Allison's New Lens Before College

Over the past several years I have fallen in a deep love with photography. Back when I was in just the 5th grade, I shot film(Yes, that still exists!) on a Minolta Maxxum 7000. Out of probably 200 rolls, I had maybe 3 good photos overall.

From there, I bought my own Mamiya RB67, a medium format film camera. I shot less, and enjoyed it more. By my 8th grade year, I knew how to develop the film, and make genuine silver halide black and white prints.


During that time, I also acquired a DSLR. My parents were tired of paying for the continual (and increasing) cost of film,  so they bought me the Canon Rebel XSi, hoping to slow down my consumption of film. From there, when I was 14, they bought me the Canon 100mm f/2.8. When I was 14, they bought me the Canon 7D.

Now, at 18 years old, I have been shooting with the same equipment for 4 years. The Canon 7D, and the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. 

For larger projects, such as weddings, I rent professional grade lenses. It didn't take me many rental cycles to realize something- My equipment has been limiting the level of my work.

It is often said that the equipment is not what makes the photographer good, but rather, the talent, vision and understanding of what goes into a photograph is what makes a photographer "good".
Yet, even the greatest photographer in the world can only make as great of work as the equipment will allow.

Being an incredibly involved high school student with college soon approacing, it is increasingly difficult to raise my own funds to purchase the equipment I know I need. All of the money donated to this fund will go toward the purchase of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens.

Having rented and used a similar lens, I know how much of a difference this lens will make in my work. Shooting and editing go much faster-Not only is it easier and faster for me to get the photos I want during the shoot, but the time I spend editing the photos is reduced considerably.

Even more important to me is the fact that I will be able to provide a higher quality product for my clients. The majority of my income is from doing senior portraits. I love doing portraiture, and having this lens will allow me to create better images for my clients.

Not only that, but it will end up reducing my expenses, as there will be one less lens I will need to rent for higher profile events.

Other than client work, on my own time, I adore fashion and editorial photography. As an aspiring fashion photographer with dreams of going to college in New York, having a competitive portfolio that I am proud of is important to me.

I greatly appreciate all of the support my work has received so far from friends, family, community members, and even other photographers. Thank you so much for any support you can provide, whether it be a donation, or simply sharing this page.

I'd love to give back to those who believe in my work and what I do, so I'm very excited to offer reward levels including prints, and even the opportunity to contribute or star in a photoshoot.

The following are images I have taken with the Canon 85mm f/1.2 during my last rental order(A very similar lens):



(Model: Jared Borek, Runway Model and Talent)



(Model: Jared Borek, Runway Model and Talent)

(Model: Ryan Ask) 


(Model: Ryan Ask)

(PS: While the lens itself is only $969.00, the extra $30 will help to pay for shipping and packing supplies to get prints to donors)