1518 - Light for Life: Solar Energy in Nepal - Kristin Lau

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Dear Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,

THANK YOU!!

Your generous contributions have helped my campaign reach and exceed its soft target and goal! This is wonderful news and very encouraging to see. It's great to reconnect with you all and have so much loving support to make this project happen in Nepal with SunFarmer and Photographers Without Borders. Your support means I will be heading to Nepal end September to October and have the opportunity to create awareness, through storytelling and photography, for solar energy solutions in Nepal. 

If you didn't get a chance to make a donation, please continue to support this project. All proceeds raised in excess of project needs will be donated directly to the SunFarmer Nepal Relief and Reconstruction Fund to support electricity needs in the most devastated areas towards free solar lights and electricity generation systems for impacted households, community shelters and medical relief teams. SunFarmer is working to distribute solar lights for immediate relief to those in need.

A big thank you to my recent sponsors inReach Canada, FujiFilm, Voltaic Systems and Vistek Toronto!! If you are in Toronto, please feel free to check out my photo series dedicated to Nepal, the latest to be featured in Vistek Toronto's in store gallery for the month of August!

Thanks again to everyone! And keep it coming in!

Cheers,
Kristin Lau

Vistek Gallery: http://prophotoblog.ca/community/in-store-gallery/working-nepalese-kristin-lau/
Voltaic Systems: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/blog/solar-energy-solutions-in-nepal/  

 

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The Power of Visual Communication

Photographers Without Borders (PWB) is a non-profit collective of journalists, photographers, filmmakers and passionate storytellers dedicated to documenting and producing stories and content that inspires understanding of the world. PWB documents efforts by grassroots organizations and NGO's by providing them with captivating images and video, donated to tell their story, raise awareness around their causes and educate through the power of visual communication.

American documentary photographer Kristin Lau has been selected by Photographers Without Borders to document groundbreaking solar energy solutions in Nepal. Kristin's goal with her photography is to raise awareness around humanitarian and environmental issues globally. She focus on documenting the candid and capturing moments that inspire a call-to-action. 

Through a partnership with Photographers Without Borders and SunFarmer, a non-profit organization focused on delivering solar power to developing countries, Kristin will be returning to Nepal to build awareness on the impact of the work of SunFarmer on local Nepali communities and the difficulties of life without electricity due to energy poverty. 

Photography and filmmaking are valuable ways of communicating messages, sharing perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding and inspiring others. - Danielle Da Silva, PWB Co-Founder & CEO


The Story

Imagine life without electricity.


With no lights, electric stove, or water pump, women and children from rural communities must travel miles to fetch clean, safe drinking water and firewood. At home, an open fire is all that is available for cooking, increasing the risk of lung and heart disease. In hospitals, babies are born in the dark and many do not survive. Giving birth at a clinic that lacks air conditioning and modern medical equipment and vaccines, which require refrigeration, leave children vulnerable to diseases. After school in the evenings, children must study by the light of a kerosene lamp. Earning a living in these conditions is tough. No electricity means no work.

Such is the plight of 2.5 billion people around the world.

In Nepal, 63% of the population lack access to reliable electricity. For those lucky enough to have a grid connection, the average power outage is 9 hours each day; during the dry season this can reach over 20 hours. In addition, many traditional energy sources are highly destructive to the environment. Lack of access to electricity prevents access to high quality healthcare, education, water and other services that are fundamental to alleviation of poverty and an improved quality of life.

We all have a fundamental right to reliable energy and access to clean water. Addressing and raising awareness around the issue of energy poverty is my main priority and this project's mission. - Kristin Lau


The Project

While in Nepal, Kristin will be documenting and creating images that show and tell the stories of families and local communities impacted by the good work of SunFarmer and to build awareness around the difficulties of life without electricity. Every organization and community, no matter how big or small, has a unique story worth telling. 

We thought it would be a great partnership to tell the story of SunFarmer and what we're trying to accomplish in Nepal. - Jason Gray, SunFarmer Co-Founder 

SunFarmer delivers robust solar energy systems to communities removed from a major grid source. Solar energy is leapfrogging the electric grid. Throughout the developing world, solar energy is penetrating places that has never had access to reliable electricity. It is poised to make a huge jump over traditional electric grids. Institutions like hospitals and schools currently rely on diesel generators for power, but diesel prices are skyrocketing and generators are polluting and unreliable. Solar is an ideal solution for regions that lack solid grid infrastructure.

