Sum,
thanks at first that you wrote what it means to be a "enthusiast" for LSR sport and doing something for the speed community.
But it's not only the people who runs websites.
I'm in similar position - as a photographer for the salt racers.
Last year I had to switch over from old analog camera system to digital - the reason - I can't find anymore a photoshop who developed my rollfilm properly - the crashed me all rolls from August 06 - and the other - the cost for right prints in big size - the last ten years the prize explode by 1000 percent here in Germany - not a joke....and when a bad joke...........
Making picture the way as I do, needs a proper equipment - from September 2006 to today I spent more than 15 000 dollars for my new equipment and the necessary computer stuff to get the digital picture right......by the way......95 percent of the picture I'm doing over the year is at the Bonneville Salt Flats
This is one side - the other is to come over from Germany to the salt - I got now all my bills together - was for the 2007 season around 8000 dollars.
I start to ask for a donation when I give the CD-ROM with the pictures to the racers and teams.
With a very splitting experience..........
Some people gave a donation other not - what really surprising me - people who I know they got not to much money (like good friends from Phoenix and Portland who gave me a huge donation) they are people who give a nice donation - other who owns the money walk away with a thanks.......
One team owner had a problem to know what my pictures are worth - he walked to Jon, the webmaster, and asked Jon for a suggestion.....and Jon, thanks to you - you done well with your opinion......
Thanks to the team owner who follows Jon's mind, also thank you very much to all the other who tooks care with a donation - which also means to me a thank you for my work behind the lens.....
Therefore, some of them gave me not directly cash but they sent me later a check........unfortunately they brought me in trouble..........to clear a check cost me here in Germany 25 dollars.........
Next year in August at the salt I have to trade this checks into a dollar note.........or if this donaters read this......and may be you remember that you sent a check......put the amount of cash into a envelope (best between two post cards) and send them again.....this would be great.
I will collect this cash for my 2008 season........because I will be back in 2008 again for the racers at the salt......doesn't matter if I be in the deep debt on the end of the year.........I love this sport and I got so much friends there at the salt...........I don't like to miss this great people.
I wish you all a great off season - preparing your racers for the 2008 season - and I see you all again at home - at the Bonneville Salt Flats........
