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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 ยท 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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