On February 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, photography lovers met up at the ICP headquarters on 79 Essex Street, New York, NY. Why? They gathered to help out the next wave of photographers by giving away their old camera gear. It wasn’t just about collecting equipment; it showed the spirit of community and mentorship. People brought in their beloved cameras, lenses, flashes, and more, all to help out budding photographers.
In the Q&A sessions, people were involved, asking experts for advice and sharing their thoughts. In smaller group talks, attendees got to know each other better, making personal connections and feeling like part of a community. It was heartwarming to see photographers happily giving away their gear, showing a real sense of generosity and togetherness at the event.
The event had some important points to remember. Firstly, the community made a big difference by giving gear that’ll help ICP students with their learning. They only took gear that worked well and met high standards, making sure students had the best tools. Extra stuff will be sold to the community, and the money will go back to help students get more gear. It’s a cycle of giving that keeps helping out.
Right after the event, I got a nice email from the ICP team, thanking everyone for helping out young photographers. At the event, I learned about the Biodiversity Group, a group that’s all about protecting wildlife. They ask for donations of photo and field gear to help with conservation efforts. They’re focused on a bigger picture of photography, beyond just making art.
