Step 1:
Collect the cameras
We collect cameras directly from personal donors, production companies, colleges, and more. In addition, we offer to buy cameras at a low cost, where our funds come from fundraisers and donations. This is how we get access to both working and damaged equipment.
Step 2:
Refurbish and/or Polish
After we receive the cameras, we repair any defects or damage. Whether or not the cameras are broken, we carefully clean and polish them ourselves, bringing them back to life and ready for a new owner!
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Step 3:
Distribute the cameras
We plan to distribute these cameras through documentary centers and other non-profit organizations. By partnering with other documentary centers, we plan to work with their students and members who are deeply interested in visual arts but don't have the equipment they need. Working with these organizations ensures these cameras get into the right hands.
Step 4:
The Follow Up
After we distribute our cameras, we plan to continue working with the young creators we donate our cameras to. We will meet with these young creators at least once a month and gather the photos they took with our cameras, as well as any testimonials they wish to give. We can also help these young creators learn how to use their cameras and try our best to answer any questions they have.
Step 5:
Post
After we gather the photos taken with the donated cameras, we post them to our website for others to see the talent these young creators have!
View Our Timeline
A Spark of Interest
This photo was taken on the first of November, 2025. It's around this time that Michael Katz started to become serious about his photography journey. Two of his interests----fashion and photography----began to blend.
10/1/25
When Michael and Tahmid met, they didn't instantly become friends. However, they were acquaintances and would grow in their relationship throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
Michael and Tahmid Meet
Late November, 2025
Progress
Michael was having fun with photography and improving his skills. However, he wanted to do more than what he was doing.
12/29/26
Michael Sold his Camera
Michael sold his camera to pursue videography. He desprately needed the money to afford a much more expensive and capable camera than the one we had.
03/23/26
Michael ended up not buying his videography equipment. Instead, he began Second Shot by sending out the first email, pitching his idea to a production company he found. With this email, what was once an idea turned into a project.
Michael Begins the Project
06/30/26
Tahmid expressed his keen interest in the project to Michael. Wanting to help, he asked Michael to co-found the project. Michael agreed, and together, they named their newly shared project Second Shot NYC.
Second Shot is Born
07/01/26
Michael starts creating the website while continuing the outreach and prospecting with Tahmid.
07/13/26
The Website
On July 16th, Second Shot NYC received its first cameras from an Assistant Arts professor at NYU Tisch. These two film cameras marked some of our first successes in this project.
First Cameras Donated
07/16/26
On July 23, 17 Projects generously donated a Canon Rebel T3i, additionally agreeing to partner with us on this project. With another camera and a new partner, Second Shot NYC is transforming from a passion project to a feasible reality.
A Partnership is Born
07/23/26
**Note:** Our timeline isn't exactly when milestones/events occur, so please give us time as we update the timeline