Kickstarter

Hello Friends,

It's been a while, and a lot has happened since the last update. When I last wrote, I was finishing packing and shipping your rewards. At this point, with the exception of a few folks I'm in contact with, all of the rewards should have been received. If you have not received your reward, please email me directly at csemetko@gmail.com

The last couple of months of the project were productive and tiring. Fortunately my SUV was repaired to like-new condition after the deer incident in North Dakota. On my way out of the state, I stopped and got some interesting landscapes in the -2 degree weather:) The project culminated at the inauguration of President Obama. I was fortunate enough to attend the actual ceremony at the Capitol and two inaugural balls. If you follow me on facebook you may have seen some of the shots I got. I am sure at least one will make it in the final book. 

Speaking of the book--I am close to a final edit of the thousands of pictures the trip produced, and am now talking with publishers. My intention is to have a book out by the end of the year. 

I just returned from a month shooting in Indonesia for a foundation there and am looking at the USA with fresh eyes. I'm sure my month away will affect my final edit. One of my first priorities now is to prepare for the first exhibition devoted solely to the America work. The exhibition, opening May 10th and running till June 20th at the Open Shutter Gallery in Durango, Colorado, will show approximately 32 large prints from the project. Open Shutter is a world class gallery and I'm thrilled about the upcoming show. If any of you will be in Durango during that time frame, please stop by and enjoy what you supported so generously. 

Okay, that's all for now...I will update you with news regarding future exhibitions and developments on the book. Until then, take a look at the ad for the upcoming exhibition that appeared in Photograph Magazine. It features a picture I took in November, just a couple weeks after Hurricane Sandy's devastation. Being on that beach in New Jersey and seeing that roller coaster in the ocean was an experience--like so many others from this project--that I'll never forget. 

Craig

Dear Friends,

I haven't updated you in a while because I've been at home preparing and packing rewards! The vast majority of them were shipped today, Saturday, and the previous Saturday. There are about 10 remaining, and those will go out tomorrow. They have to be mailed tomorrow because I'm back on the road early Wednesday morning. Where am I going? Wait for it--North Dakota! Yes, my Escape is FINALLY fixed!  Or at least that's what I'm told. Bright and early Wednesday (6am) my plane leaves LAX and I will land in Dickinson, ND around 1:30pm. Looking forward to getting my vehicle back. I may stay the night and try to shoot some oil wells Thursday, or I might just leave. I have a troubled history with the deer there...

Anyway, many of you have already received your rewards, but for those of you who haven't, please handle the prints by the white borders and always use two hands. You don't want to crinkle the photo paper by holding it unevenly. And please be careful extricating the prints from the tubes--maybe put two thumbs in and pull the print out evenly. Again, try to only handle the white edges and proceed slowly. I used Fuji Pearl paper--I think it looks great--but it can get fingerprints on it easily. 

It's been a hectic two weeks at home in LA--but your rewards are on their way and now it's time for me to get back on the road! Keep your fingers crossed that the Escape is back in top form! 

Thanks to all, and Happy Holidays! 

Craig

It's Sunday morning here in...(I literally had to look at the hotel phone just now to tell where I'm at) Park Ridge, NJ. I drove here from Washington, DC yesterday where I gave two lectures at the Leica Store and one for a Momenta workshop. I also had an exhibition opening Thursday night at the Leica Store DC. I'm here today today to give a lecture at the New Jersey Camera Expo hosted by Bergen County Camera. We had a great turnout and wonderful time at the Leica Store and I am looking forward to speaking at the Expo today.

Today is the last day of our kickstarter campaign. As you all know, we are at about 116% funded, which is fantastic. But the deer episode has set me back more than expected so I will be making one last push for funds today on social media with a special offer for photographers. But I wanted to let you know about it first.

I am offering a personal portfolio review via skype to the last three people to pledge $50 or more to the campaign, or increase their pledge by $50 or more, today. I'll get together with each person at an agreed upon time and go over their portfolio of up to 20 images. The campaign officially ends at 11pm EST, so take the time zone into consideration if you are timing your pledge.

The first phase of getting this campaign up and running has been very exciting, and I am now looking forward to getting you all your rewards and keeping you updated on the project through its completion.

Thank you all again for your wonderful support! 

Cheers,

Craig

That's right friends, at about 7:30 tonight CST a very generous pledge put us over the the top! I can't thank you all enough for your belief in this project and your extraordinary support. I'm truly humbled. 

I think it's somewhat uncommon for a kickstarter project to hit its goal with a week left. I am hoping new potential backers will continue to see the value in the exclusive offers here on kickstarter and take advantage of them right up until the campaign ends in 8 days. 

In the meantime this project continues to get recognition. Photographer Adam Marelli published a very interesting blogpost today on the America: E Pluribus Unum and the importance of supporting artists in the early stage of their careers. Adam Marelli Photos--Craig Semetko's America: E Pluribus Unum."   

Finally, I am in Chicago now, having rented a car in Dickinson, ND and dropping it off here. The car will take the rest of the month to repair from my unfortunate encounter with a deer. I'm currently working on how I'm going to get to Washington, D.C. next week for the opening of the exhibition of my work at the Leica Store.  I might take a plane, I might take a train, but if I have to walk, I'm goin' to get there just the same...:)

Thanks again to all of you,

Craig

Hello folks,

First off, I want to wish the best of luck to any of you who might have been hit by Sandy. I'm thinking of all my friends on the east coast and hope all is as well as can be expected.

I had the unpleasant experience of hitting a deer last night at 75mph on I-94 in Richardton, North Dakota. I'm okay--I can't say the same for the deer or my vehicle. Looks like I'm staying in North Dakota a little longer than anticipated...

That aside, we're still at 60% of our goal, and we have 18 days to go. That's still enough time, but we'll be heading into the crunch soon. I'm going to spend this time in ND shooting but also connecting with potential supporters.

Thanks again for all your support. You can see my beat up Ford below. I'm very grateful I'm in better shape than it or the poor deer that ran directly into me like a squirrel on three pots of coffee. 

Happy Halloween,

Craig