peter
It’s been nearly a decade since I posted my first story to this page. Humans of Dublin started simply because I was afraid to go to a photography course empty-handed. Back then, I didn’t even have a DSLR camera; I just loved taking pictures and was desperate to find a way out of the customer service sector. Around the same time, my girlfriend (who is now my wife) introduced me to a viral photo project called Humans of New York. I instantly fell in love with the concept. Despite being very nervous about approaching strangers, I knew I had no other choice if I wanted to make a significant change in my life.
Humans of Dublin became the pivotal project that entirely reshaped my life. Today, after publishing a book, traveling and reporting from different countries, having countless collaborations, and hosting many exhibitions, I am still living a dream. However, it’s becoming a little harder to manage. After having my daughter, I began to have less free time to go out and meet people on the streets. To maintain HOD as a free platform, I started collaborating with non-profits and various organizations. I would research, formulate project concepts, draft proposals, and at times, correspond through hundreds of emails before bringing a series to completion. Humans of Dublin started on the streets of Dublin, where I approached random strangers every day. This provided both you and me the opportunity to open up locked doors to people’s experiences. I deeply miss that time. Back then, I was able to spend 4-6 hours a day doing just that, and I know you loved it too.
Some of you are new, but many of you have been here for years. I am writing this note because I would like to ask for your support. After nearly a decade and thousands of stories, like many other creators, I am looking to continue doing what I love while also making a living from it. I’ve set up a Patreon page, which you will find in the link below. Please consider supporting the work I adore, and I promise that I will take you with me to re-discover the Humans of Dublin once again!
patreon.com/thehumansofdublin
From Dublin with Love,
Peter