SunFarmer’s goal is to power 4,000 hospitals, schools, and water projects, impacting 7 million people by 2020.


Photographer Background

Kristin Lau is a Toronto-based documentary photographer from Queens, New York. She's focused on social documentary, portraiture, and environmental/underwater subjects. Kristin seeks out stories that will raise awareness about the environment to evoke positive change for the natural world and its inhabitants. 

With roots in Hong Kong and living close to 10-years abroad, Kristin has gained an appreciation and respect for diverse cultures and developed a strong passion for outdoor pursuits, nature and the underwater world. She's also a PADI Open Water Scuba diving Instructor, AIDA freediver, Emergency First Response Instructor, Competent Crew in sailing, martial artist, and mountaineer.

A former marketing and business development executive, Kristin is a graduate of the photojournalism post-graduate program at the SPEOS Photographic Institute in Paris, France. She also hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications with a management adjunct in Business Finance from Binghamton University in New York.

Kristin's work has recently been featured in ASIAN Geographic Magazine, CHLOE Magazine, Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival 2015 and SNAP! 2015 Silent Auction for the Toronto Aids Committee. She was recently awarded a Silver Place Award in the Prix De la Photographie (PX3) Competition for her series on Nepalese Workers.
 

What your donations will support

The financial goal covers expenses directly related to the project, which includes cost of PWB project fee, equipment rentals and essentials such as vaccinations, airfare, insurance and visa. As this project is entirely self-funded, your generous support will provide Kristin with the opportunity to support SunFarmer in raising awareness around solar energy in Nepal and showcasing their generous humanitarian work, story and projects through the power of visual communication. Donations are tax-deductible for the US and Canadians with US income.

All funds raised in addition to our goal will go towards SunFarmer's Nepal Relief and Reconstruction Fund for electrical systems to support critical relief efforts in Nepal.

Please take a moment to support this project today, as well as encourage your network to get on board and spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, a blog post or simply through old school word-of-mouth!

Grab the URL at the top and tweet it, email it, or post it to Facebook and help share this project’s goals. Thanks for reading and for your generous support!


The Perks

When making a donation, please leave a note in the comment box with your name, email, address and selected perk. Perks and donations are listed in US dollar.

Pledge $20 or more
Personal thank you

Receive a personal thank you e-mail with a photo from the field and a social media shout out. Have your name listed on our social media pages with thanks for your generous support!

Pledge $30 or more
Thank you postcard from Nepal

Receive a handwritten thank you note signed by the SunFarmer team in Nepal and a photograph from Kristin Lau Photography of the solar installation and panels from the communities in rural Nepal. 
+ social media shout out

Pledge $50 or more
Custom greeting card from Kristin Lau Photography + Digital Photography Field Guide

Receive a custom photographic greeting card from Kristin Lau Photography (blank for your use), and a digital photography field guide 'cheat sheet' with details on colour theory, design elements, design principals, composition, white balance, and exposure. 
+ social media shout out
+ a photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 

Pledge $75 or more
Shutterwalks photo tour + Environmental portraiture 

A private or group 1.5-hour walking tour in Toronto or Kingston, Ontario, Canada with you and your camera. The next time you head out to explore the sights and sounds of the city, join us at Shutterwalks. As professional photographers, our guides at Shutterwalks will provide a great tour of the city, hidden gems, and photographic opportunities. You will have the opportunity to explore and understand how to set the shutter speed, aperture (depth of field) and ISO (light sensitivity). You'll also learn to read a histogram in order to check for a correct and desired exposure for your composition. For more information visit www.shutterwalks.com
+ social media shout out
+ a digital photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 

Pledge $150 or more
Corporate / Actor / Model / Casting Headshots

1-hour portrait session on-location / at your office. This includes premium retouching (2 images) and unlimited print and publishing rights worldwide. If you are not based in Toronto, portraits can also be arranged for New York City.
+ social media shout out
+ a digital photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 

