Hey everyone,
My name’s Carter — I’m 31, and I never thought I’d be here writing this. A few days ago, my car was broken into in the middle of the day. The rear trunk window was completely smashed, and more than $15,000 worth of my camera gear was stolen from inside.

I’m a freelance content creator and photographer. I had just come from a shoot and stopped at a friend’s for less than an hour. When I came back out, the glass was everywhere, the trunk had been pried open, and my backpack with my MacBook Pro, Sony A7 IV camera, three lenses, drone, SSD drives, and headphones— all gone. I’m still in shock.

These weren’t just random tech items. This gear was my livelihood. Everything I use to work, edit, shoot, and deliver projects was in that bag. I’ve built this setup over the years piece by piece through saving, and a lot of late nights. Replacing it won’t be easy.

I’m working with insurance, but as many freelancers know — coverage is limited, and the process is slow. Right now, I’m stuck. I can’t take on new clients, and I can’t finish ongoing work without this equipment.

Here’s what the funds will go toward:

Rear car window repair: $750

MacBook Pro (M2): $2,500

Sony A7 IV body: $2,500

Lenses (G Master series): $4,000

DJI Mini 4 Pro drone: $1,200

External SSDs, cards, accessories: $800

Licensing, lost data recovery, and emergency rentals: $3,250

The goal is $15,000 — and I know that’s a lot. But this is about getting back to a place where I can work again and not lose clients I’ve built trust with.

If you’re able to support — even $5 — it helps more than you know. If you can share this, that helps too. I’m not looking for pity, just a way to get back on my feet after something I couldn’t have prepared for.

Thanks so much for reading and for being here. In the name of God, may you all be blessed.

— Carter