First, I'd like to apologize to those who haven't received rewards yet. I got a batch out a couple weeks ago and had the best intentions to have the remainder competed by now. But my insurmountable "to do list" proves impossible to complete no matter how hard I work. Kickstarter rewards are just one of the several line items that keep getting pushed back. But the guilt is starting to wear on me so it won't be much longer now. No more excuses - thanks so much for your patience.

I haven't been slacking much on photographing though. I can usually juggle one or two mornings a week before work and managed one evening shoot recently on a night when I was able to get the kids to bed a little early. Altogether I exposed around fifty sheets in July. Here are some of the highlights...

Just thought I should post a quick update to let everyone know that I am beginning to ship rewards. All the ten and twenty-five dollar rewards went out yesterday and the fifty and one hundred dollar rewards will ship next week. Thanks for your patience and don't hesitate to email me with any questions/comments.

The sum of your generous donations cleared a couple days ago. After Amazon and Kickstarter took their modest fees the total came to around 2,300. I am attaching a little budget I drew up to give myself and everyone else a visual of where the funds will be allocated.

First and foremost is film and processing. I bought seven boxes of film and with processing the total will take up the majority of funds raised. The next line item after that is for a roll of paper to make the reward prints and proof prints of new images. And a small portion of the funds for the mat board needed to ensure your reward prints are protected and well presented. Lastly I have some high resolution drum scans being produced which are necessary to make large prints for upcoming exhibition opportunities.

The paper should arrive next week, I'll pick up the mat board locally, the magnets are ready for production, and I am working on the chowder recipe this weekend. So shipping/delivery of rewards is on schedule for early to mid July. Thanks again for your support.

I am happy to report that thanks to everyone's overwhelming generosity I reached, then surpassed my goal. The funds raised are going to be put to good use over the next handful of months.

My former large format photography professor John Eide offered an in-kind donation in the form of an equipment loan. He is the man who sparked and encouraged my passion for the medium. His offer means that I won't have to spend any of these funds on a wide angle lens as I had planned and can shoot and process that much more film.

With just over two days remaining there is still time (as a recent backer so eloquently put) to pad the top. So if you know anyone who expressed interest in the project maybe shoot them a reminder email on my behalf.

Once again, I am humbled and honored by all my backers' generosity and support. You are helping bring to fruition a project that is close to my heart and I thank you.

Thanks a million to everyone! The response to this project has been super positive and pledges are flowing in at a reasonable pace. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Here are some brand new images that I just got back from the lab. I'm ramping up efforts to get inside more of the spaces that occupy each wharf. These are the businesses that are keeping the waterfront alive. The image with the life rafts is from Chase Leavitt & Co which has been doing business on the Portland waterfront since 1854.

If you haven't gone to my website lately check http://markmarchesi.com/waterfront.html when you have a moment. I recently completed an update so now there are 30 images viewable.

Thanks again,
Mark

First I want to say thanks a million to everyone who has made a pledge. And thanks to all those who have helped spread the word. The response to this project has been great and I couldn't be happier. I'm excited and inspired by everyone's interest.

I just got about thirty sheets of film processed (with money from my tax return) and posted a handful on my blog.... http://markmarchesi.com/blog/ Larger versions of those and more will be up on my website soon. I'll post another update then.

Also, I met with a writer from the Island Institute today who is doing an article about the project for their publication "The Working Waterfront" Another update when that is available.

Thanks again,
Mark