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 01/07/2008 10:13:43 PM · #1
First off I wish this forum had a poll feature.

For some of us the scope of our photography is limited or in my case very limited due to health or physical disability. Such a limitation has its drawbacks but it also encourages creativity. Now with a smile on my face I have to admit that such creativity is many times ....uh, well different, i.e. my recent little white donut photo.

My question could best be asked in a poll but since that is not possible I will ask anyway. "Are you or do you know of a disabled photography hobbyist?"

No real purpose for asking. I'm just curious.

louisp

Message edited by author 2008-01-07 22:14:07.
 01/07/2008 10:26:10 PM · #2
Hi Louis,

I suppose I'd describe myself as disabled. I totally understand what you mean about having to be creative! Through the early months of 2007 I was housebound following a 3 and a half week stay in hospital. I had no idea how I would cope mentally and longed to be out in the countryside doing what I love, landscape photography. However, that wasn't to be so I set about doing a picture a day (only made it to September). Here's probably my most creative month - January 2007

If you ever want to chat feel free to drop me a PM :o)

Happy snapping,

Natalya :o)
 01/07/2008 10:46:56 PM · #3
Hi Louis,
I guess I'd still count myself as disabled, or at least I can't (or don't feel safe) going where I wish for photography.
Last February I went to Washington DC for a 2-day training course. I met up with a couple of fantastic DPCers. Long story shortened ... we went to photograph monuments the evening of the first day. I apparently was standing on black ice and decided to walk around my tripod. I went down hard, shattered my leg and knee (about 20 pieces). I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks there, took a long ambulance ride home. Had a total of 2 surgeries, 6 months of intense physical therapy, 4 months with no weight on the leg, 2 rods, 13 screws, and a cadaver bone.
Due to a lot of perseverence, a great surgeon, a tremendous physical therapist, and the loving concern of DPCers I've come much further than it was thought possible.
While in the hospital in the DC area I was given a lot of flowers (from DPC) with instructions to continue shooting.

Ditto, if you need to chat, I'm just a PM away.
Jeanne
 01/07/2008 10:59:15 PM · #4
Thank you both for replying. I have a form of Epilepsy, specifically "Complex Partial Seizures of the Brain" ("partial" meaning I do not lose consciousness during seizures). After being treated for Parkinson's Disease for about 10 years, Neurologists discovered that the wrong diagnoses had been made hence Epilepsy. Through all of this I am reminded daily of all the blessings that have been bestowed on me and my family.

Best regards,
Louis
 01/07/2008 11:02:13 PM · #5
<=== is legally blind to the point where he can't legally operate a motor vehicle.

I think I do it more out of spite than anything. I never did like being told I was unable to do something.
 01/07/2008 11:03:53 PM · #6
Louis, a certain diagnosis helps each of us to fight. I am currently waiting for a definite diagnosis of either Systemic Lupus Erythematosis or Multiple Sclerosis. In some ways these 2 conditions are similar but in others they are worlds apart. I was given a 'definite' diagnosis of Lupus in October last year but that became a 'possible' again when I developed futher symptoms. I can't wait to know for certain so I can begin to fight whichever disease this is!!

I am glad you made this post today, it's good to know of others out there who can understand how photography for the disabled can actually be a totally different world! I for one will keep watching this thread and hope that we can all learn to help one another :o)

Thanks Louis :o)
 01/07/2008 11:05:22 PM · #7
Although I may not fit the description of disabled that you fine folks do, I have Multiple Sclerosis. Most times I can function pretty well, as long as I do not push too hard and have frequent rests. Other times it may be more difficult for me to get around. I no longer can climb rocks, or walk great distances. Thankfully I have the best fiance, he will let me lean on him if necessary, or escort me down stairs (the worst thing for me).

I do find photography more challenging now, but at the same time it has become much more meaningful.

Message edited by author 2008-01-07 23:05:36.
 01/07/2008 11:08:39 PM · #8
yeah. I am a disabled veteran, I was hurt in the military, and now suffer the physical consequences. I have had several back surgeries to repair damage, and now have permanent nerve damage. I also have Meniere's Disease and suffer vertigo attacks.

01/08/2008 12:15:08 AM · #9
How about Blind.

I don't know any of them, but I remember reading an artical about a blind photographer in New York. Makes you wonder, do you really need to see to take good pictures?

01/08/2008 08:10:02 AM · #10
Originally posted by BAMartin:
Although I may not fit the description of disabled that you fine folks do, I have Multiple Sclerosis. Most times I can function pretty well, as long as I do not push too hard and have frequent rests. Other times it may be more difficult for me to get around. I no longer can climb rocks, or walk great distances. Thankfully I have the best fiance, he will let me lean on him if necessary, or escort me down stairs (the worst thing for me).

I do find photography more challenging now, but at the same time it has become much more meaningful.


Thank you for the reply BAMartin. Your illness is certainly a disability. God Bless and keep strong willed.

lovisp
 01/08/2008 08:13:29 AM · #11
Originally posted by gwe21:
yeah. I am a disabled veteran, I was hurt in the military, and now suffer the physical consequences. I have had several back surgeries to repair damage, and now have permanent nerve damage. I also have Meniere's Disease and suffer vertigo attacks.


God bless you for serving our country. I too am a veteran having served 20 years from the Viet Nam era through Desert Storm. Stay strong brother, stay strong.

lovisp

01/10/2008 02:53:03 PM · #12
NPR's Talk Of The Nation is scheduled to have a discussion of a photography project for disabled folks (and the film which came out of it) today (1/10/08) during the 3pm (eastern time) session.

Originally posted by NPR Listing:

'Rolling' Shot from Wheelchair-Mounted Cameras

**Audio for this story will be available at approx. 6:00 p.m. ET**

Talk of the Nation, January 10, 2008 · Filmmaker and physician Gretchen Berland gave video cameras to three Los Angeles residents in wheelchairs and asked them to document their everyday lives. The result is Rolling, a documentary which sheds light on the daily challenges of living with a disability.
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