Springfield photographer, writer crowdfunding for book

Springfield travel photographer and writer Gayle Harper is eschewing the traditional publishing route to instead solicit funding via Kickstarter for a book on the Mississippi River.

The owner of Springfield-based In-Sight Photography Inc. seeks $16,000 through the crowdfunding website to publish "Surrendering to Serendipity," a roughly 200-page book, with 150 photographs, showcasing her 90-day road trip documenting the length of the river.

According to the Kickstarter page, the book is ready for copy editing, cover design, interior layout, printing and binding, which along with a minimum print of 1,500 copies, would cost $16,000.

With 25 days left of fundraising, Harper's campaign had reached $5,785 with 57 backers this morning.

In business since 1991, Harper has performed photography services for properties such as Big Cedar Lodge and publications including Country Magazine and American Profile, according to her website.