About this project
What is Unseen about?
Unseen is the story of Hector and Jessica, young blind parents striving to independently raise their two sighted children. I began documenting their lives in 2008 when they found out Jessica was pregnant with their first child. Since then, they have dealt with the increasing need to be self-sufficient in spite of their disabilities. Unseen explores the challenges that Hector and Jessica’s disability presents on a daily basis, and focuses on their desire to start a family of their own.
Why help fund Unseen?
More than 1.3 million Americans are legally blind, and this figure is projected to double by 2030. In our society, the stories of the visually impaired are relatively unknown. It wasn’t until my uncle lost his vision overnight that I realized a significant need to document the personal experiences of the blind. Unseen will be roughly a 30-minute film that utilizes video, audio and still images to give a human perspective on living with this disability. Additionally the project will be hosted on a website customized for the visually impaired, which also includes links to informational resources. By donating to Unseen you become part of an effort to raise awareness of individuals living with visual disabilities.
Who is behind Unseen?
Jesse Neider is a photographer and multimedia producer based in Connecticut. A regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, his work has also been published by The New York Times, NPR, and ESPN.com. Jesse often collaborates with domestic and international non-profit organizations to document their efforts.
The team working on Unseen with Jesse includes producer, Mike Roy, production assistants, Andrew Maclean and Alexandra Hootnick, music, Charles Ashton, and graphics, Drew Jordan.
What is needed to complete Unseen?
Currently, our team has the photographs, video and audio to complete Unseen. However, we need help funding the final production. This includes the cost of editing, marketing, music licensing, screening and the programming for our website.
Will I receive updates on the project when I pledge?
Yes, we will provide individuals who pledge with update emails. You can also follow our fan page on facebook.
Will my pledge amount be publicly displayed?
No. Only we can see your pledge amount.
When will I receive my incentive?
We will begin sending out incentives as soon as we successfully reach our funding deadline.
When will my pledge appear on my credit card?
When we reach the project deadline and have successfully funded Unseen!
Can we exceed our funding goal?
Yes, absolutely! The more funding we receive, the more people we can reach with Unseen and raise awareness about visual disabilities.
What if our funding goal is not met?
If we don’t reach our funding goal, ALL pledges will be canceled and your card will not be charged. Unfortunately, this would mean Unseen would not be able to move forward.
Thank you SO much for your support!
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
108
Backers
$9,235
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on May 27, 2011.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
Updates on the status/progress of Unseen and a sincere, heartfelt thank you
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Special thanks on the Unseen website and facebook page, and all of the above
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One 5x7 signed postcard, personalized thank you card signed by the photographer, and all of the above
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Pre-release signed DVD copy of Unseen, and all of the above
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Autographed 8x10 limited edition print, and all of the above
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Special thanks in the film credits and upgrade to 11x14 limited edition print (from 8x10 print), and all of the above
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Signed limited edition Unseen hardcover book, and all of the above
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16x20 signed archival print, and all of the above
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
Two 16x20 signed archival prints of your choice, personalized portrait session with the photographer (airfare and lodging not included)
Project By
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Jesse is an award winning freelance photographer and multimedia producer based in Southern Connecticut. A regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, his work has also been published by The New York Times, NPR, ESPN.com, and Bloomberg Magazine. Jesse was selected as a participant in the 2009 Eddie Adams Barnstorm XXII workshop.
Jesse has often collaborated with various non-profit organizations such as Children of the Promise in Haiti and Community Action Towards a Safer Environment (CASE) in South Africa. He has also worked as the Coordinator for the David Turnley Photography Workshops that operate domestic and international learning programs.
Jesse holds a Masters of Science in photojournalism from Syracuse University and previously earned dual bachelors degrees in Psychology and Fine Art from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Jesse is available for freelance assignments.
