When photographer Jesse Hunter set out from Australia to travel around the world, he had no idea what he would see, discover, and capture on film. Nearly two years and forty-four countries later, he found that there was a pattern to his photos — namely the 800 love hearts he had photographed along the way.
Wanting to share these images with the world where he found them, Jesse turned to Indiegogo, a global platform, to raise funds to produce a photo book. Check out his pitch video:
By connecting with his audience on an emotional level, offering great perks, providing regular campaign updates, and sharing some of his pictures, Jesse’s campaign, ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD, raised $14,370 — nearly triple his original goal of $5,100 — from 180 funders around the globe.
After his campaign ended, Jesse made sure to keep his contributors informed about the status of their perks — and stayed dedicated to his original timeline to make sure that they received them ASAP.
Wanting to find out more about Jesse’s crowdfunding experience and check in on the status of his book, I got a chance to speak with him — check out our interview below (and the video at the top of the page!).
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I studied fashion, graphic and multimedia design from my late teens to mid 20s. Most recently though I travelled the world photographing 44 countries on 6 continents.
Why did you decide to crowdfund your project on Indiegogo?
Indiegogo is the largest worldwide platform for crowdfunding, so selecting to run my campaign with them was an easy choice 🙂
What was your overall crowdfunding experience like?
This was a most enjoyable experience full of surprises during the entire 45 days and beyond!
What was a non-monetary benefit of your campaign?
Realizing that so many people appreciate the creative work I produce. The interest and support I received from friends, family and those who I have never met was astounding!
Have you started sending your book out yet?
I received the 2 pallets with 1000 copies of All the Love in the World on December 5. Just yesterday I wrapped and shipped the final group of books to all of the kind folks from my current home state, Victoria. Now I have to begin fulfilling the new Christmas orders I have received 🙂 All the Love in the World has now been published by Hardie Grant Publishers and will be available in Australian and UK stores, early 2013.
What’s a big piece of advice you would give future Indiegogo campaigners?
Personally email and facebook all of the contacts you have regarding your campaign. Create a buzz surrounding your project!
What are you working on for your next project?
I have started to think about my next project and am very excited about it! I plan to go back to Uganda in the first half of the new year to complete a series of portraits to be coupled with some other exciting projects I will do over there. I can’t say too much more just now but another Indiegogo campaign shouldn’t be far off.
Check out Jesse’s website and learn more about his book!
Want to share your own Indiegogo story? Email stories@indiegogo.com!