Friends Rally For Photographer, Environmentalist After Mishap

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A woman who spends her time helping to clean local beaches — and who spends time taking photos of the East End's natural beauty — was devastated when her camera was broken.

Until the community stepped up to make it right.

A GoFundMe, "Camera for Carolyn," was created by Carolyn Munaco. "I broke my camera and I need help replacing it. Photography is one of my creative passions that I love sharing — and it helps pay the bills and keep a roof over my family," she wrote. "I do not have the funding to replace it and with our slow season approaching fast, I cannot even entertain the idea of more money out."

After a rainy day of errands and inside work, Munaco said she'd gone down to the ocean for a walk to clear her mind and breathe in the salty air. As usual, she said, she picked up some random trash and treasures along the way and carried it all back to her car to take home for disposal.

"I keep several totes in my car for beach collections like wet driftwood, balloons, plastics, beach glass, etc.," she said. "After my trip to the beach I went to the grocery store and put my camera in the back of the car on top of the totes, nestled in a small towel."

She did her shopping, went home, unloaded the groceries, and then grabbed her jacket, but the sleeve was caught and everything fell out of the car and went crashing to the ground.

"My beloved camera is trashed," she said. "The enjoyment I get from being outside adventuring and treasure collecting with my camera at my side ready to grab memories of a mesmerizing sunrise, an egret striking a pose, an osprey with its dinner, or my daughter and family out surfing is pure, true and makes me glow. It makes me proud to share them with such supportive responses from family, friends, clients, and social media followers," she said.

When they learned of her flight, friends stepped forward. "The world reaps the benefits of your work and gospel," one man wrote. "Camera was damaged while working for a cleaner ocean. I’d support the crowd fund idea."

Another woman agreed: "Your work is beautiful and your commitment to making our world a better place is an inspiration," she said.

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe.