THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EYE

Defraying Expenses
Defraying Expenses No matter how one approaches it, photography is a relatively expensive art
medium. If students can all afford or otherwise obtain cameras, one major
hurdle will be cleared. If not, it may be necessary to provide one or more
"class cameras." The same might apply to a tripod and a few other accessories.
In addition, there are the costs of darkroom equipment, film, paper
and chemicals. Depending on circumstances, the school may underwrite all
of these expenses, the students may be expected to cover the full amount
themselves or something in between.
Fortunately, if funds are limited, photography offers a number of fundraising
possibilities.
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• A local camera club or civic group might be approached for contributions
of money or equipment.
• Exhibits might be held — perhaps in a private gallery, civic center, town
hall, store, museum, church, Y or library — with a modest fee.
• Prints, especially those in an exhibit, can be offered for sale. A standard
minimum for pricing prints is to triple the total cost of supplies.
• The class might produce an annual calendar to sell in the community, perhaps
featuring local highlights. (The Chamber of Commerce might be
persuaded to buy copies in bulk.)
• Greeting or note cards, postcards or posters might be produced and sold,
perhaps with the assistance of a local printer willing to print them at cost.
(This is especially feasible if the printer uses excess paper from other
printing jobs.) Perhaps the school has a print shop that can handle the job,
or an art class that can produce silk screen prints.
• Perhaps a black-and-white book of student work can be published and
marketed in conjunction with an art class.
• A camera might be raffled at some community function.
• A portrait booth might be set up at a school carnival or town fair or on
the street at any time. (Lights could be set up if needed, portraits photographed,
prints delivered later.)
• Advanced students might even hire out on behalf of the class to cover
weddings or parties for a fee. (Legalities and local sentiment should be
checked first.)