Photographer Michael Stokes recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to publish a series of photos featuring soldiers who have been injured in combat. The campaign seeks to publish two separate books, one of which will feature wounded male veterans, while the other will focus on exploring the male form.
The new books will be hardcover coffee-table books titled 'Masculinity' and 'Always Loyal.' The new editions will function as a sequel to Stokes' first book, which featured a chapter on wounded Marines. By highlighting amputees and other soldiers wounded in combat, Stokes helps to shed light on the reality of life as a US soldier.
Beyond raising awareness about the lives of injured soldiers, Stokes' books will also help raise funds for a charity called 'Semper Fi' which helps wounded veterans.
Injured Soldier Photography
This Photo Series Features Soldiers Who Have Been Injured in Combat
Trend Themes
1. Wounded Soldier Photography - Opportunity to create an industry around promoting empathy and awareness for the lives of injured soldiers through photography.
2. Crowdfunding for Charities - Opportunity to create a trend around using crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for charities that support a cause.
3. Exploring Masculinity - Opportunity to create products and services that tackle and redefine traditional ideas of masculinity.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Photographers can create a niche within the wounded soldier photography industry for visually telling stories of bravery and survival.
2. Nonprofits - Nonprofits can use crowdfunding to raise funds for their cause, while providing meaningful stories to engage stakeholders.
3. Publishing - Publishers can launch a series of books that explore masculinity, shifting the conversation around masculinity by promoting stories about vulnerability and strength.