Let’s talk patronage…
There’s something really vulnerable about asking for support.
But there’s also something powerful about it, I hope
Even working daily as a full-time photographer, it’s not always easy to carve out time or space for the work that’s purely creative — the kind of “work” that isn’t about a client deadline or a commercial product, but about expression of vision. I’m a commercial photographer in practice, but at heart, I’m an artistic one. My favorite work is often the images I create just because I need to — there’s an idea in my head that needs to be out in the world.
That’s how a lot of my favorite projects began.
Series like Wonder Women, Fae Bae, and Masque started not as products, but as passions — wild ideas I was really excited to try. Some of them evolved into sessions that I now offer, but at their core, they came from a place of inspiration, curiosity, and a drive to create something new.
Of course, creating that kind of work still comes with real costs. Renting studio space, building/buying costumes, covering travel — it adds up fast. And while I absolutely believe in investing in the work, there are powerful limits to how far I can stretch without help.
Ideally, lots of people would hire me for photo sessions of their own— that’s the most direct and powerful way to support what I do. Book a shoot, gift one to a friend, or spread the good word about our work. But not everyone needs a photographer right now. Not everyone lives nearby. For those who still want to see this work continue and grow, Patreon is a way to help make that possible.
Support on Patreon helps me:
Replace aging gear and build new creative setups
Get through slow seasons with less burnout
Offer free or reduced-cost shoots to rising talent
Try new things, learn new skills, and create without fear
And even more than the practical help, there’s the community aspect. I love sharing what I’m working on — the ideas, the behind-the-scenes, the messy middle. And I want to hear from you — how my work makes you feel, what it brings up, what you’d love to see more of. That kind of connection is rare and precious, and it helps guide where I go next.
I certainly never want to come off like I’m owed anything. I’ve never felt that way, and I don’t want to give that impression. But the reality is, being an artist in this world isn’t easy. There aren’t as many grants or patronage opportunities floating around like there once were. These days, people find their niche audience — on Patreon, OnlyFans, Bandcamp, YouTube — and they build something real together.
This is me, trying to do just that.
I’m showing up, doing the work, giving it everything I’ve got.
I just can’t do it all alone.
If my work has ever made you feel something, I hope you’ll consider joining me on Patreon.
It makes a real difference.
Sign up and more information for our Patreon, including tiers and rewards, can be found at www.patreon.com/fightguyphoto