for you to see it now, because the project has not truly started yet, it still requires a little imagination on your part, but it is in every way a project that helps communities or people/animals/environments in need. I am going to be walking into these communities, meeting these people, photographing the animals, the environments and telling the stories. I’ll be taking the time every day to show everyone who cares to come along with me. This contribution may seem humble when set next to large organizations raising money for causes, but I am only one person, and I think over time my humble contribution (the experience and perspective of a person going out into the world without a journalist’s agenda of seeking sensationalism, but merely searching for beauty and hoping to understand the different ways in which people live their lives without categorizing them as the “other”) can grow into something extremely noteworthy and important, not only to me, but to the communities or people/animals/environments that have been a part of this journey.
Take a look at the link I’ve attached. http://www.petapixel.com/2010/10/20/photographer-jr-wins-prestigious-ted-prize-for-giant-faces-in-slums/ This young man started out as a street artist from Paris. Slowly what he was doing and his message spread worldwide. The simple act of photographing members of communities, often in ghettos and disenfranchised areas that tourist would not think to visit, and pasting their portraits throughout their own neighborhoods, brought hope and inspiration to their lives on a personal level, and visibility to what is going on in their communities. I believe it is the responsibility of those of us who have the privilege of mobility to move throughout our spaces and take time to know and understand people and places that may be hidden away. We are undeniably interconnected through energy and our collective existence on this planet. I think a revolution of awareness around this energy connection is about to begin. This project is my participation in that.
The money that I am trying to raise is about one fifth of what this project will cost. No one one is paying me to do this. I am taking huge risks with my personal life, of my own volition, because I believe that this story and the stories that will inevitably come are important and need to be told. If you do not see value in that then of course there is no need for you to support it, and I wouldn’t ask it of you. You say that this whole project smacks of me trying to get money for doing nothing more than having a “personal” experience of a lifetime, and I suppose it’s true, but I believe revolution comes from within, we slowly spread our love, evolution, and compassion to the lives that we touch along the way, and they in turn do the same. It’s a slow and simple process, but it is worthy.
Thank you for your interest and inquiry in the project. I hope you are happy and healthy, and I encourage you to invest in those causes that you believe need your energy and attention.
Sincerely,
Sonya -
on February 19, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
commented on a project updateI've written to hundreds of businesses, and so far I've gotten great sponsorship in the way of donations for gear, air miles, and online backup, but no cash. Still writing to people though...
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on February 19, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #7Ooooooh noooooo
I'm not trying to be a drama queen, but things are not looking so hot. There are just a couple of weeks left and we're only at the halfway mark. I am at my computer day and night looking for sponsors and other ways to get the project seen, but so far the best way has really been friends recommending the project to other friends, word of mouth.
So I'm just going to ask you all for ONE last favor; There are 100 backers so far. If every backer was able to get 5 of their friends to donate just $5 it would put us at the 75% mark. I'm sure I can make up the rest from the photo exhibition on March 5th, but I really need your help. If you think the project is doing something important / meaningful / exciting tell people about it! Help them see what's great about it!
5 friends 5 dollars! We can do this!!
Thank you. Much love to you all for helping and supporting me. Just 2 more months and the cats and I will be on a plane to London because you all cared enough to do this with me. That's pretty awesome.-
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Jill Prescott on February 19, 2011
In my business I was always being offered so many opportunities, product and money to work with them. I only worked with companies I really liked but there were many offers. Just like the backpack, I would think there are many companies that would love to sponsor for stories and photos. Travel Channel, PBS, Nike, Kodak...?
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Sonya Louise Barham on February 19, 2011
I've written to hundreds of businesses, and so far I've gotten great sponsorship in the way of donations for gear, air miles, and online backup, but no cash. Still writing to people though...
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on February 16, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #6Come to the show!
Hi Friends,
I know a lot of you are not in the LA area, sadly, but if you happen to find yourself here on March 5th I would love to see you all at Fifth Floor Gallery. The project is exhibiting 6 photos there and having a reception that evening. So show up if you can!
Hugs
http://www.fifthfloorgallery.com/a-search-for-heartbreaking-beauty
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on February 3, 2011
Sonya Louise Barham
Posted project update #5Only 32 days to go!
Post CommentHi Friends!
Time is slipping away and funding has reached a standstill. I'd really like to see the goal reached so the project can succeed and I know you would too! I'm working daily over here at finding new ways to get the word out. I've been following other projects on Kickstarter that have raised $25,000 in a matter of a few weeks, so I know it's possible. People just need a reason to care about the project, and that happens when people they care about recommend it.
There are a few things you can do to help it along:
1. Share the video! Post it on your Facebook, email it, tweet about it, put it on your blog! You can embed it straight from the Kickstarter page or youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch...
2. On the Facebook Fan page, under the project's profile picture, click on the "Suggest to Friends" link and invite people to check the project out. http://www.facebook.com/AS4HBB
3. Follow me on twitter (SonyaLouise434) and retweet my blog posts.
4. If you believe in what this project is about and what I'm trying to do with it, contact your friends, tell them you donated to this Kickstarter project and ask them to match your gift.
Thank you in advance for all of your help, and thank you again for pledging! Let's make this happen!!
Sonya Louise Barham
Los Angeles, CA
I'm an artist with an AA in Photography, a BFA in Painting and Illustration, and an extensive work history in the Art and Design worlds.
Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you!
:D
Oooooh yeeeeaaaarrh! Nicely done!
I wish you all the best of luck in the trip, and I can't wait to see the photos along the way. Have a faaaakin amazing time, and hats off to you (not that I ever wear hats mind) for having the guts to sack everything off in your life and go for this. You've got a lot more guts than most people I know. You should be seriously proud of yourself for this.
Ps. If I was you after all the stress of this fund raiser I'd take a few days off to chill (or celebrate) and get ready to live the dream so many of us want to be doing too ;) Well jealous, but seriously happy for you... live every minute of it in as many crazy and unusual ways as you can. x