Crowd funding is becoming increasingly popular among creatives. With more sites springing up and more artists asking for funds, Don’t Take Pictures spotlights projects that benefit the arts community.

This month’s crowd funding roundup presents new equipment and a project that includes and inspires youth.

Rhianna Digital Camera 

Cyclops Cameras first came on the scene when they released the first ever digital fisheye camera. It had tremendous success and made headlines on CNN, Mashable, and BBC. They have recently developed a digital version of the beloved toy film camera, The Diana Mini. The camera uses a 12 megapixel sensor and a plastic lens to replicate the 35mm look of the classic camera. They are seeking £13,500 to produce a limited quantity of 1,000 cameras. The cameras are available only by pre-order through their Indiegogo campaign. With the digital revolution, many photographers found themselves frustrated by the lack of options in DSLR formats and qualities.  Cyclops Cameras is developing cameras that bring back the diversity of cameras to digital photographers. 

Read more about the product specs by viewing their Indiegogo page.

There are 19 days left to fund this project.

72 Hours: A Brooklyn Love Story 

Reel Works in Brooklyn, New York provides free filmmaking programs for NYC teens. The program uses a mentoring structure to provide under-represented and at-risk youth literacy and leadership skills as well as opportunities to have their voices and stories heard. The original student documentary, made by Bilal Ndongo, has been developed into a feature length film by the students in the program. Reel Works is now looking for $20,000 to turn their script into a full-fledged film with the help of professional actors and crew. The teens will have acting roles and work side-by-side with the production crew to bring their story to the big screen.

Read more about the project by viewing their Kickstarter page. 

There are 2 days left to fund this project.

Do you know of a crowd funding project that benefits the art community? Let us know at info@donttakepictures.com.