i had mistaken yearning for talent

I’ve been saving a portion of the site’s crowdfunding for about a year to put towards buying a lens I find myself renting regularly: a Canon RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM. These are some of the photos I've taken with that lens:

A 70-200 F2.8 is basically a small telephoto lens that also does well in low light, and it’s the best option I’ve found for photographing indoor habitats at with low lighting. (My main massive telephoto cannot do dim light and it’s super unwieldy in tight spaces). It’s probably my favorite lens to use, and just not financially realistic to keep paying to rent something that I’d like to have as one half of my everyday kit. I've really cut back on my regular zoo photography days so I can put put what I'd spend on a rental fee into saving up for the lens instead.

I’ve been watching inflation creep up and continually checking the Canon site, afraid they’ll raise the price. So far not yet, but who knows how long that will last. I just sold some of my older photography gear to help cover the cost. But I’m still not close enough to be confident I can save up enough to buy it before they do jack the price.

This is the main lens I need to get good photos of animals that aren't housed with strong natural light in their enclosures, which is often a majority of the reptiles and birds at a facility. I really want to be able to provide those shots for the site. At my current income level, I won't be able to afford the lens before the end of the year.

That's where I'm asking for your help.

The lens currently costs $2799 before tax. I've raised/saved $1526 of that so far from contributions to the site, my own income, and selling used gear. I'm not expecting to raise the extra 1200 I need in one fell swoop - but anything I could put towards the purchase would be a huge gift.

If you're able to help out, the best place to throw a couple dollars at the project is the Ko-Fi.

Harpy eagle mid-vocalization (taken with the aforementioned lens) as a thanks for your support.

A little story about how I recently met a new little buddy: Franky

a variety of fantasy authors

former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich

uhhhh

As of some one gently flapping, flapping at my chamber door.

“’Tis some fairy,” I muttered, “slapping at my chamber door—

Artists creating derivative or transformative works (without AI) have blanket permission to use this and all photos in the repository as references, including works that will/may be sold.

The Animal Photo Reference Repository is an independent, permanently open-access project and funded entirely by donations.