Pledge $250 or more
Event Photography Services

Let Kristin Lau Photography document and share your next important event in Toronto. All photos will be color corrected and edited. High resolution digital files will be provided online and shared via WeTransfer. Events include: conferences / conventions / trade shows, corporate events, festivals, galas, media, and private events.
+ social media shout out
+ a digital photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 

Pledge $300 or more
Custom signed 8x12 inch photographic print from Nepal

Receive a custom signed 8x12 inch photographic print from Nepal on fine art paper rolled in a tube. You may choose from a selection of images from Nepal.
+ social media shout out 
+ a photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 

Pledge $500 or more
Private exhibition walkthrough and preview

A preview and exclusive discussion with Kristin Lau on a selection of the images from Nepal prior to exhibition  (exhibition time and location TBD)
+ social media shout out
+ custom signed 8x12 inch photographic print from Nepal
+ a photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 

Pledge $800 or more
Nepali dinner with SunFarmer

Enjoy a fantastic Nepali feast in Toronto or New York with one of SunFarmer's co-founders, Jason Gray or Andy Moon, respectively. Airfare not included.
+ social media shout out
+ custom photographic greeting card from Kristin Lau Photography
+ custom signed 8x12 inch photographic print from Nepal
+ a photo from the field showing your direct impact on solar energy in Nepal 


Social Media

FACEBOOK: KristinLauPhotography 
TWITTER: @kristinannelau 
INSTAGRAM: @kristinannelau
TUMBLR: KristinLau 
LINKEDIN: @kristinannelau

Portfolio & Press

www.kristinlau.com
www.luumba.com

 

 

More about the Partnerships

Photographers Without Borders

Photographers Without Borders (PWB) is a Toronto-based registered, non-profit organization. PWB connects professional photographers with global grassroots organizations to produce stories and content that inspires understanding of the world with an aim to address issues of social and environmental justice through the art of photography.

SunFarmer

SunFarmer is a non-profit that provides solar energy systems for health clinics, schools and water projects in developing countries through the installation of affordable and reliable solar energy systems.

Solar industry veterans Jason Gray and Andy Moon started SunFarmer after seeing that rapidly falling solar energy prices were creating an opportunity for solar to be the most affordable source in developing countries. Drawing from their experience building solar projects in North America, they set out to build a scalable model for delivering solar energy at hospitals and schools around the world. SunFarmer is supported by a generous grant from the SunEdison Foundation. 

SunFarmer Video: https://vimeo.com/114881264

Jason Gray (Co-Founder) has over 10 years of energy development experience. Most recently, he was GM and VP with SunEdison, where he launched SunEdison Canada and grew the business to revenue of $325 million.

Andy Moon (Co-Founder) has closed over $150 million in solar energy financings with private equity, bond, and corporate investors. He previously worked with non-profits, banks, and governments as a consultant at McKinsey & Co.

Avishek Malla (Director of Engineering & Operations) has been directly involved in many of Nepal’s largest and most innovative PV systems, 1st rooftop grid-tied system and rural electrification project.

Vishu Govindankutty (Consulting Engineer) has over 25 years of experience in solar, automation, and electrical engineering. He currently serves as Director of Engineering at SunEdison Solar. 

Thanks again for your kind and generous support!



Additional links for more information

SunFarmer
Photographers Without Borders
PWB Article: Kristin Lau: Building Awareness Around the Difficulties of Life without Electricity   
SunFarmer Solar Projects
CBC News: Solar Energy's Canadian Bright Lights: 3 Entrepreneurs Helping the Developing World
Sunfarmer is Raising Money to Rebuild Nepal
National Geographic: The Great Energy Challenge - SunFarmer Energy X
SunEdison
The Globe & Mail: Toronto Startup Brings Electricity and Solar Water Purification to Nepal

Nepal Facts & Figures

 

Photographers Without Borders (PWB) is registered as a charity in the United States with 501(c)(3) status and as a not-for-profit organization in Canada. All donations are tax-deductible for Americans and Canadians with US income.

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Make A Secure Online Donation
 

This page was created by Kristin Lau on behalf of Photographers Without Borders.


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