Tell Every Story
Every story has the opportunity to move someone.
Project Description
Salem Merhawit’s growing media company provides photography and creative guidance to specifically highlight the stories and voices of groups that have been historically excluded. In addition, she creates and launches creative projects centralizing those very communities. Salem looks at the ordinary and finds what makes it authentic and wondrous.
What is the problem I'm trying to solve?
There has always been a need for media companies to make space for stories that represent historically excluded people: from a child of African immigrants to the Latinx metal band leader to a simple queer love story. Spaces where these stories are highlighted and brought to the forefront are minimal and, oftentimes, heavily gate kept and inaccessible. “Telling every story” is about creating a space and platform where you can find a creator who will advocate for your story and help you execute it at an accessible level.
Photography:
Have you ever had an idea for your photos and thought "How would I make this happen?" I want to make that image in your head come to life. Need multiple looks that each have different energy but still feel consistent for your website or album art? I want to provide you with an experience and artistic direction that is empowering for you and the brand you’re developing!
Storytelling:
This is a developing space for myself, but long term this is my ultimate goal. Photography is an incredible medium to showcase people and their stories in way that are in their control. Longterm, I am working on filmmaking and podcasting as additional ways to get peoples stories released. I want to help your story come off the page and on to the screen, or into peoples ears. We can work the type of story you want to tell and figure out the best medium to make it heard!
How does your product/service solve this problem?
Clients can have incredibly creative ideas but may not know where to start or who to talk to in order to execute them. From start to finish, I am here to nurture the ideas to fruition. Black and Brown stories tend to be led and created by and for the white gaze. Creative spaces have only shared more diverse stories due to the new voices that have made space for themselves, creating a new footpath for folks like me to follow. I am to be the impact of when a script is found by a Black and Brown directors to hire black and brown actors or Queer actors portray a story written by a queer person. We deserve to be a part of the process of how we are seen.
What I need
This will be funding based on tiers:
Tier 1: To Get Me Started- 5,000
Upgraded camera body
Links are Below are examples of Equipment!
Sony Alpha
Gimbal
New Lens Kits-
Camera Sound and Flash Attachments
- https://www.amazon.com/EACHSHOT-Wireless-Speedlite-Mirrorless-A7R-III/dp/B01MROWZ66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1530648368&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=Godox+350s&psc=1&smid=A3FQCPG42Q240W&linkCode=sl1&tag=sonyaccess-20&linkId=510eedaf65d3e968610f91dad603ee23
- https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Shotgun-Plug-Jack-Cable/dp/B00FX8V4U4/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Sennheiser+MKE+600&qid=1633157752&sr=8-5
Tier 2- Dreaming Big: 2,000
Audio equipment for podcasting and filming
Lighting and background equipment for studio set up
Adobe Products
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will we hear back from you about scheduling my shoot or call?
Within 2 weeks of your donation! I need time to collect the equipment
and software this campaign is funding! The goal is to start scheduling
shoots to happen near march when the weather begins to warm up.
Should you prefer a rented studio space, follow up with me, however
that is not included in the donation reward.
What is the turnaround time for editing the raw headshots shot by an outside photographer?
5 days after I received them via email.
How many photos come in a portrait package?
20 edited photos, 4 of which come with retouching.
After an hour long session I can provide you with 20 shots that are edited! It can be your best cosplay picnic or even a tasteful boudoir shoot. I am open to shooting you in a way that makes you feel powerful! You can have up to 2 looks during the session.
This is just in case you want to give a little something, just because your care!
Do you have 5 shots that need a skin retouching? I can support you! Send me your raw files and I get off that annoying zit that showed up the morning of your shoot, or help the lighting that somehow disappeared as soon as you pulled your camera out.
In honor of the season and your generosity I want to say thank you by writing a cute little love poem for you or someone you want to send it to!
I can provide you with a 45 minute session and provide you with 10 shots, 5 with skin retouching for your bio, websites and linkedin!
This is a helpful 30 minute confidential session that on a creative idea that you want feedback on. This can be constructive critiques or some needed reassurance!
Rewards
After an hour long session I can provide you with 20 shots that are edited! It can be your best cosplay picnic or even a tasteful boudoir shoot. I am open to shooting you in a way that makes you feel powerful! You can have up to 2 looks during the session.
This is just in case you want to give a little something, just because your care!
Do you have 5 shots that need a skin retouching? I can support you! Send me your raw files and I get off that annoying zit that showed up the morning of your shoot, or help the lighting that somehow disappeared as soon as you pulled your camera out.
In honor of the season and your generosity I want to say thank you by writing a cute little love poem for you or someone you want to send it to!
I can provide you with a 45 minute session and provide you with 10 shots, 5 with skin retouching for your bio, websites and linkedin!
This is a helpful 30 minute confidential session that on a creative idea that you want feedback on. This can be constructive critiques or some needed reassurance!