Elgin 360 Photo Club raising funds for local photographer
One of the Elgin 360 Photography Club's mantras is to give back to their community. Now they are asking for the community's help to give back to one of their own.
Elgin resident and professional photographer James Harvey's camera was recently damaged.
Recently, he has been working with an obsolete backup camera to support his livelihood.
Thus several members of the Elgin 360 club decided it was time to take action to support their colleague.
The club has organized an online fundraising campaign through GoFundMe.com.
Supporters can visit www.gofundme.com/cameraforjames to donate.
The goal of the campaign is to raise $3,000 for a new camera as well as the necessary accessories. As of Tuesday, the initiative had already raised over $1,080 in its first four days.
“As many photographers and artists know, you're only as good as the tools you have,” said Elgin 360 Photography Club member Jason Pawlowski.
A resident of the Elgin Artspace Lofts community and a military veteran, Harvey has been a staunch promoter of Elgin through his art form.
In addition to photographing weddings, business headshots, family portraits and commercial imagery for his business, James Harvey Photography, he has provided his photographic talents to organizations in need such as the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, Centro de Informacion, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, Elgin Young Professionals Network, Gifford Park Association, PADS of Elgin, and Second Baptist Church of Elgin among others.
Harvey has also served as volunteer photographer for numerous events for the City of Elgin, including police and veterans ceremonies, dedications, city council meetings and city-sponsored special events.
The Elgin 360 Photography Club meets monthly to discuss photographic tips and techniques at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin. Photography enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.
For more information about the Elgin 360 Photography Club, visit www.Elgin360.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Elgin360.