Help a Starving Artist

www.iamdave.com/

page last updated
March 18 2004

I've refrained from "begging" in the past because I was not yet happy with how the web site looked. After losing my job in August 2002, I have put lots of effort into making this domain easier to navigate. I think it looks quite nice considering I've never taken a class for or read a book about HTML.

I need to make some money with my work so that I can continue.
You can help in several ways.

#1. Go to my online store and buy a photograph

This is the best option. Purchasing my work will put a bit of cash in my pocket, and give you a nice piece to hang upon a wall. A photo on a wall is like free advertising for me, and may lead to more sales. The Store page has many photographs listed for sale. If you don't see your favorite photograph posted on that page, email me with a link to the photo that you would like to buy. I'll try to find the image in my files, then get back with you.

#2. Sponsor a roll of film and processing

I've not gone digital. Mostly because the used camera body which I would need costs no less than $1200 on ebay. The prime model is at least $3,500. A roll of film, batteries and processing cost about $20.00.

#3. Feed Me... "But I'm Hungry"

Everyone must eat. A couple of dollars can go a long way in my backpack.

or invite me over for dinner.
Meal suggestion... Liver and Onions or your regional specialty
I have no food allergies and will eat anything that anyone else can eat.

#4. Spread the word!
Suggestions	A.	Pass my web site address on to some of those in your address book. If you see a photo or story you like, forward the pages address (URL) to those who may also enjoy it.
	B.	If you know someone that is moving into a new house, I think they are gonna need a unique gift for the wall.
	C.	If you know a coffee shop or other venue in your area that allows artists to hang works on their walls, let those people know about me.

#5 Please don't steal my copyright protected work
I've been working on this project for over 20 years. It isn't a hobby, it is my life. Consider the cost of getting a "good" photograph...
Schooling	Although my formal photography schooling was obtained in a public school, there are now costs of publications and club dues to contend with. Many of the schooling costs are included in some of the following catagories.
Travel	Per mile... My truck is now 5.5 years old. It has over 186,000 miles on it. At $.25 per mile, my truck costs me about $8,500 per year. Per flight... Average cost for each flight I've taken... $400 (+taxes and fees) I fly about once per year. Rental car for an average of 18 days... $460-890 (depending on type of vehicle) Fuel... variable depending on country and region.	$9,500
hotel and camping fees (I've got to live somewhere)	Camping in Indiana State Parks and forests has risen to $18 per day. Hotels can be gotten for about $70 per night. 180 days of each averages out to be $15,840. We could also consider State and National Park entry fees.	$15,840
time	What is my time worth? What is a marketable wage for my experience level? How many hours a day do I put into building this web site, shooting film, traveling? This figure can not be calculated.	***
film, Bateries, and processing	Per roll, about $20.00 With a quick glance of my files, I figure I've shot 700 (+/- 100) rolls of film over the years. Average of $2,000 per year.	$2,000
Photography equipment and repairs	Great photographs start with the best equipment. Nikon lenses are the best, and not inexpensive. I've got well over $6,000 in photo gear alone. (well over) Camping gear... $2,000+ Repairs the past 12 months... $700. Average $1,582 per year	$1,582

Per year totals for the above catagories...		$28,922
These figures don't include insurance, food, clothing and many other expenses.
Please don't steal my copyright protected work

I'd rather live a life with a sense of adventure and a chance at greatness,
than to constantly drift with the ordinary.