There have been some additions to the rewards, read more here.
We've hit our $12,000 stretch goal - a gallery show and book launch. The event will happen in LA this fall/winter. I look forward to seeing you all there!
What exactly is PRIMAL?
The parameters for all the photographs in PRIMAL are the same: a nude human figure paired with an animal motif to create an evocative photograph. The concept for each shot begins with one of those two elements - either an inspiring model or an intriguing prop - and the concept is built from this combination. The models come in all shapes, sizes, races, and ages. Some are experienced professionals and some are friends or acquaintances. The live animals are all treated with great care and respect. The animal parts (bones and furs) are sourced as humanely as possible.
Who am I?
I am Nicholas Freeman, an emerging professional photographer based in Los Angeles, California. Classically trained in photography, I learned my craft the hard way: with a 4x5 camera, sheet film, and a dark room full of chemicals. I apprenticed under the renowned French fashion and celebrity photographer Dominick Guillemot. I am on the local board of directors for the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), a trade organization that educates and advocates for photographers nationally. Most importantly though, I am passionate about what I do. PRIMAL has been a pet project of mine for the past year. I have been working on this collection on my own time between the projects that pay the bills.
*I encourage you to contact me about this project here on Kickstarter or via Facebook or email.
What will the funding be used for?
Funding will go to procuring props, permits, and models. Funds will also pay for travel and expenses, and for reward fulfillment.
The goal is to use half of the Kickstarter funds for content creation and the other half for the printing of books and Kickstarter incentive rewards.
Additional funding will allow me to find more experienced models, travel to more distant locations, and procure more elaborate props.
Cost breakdown of a sample shoot- approximately $300 per shoot
- Model - $100
- Prop - $100
- Location and permit - $50
- Expendables and other miscellaneous expenses - $50
With 12 photo shoots completed by the time of launch, PRIMAL has already cut $3,600 out of its minimum funding goal. With a minimum of 30 shoot sessions needed to complete the book, that leaves 18 shoots still to be funded, and a balance of $5,400. With half the Kickstarter funds going towards rewards, that is a minimum balance of $10,800 for the remaining shoots and production costs. This however does not directly equate to another shoot in the book for every $600 over the goal.
I feel that 30 sessions is the minimum for a quality book with enough variation. The maximum however is constrained by scheduling, and limited to approximately 40. Simply put, more funding means more (and better) models, props, locations, and a better final product.
Stretch Goals
Any additional funds raised beyond what is detailed above will go towards PRIMAL's stretch goals! At $12,000 PRIMAL will be able to hold a release gallery and party in Los Angeles at the completion of the project. The extra money will go towards printing, location, and drinks. At $15,000 there will be some surprise goodies for absolutely everyone who participates, as well as 10 extra pages in the book!
I also know how hard it has been for me to get this project going, and how hard it is for other artists. for this reason I am participating in kicking it forward. a percentage of the profits of this project will be funded back into other kickstarter projects!
REWARDS
With the exception of the limited quantity rewards, any reward can be added to any pledge level by pledging that reward's dollar amount above your pledge level. This can be used to purchase additional quantities or combine rewards that are not normally offered together.
Please contact me with any questions.
About the book.
The finished product will be an 8"x10" softcover book with 50+ pages printed on premium luster archival photo paper for the richest colors and highest image quality. Printed by Blurb.
Although some images will appear online in the gallery and on social media, there will be many images in the book that will not appear anywhere else.
About the prints.
Some of the images are not suitable for all ages. To see the images as intended please follow this link to my site. (NSFW)
The set of 5 framable 8x10s will consist of selected images that are the most iconic and most representative of the collection as a whole.
The prints will be made by ICON in Los Angeles at the end of 2014 after the final images have been selected. To add the prints to a pledge level that does not normally include them, add $150 to your pledge amount.
Risks and challenges
There are many elements that must come together to make this project successful. I’m certainly not too prideful to admit that I can't do this all on my own.
The greatest challenge to realizing the best version of this project is the physical design of the book. I am confident in my ability to create photographs... but the same cannot be said for the writing and graphic design skills needed for the final product. Although I have done print-on-demand books before this one will be my biggest undertaking yet. I may need some help with the layout and design of the book but luckily I have many creative friends who are willing to help.
Another challenge I am currently experiencing is difficulty finding male models willing to shoot nude. This is something that will become easier the more sizable my budget becomes. Kickstarter funding is absolutely essential to make this the best project it can be.
Thank you,
-Nicholas Freeman
Questions about this project? Check out the FAQ
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Funding period
- (35 days)