Support the Creation of Gwadzilla Cycling Themed Photo Books

Support the Creation of Cycling-Themed Photo Books by Joel Gwadz

Help Transform Years of Captured Moments into Stunning Photo Books

For over two decades, I, Joel Gwadz, have been deeply immersed in documenting the vibrant and diverse cycling culture of Washington, DC and beyond. Through the Gwadzilla Blog and the Gwadzilla Facebook Page, I have shared countless words and images on the topic of cycling. I've been taking and sharing photos of all sorts of people passing in front of my camera; diverse urban cyclists, daring bicycle messengers, competitive local racers, and the spirited community rides that define this city's biking scene.

Now, I'm embarking on an exciting journey to turn this extensive visual archive into a series of beautifully curated photo books. These books will celebrate the unique stories and experiences of cyclists from DC. The photos are more of a documentarian effort, than an artistic one. It's a form of Street Photography where photos are a mixture of snapping shots of passing cyclists and then also quickly shot portraits as I shared moments exchange with the bicycle rider on the sidewalk or stopped at a Red Light. Often, the photos were taken while I was on the bike riding to and from work and then also while stepping out of the office for lunch or a breath of fresh air.

Why Now? The Moment to Act is Here

Recently, I faced a significant life change when I was let go from my job as a bicycle mechanic—a position that, while modestly paid, allowed me to stay connected to my passion of cycling. This comes on the heels of navigating the challenges of post-divorce life and recovering from a past injury, all while managing mounting expenses.

The time is ripe for me to dedicate myself fully to bringing these photo books to life. To make this happen, I need your support. Creating these books is not just a passion project; it’s a full-time commitment. While I will continue to work part-time jobs to sustain myself, the bulk of my time needs to be devoted to curating, organizing, and publishing these images.

The Vision: Capturing the Essence of Cycling Culture

The Gwadzilla Photo Project aims to produce several themed photo books, each delving into different facets of the cycling world. The first set will focus on:

Bicycle Messengers: The gritty, dynamic life of those who navigate urban landscapes with speed and precision.

Urban Cyclists: Everyday riders who weave their stories into the fabric of city life.

Cycling in Krakow, Poland: During a week long visit to Poland I snapped shots of people passing by on bicycles in this beautiful city filled with history and culture.

These books will be self-published and available through Blurb.com. Early supporters will have the exclusive opportunity to pre-purchase these books at a special discounted rate.

Your Support Makes a Difference

I’ve spent countless hours over the past month delving into old hard drives and dusty computers, rescuing and organizing a treasure trove of images. Despite some losses, there remains a wealth of photographs that can vividly tell the story of nearly 20 years of cycling culture.

Your contributions will:

Enable Full-Time Focus: Allow me to dedicate the necessary time to this project without the constant pressure of financial instability.

Cover Production Costs: Help with the expenses of self-publishing, from high-quality printing to distribution.

Preserve Cycling History: Support the documentation of a rich cultural tapestry that might otherwise fade into obscurity.

How You Can Help

Please donate to help bring the Gwadzilla Photo Project from a dream to a reality. Your generosity will directly support the creation of these photo books and help me manage my ongoing expenses during this critical period.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As a longtime follower or new supporter, your involvement means the world to me. For years, the Gwadzilla Blog provided a window into the cycling community without asking for anything in return. Now, I’m reaching out to you for the first time, seeking your support to continue this journey in a new, creative direction.

Expect regular updates on our progress and special previews of the work as it evolves. Donors will receive personal thank you messages and early access options for the finished books.

Together, we can preserve and celebrate the spirit of cycling through the Gwadzilla Photo Project. Your support today is not just a donation—it's an investment in capturing and sharing the joy and culture of biking for generations to come.

Thank You for Your Generosity and Support

Joel Gwadz