Why A Coffee Table Photo Book?
A coffee table is universally at the center of conversation. Literally. And the books on it are picked up and read by christian and agnostic alike. I have visited some of the most desolate parts of the world and I have seen things that I cannot un-see. Just before I launched on this mission trip, I purchased a camera “just in case I wanted to take a couple pictures.” Photography has now turned into a passion and over the last 5 months I have been afforded the opportunity to document some of God’s most incredible warriors. It’s my hope that this photo book, compiled of at least 20 pages of my photography from journeys and experiences from 11 countries, will spark a conversation between Christians and non-christians alike. You never know who might pick it up.
Previous to the World Race, I lived in Manhattan in New York City. Working in an office on Madison Avenue, I knew there was more to life and more to my calling. Through a fantastic and crazy roller coaster, I was whisked off on an 11-month mission trip to 11 different countries called the World Race. No. This is not televised and it is NOT like the “Amazing Race.”
Why $4,000?
At the moment, I’m in a coffee shop in Cape Town, South Africa in month 6 of my 11 month mission trip. I have a financial deadline of $16,264 by January 1st 2015. I am currently at $13,057.57. Which means that I have $3,206.43 until I reach my deadline. If I do not reach my deadline, then I will unfortunately be asked to leave the World Race and fly home early in January. I need to reach this next deadline by January 1st and this campaign is how you can help!
I have found a book publisher who has given me the following rates for a premium coffee table photo album with the following qualities:
- Standard Landscape 10″ x 8″
- Dust Jacket Cover
- Standard Black Linen Covering (Hardback Cover)
- At least 20 pages of glossy printed photography
- Short descriptions accompanying various photos telling the location
- I might even throw in some journal entries and some short stories to spice things up!
The more photo books that are sold, the lower the production cost is which mean the more funds can go straight into my support account. Here are the rates that were given to me by the book publisher:
| QUANTITY | PRICE PER COPY |
|---|---|
| 1-9 | US $30.99 |
| 10-50 | US $27.89 |
| 51-100 | US $26.34 |
| 101-300 | US $24.79 |
The Impact
ALL PROFITS will go to my support account. This means that with every book purchase, I am that much closer to staying on the Race until the official end date of June 1st, 2015.
Additionally, this is a dream that you have a chance to make happen. Like I said, a coffee table is universally at the center of conversation, literally. It’s my dream that a person with this photo book, a conversation between Christians and non-christians can be sparked.
Risks & Challenges
If I am unable to raise the full $16,264 then I will be asked to leave the World Race and will not be able to complete this project. I am hoping that enough albums are purchased to stay on this incredible journey!
What Qualifies Me To Create Something Like This?
In the past I have extensive experience volunteering the local community with projects such as these:
- Sitting as Creative Director for a local non-profit in New York and overseeing the graphic design of their press releases and website, I developed an eye for photography and digital design.
- In Thailand I volunteered to set up the local church’s first website http://www.selaphum.org/
- Check out my Vimeo and Youtube Channels for more information about my past work and videos of my recent months. https://vimeo.com/102656726 & http://youtu.be/u3LJOgNKhoE
- Follow my journey on Instagram at http://instagram.com/monumentalliving
- I recently began a website where I briefly post a bit of my photography http://monumentalliving.tumblr.com/
- I try to update my blog every other week. Check it out at www.williamreed.theworldrace.org
Other Ways You Can Help | MAKE SOME NOISE
If you are not in a position to be able to support financially, you can still help MULTIPLY the audience this campaign gets to. IndieGogo has some killer share tools so please, share this on facebook, twitter, instagram.
To reach me, feel free to email [email protected] . Internet is sparse here but I will do my best to respond swiftly.
My team has prayed for me and for this blog post. My prayer is that this photo book that God has put on my heart to make will not only serve to keep me on this Race, but also to affect even just 1 person who picks it up one day. Maybe a friend or relative of yours. If you feel led to buy a photo book, or even donate a tax-deductible donation here on this website, please do. If not, please share this blog post with your friends. It means 6 more months of my life continuing to pour out God’s Love overseas.
Now go and make a room brighter! God is good.
-William Reed
