Update July 2022: This project is essentially dead. There was not a lot of interest in makers sharing their work, so part of future plans for this site will include unique/abstract/creative one off pieces.
We have created a survey to collect information that will help us organize a unique camera-making event. For those interested in more information, this page will help clarify some details about what is planned so far. Everything is subject to change once a full planning committee gets to review ideas and decide on a path forward.
Fill out the survey here if you haven’t yet.
What is FotoaparatoCon?
It is a global virtual “festival” or maker faire of sorts, focused on building unique cameras. An opportunity for creatives around the world to get noticed or leverage the entire network of participants and sponsors to showcase their abilities. Traditional cameras will not be built. Instead, participants are instructed to create something more along the lines of a movie or videogame prop, or any other object that is not a traditional camera body. Want to make a cake or use a potato? Go for it! We want participants to look at it as camera cosplay. Create a “costume” for existing cameras if you desire, as well.
How long is the event?
At the moment, the plan is to hold the event in two phases.
- First is the Build phase, likely to span a few months. Throughout this time there will be interviews, spotlight blogs, and behind-the-scenes content posted on social media to keep the buzz going, plus more. Some participants may also decide to stream certain parts of their build process, or host Q&A, etc.
- Second is the actual “con” estimated to take a whole week. Cameras will be showcased, and categories judged where applicable. This is where, if the participant or sponsor so wishes, the cameras will be kept, sold, auctioned, raffled, given away, or loaned to influencers for review. This can be done as a complete build, or just the body if participants do not want to part with their lenses, backs, accessories, etc. Participants decide what to do with their build, with sponsored projects being the only exception if the sponsor has other wishes (must be established ahead of time).
Who can participate?
There are many ways to take part.
- Planning Committee: help organize the event.
- Maker: you are the primary camera-builder.
- Teammate: you don’t feel comfortable making a full camera, but possess a certain skill set that can be useful to a Maker. Anyone can serve as technical advisor here, too!
- Sponsor/Donor: fund a project, or provide camera equipment for Makers and Teammates to use.
- Volunteer: help the planning committee with backend activities, and general facilitation of the events.
What are the event categories?
- Judged: Compete with others for the chance at a prize. This will be the only category with a prize
- Showcase: Show off the creation without the pressure of a judged competition.
- Sponsored: This category will evolve the most as we get a feel for the sponsors, and may ultimately become just a designation. The goal here is for a sponsor to provide resources or gear to those in need. In some cases this may just be an equipment loan. Needless to say, there is some work to do in how to determine what happens with the final build. We will do our best to make sure the arrangement favors the Maker.
- Charity: For the moment a category, but could end up as just a designation. Self-explanatory, whatever is built will be donated/sold/raffled for charity.
- Best of Show: Not a category, but a special award/prize given to the best entry in the eyes of the Planning Committee, and any special guest judges.
Next Steps
Fill out the survey here if you haven’t yet. We will notify you once we have established more details, and a proper planning committee. Feel free to contact us with any questions, or suggestions for this event!