A Kickstarter for photojournalists. This is the best way to define the new project Emphas.is that has just been launched to help photographers with ambitious projects but no funding.
Sign up on the site, list their fundraising goals, and spread the word. This is all they need to do. If people like the idea, they will back the project with a small donation.
“By agreeing to back a story, for a minimum contribution of $10, you are making sure that the issues that you care about receive the in-depth coverage they deserve.
In return you are invited along on the journey. Photojournalists on Emphas.is agree to enter into a direct dialogue with their backers, sharing their experiences and insights as the creative process unfolds”.
And what about publishers? If they are interested on a project, they can secure first publication rights by funding up to 50% of it.
One of the projects that can be funded through Emphas.is is Via PanAm. Dutch photographer Kadir van Lohuizer will embark on a 40-week road trip covering 15 countries along the Pan-American Highway. He will visualize the stories of the communities, regions and societies he encounters, covering various aspects of the human rights involved.
Thanks to his backers, tomorrow Kadir will depart for Patagonia. This is his pitch:
CityVISUAL 