disability and photography

Sparkles33

Sparkles33

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Nattelie
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I was wondering if there are many people on TP who are disabled?
I looked on Flickr for groups to look at, possibly thoughts on how to overcome various obsticles but none of them "felt right" (btw, whoever said that I'd get addicted to Flickr - you're right :lol:)

So I was wondering if there are many disabled photographers on TP and maybe we could turn this thread into a "overcoming photographic issues because of disability thread"? :shrug:

I know that there's a forum somewhere on the net, but well, it's not the same, I like it here....I don't wanna b****r off to blather about photography when I can do it here and annoy you lot instead! :nuts:
 
This could sound wrong as I'm not disabled myself - but I was thinking about this yesterday. As in - what kind of challanges would a photographer in a wheelchair or with reduced mobility (or any other disability) face and how could they be overcome?

Are there any companies who make kit specifically to aid disabled togs? If there are I imagine it gets pretty expensive.

There are lots of people on here making DIY kit already - I'm just thinking if there are also people on here who struggle with a particular aspect of togging due to a disability then there are also lots of "ideas" people who might be able to come up with something to help.
 
MagicMynx said:
Nope, doesn't sound wrong and you're perfectly correct. For example, using a tripod with a wheelchair, yes it works, but it's awkward!
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I was thinking about - and just generally getting different angles, getting down low etc. It's not always easy when you have full use of all your apendages so I can only imagine how frustrating it is if you havn't.
 
Disabled Photographers Society is at focus every year and their stand always seems to be busy so I reckon they could be a good source of information for specific issues relating to disability. They have a forums as well, dont know how busy is it is though.

http://www.disabledphotographers.co.uk/

Ashamed to say I have never thought how challenging a tripod would be in a wheelchair, but I guess thats where a society like that could be very useful in kit mods etc.
 
Wedding-Photos said:
Disabled Photographers Society is at focus every year and their stand always seems to be busy so I reckon they could be a good source of information for specific issues relating to disability. They have a forums as well, dont know how busy is it is though.

http://www.disabledphotographers.co.uk/

Ashamed to say I have never thought how challenging a tripod would be in a wheelchair, but I guess thats where a society like that could be very useful in kit mods etc.
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if you want to have a rough idea, when you're out and about, sit on a park bench or a chair-height wall and have a shot. :thumbs: It's only akward becuase of space and that you can't get close to it. If you've got dodgy hands too that poses a bigger problem, lol but you can work around it, honest!
 
Nattelie, have you considered using your chair as a tripod? I would have thought that a manfrotto magic arm superclamped onto some part of the metalwork (eg the arm rest), would both allow you to attach a tripod head, and would actually be a really neat solution - you could just lock the arm off, set up the shot, take it, done, and all without having to take a tripod!

Pretty much exactly the same thing is used by photographers setting up remote cameras (eg at sports games), but it might be a neat way of replacing a tripod with something that might be way more convenient!

downside is they are pretty damn expensive :(
 
Hi I'm disabled and use a mobility scooter. I know what you mean about tripods. I have made a bracket for my scooter which works well when I need it. I get a lot of camera shake. I now have a nikon D90 and the kit lenes was 18-105 and has VR makes life a lot better but find it heavy to use after a while. I am also a member of Disabled Photographers Society the web site is good but very few use it saddly but like here are a great bunch and always willing to help where they can with advice and equiptment. There are a few charities out there also that can help with adaptions. Because as soon as you use the word disabled when buying anything the priece doubles.

One of my friends we used a monopod and bunggie straps to his chair and it worked a treat. but every person is diferent
 
I can see how a monopod would work with a scooter TBH.

I have to admit that I feel frustrated when there's a shot that I want and I just can't get it, due to my own limitations.

You're right that when you use the word "disabled" there's an extra "0" added onto prices! lol Sad, but true!
 
I know what your saying I went with some of the lads on the london challenge on saturday I was set up to have camera on bracket but didn't use it. As as you say it dosn't work for quick shots. But if you are doing a studio shot or simalar its great we just have to overcome:)
I also shoot in auto some times as I can't think of right setting quickly cause of meds.
Barry
 
I admit that I hate auto with a passion, I *really* do. However, if I'm dopey (meds or just too distracted) I sometimes do a shot on auto, look at the settings and work out from there what settings I want (let's face it, auto can't read your mind and tell you what DOF you want for eg!)
 
i'm not disabled, but at a less advantage than others.

i manage a 50d, with a heavy 18-200 lens single handed (left as it is). initially it was a challange, having tried a mono with cable release but still have to fiddle, so opted to adapt my style instead. when ever, the tripods never too far away unless i'm on a stalk.....
 
Think it's about time I chimed in too ;)

I've had MS for nearly 20 years and I described a lot of it's effects on my 52 last year.

Mostly I use a crutch, sometimes my mobility scooter or manual wheelchair, and, very occasionally, nothing.

I have reduced power in my legs and when I get low down or lie down for a shot I can't get up again by myself. I can barely do stairs and going uphill or walking in the rough is out of the question. My balance is dodgy and I can't walk and look around at the same time as I walk like I'm drunk, weaving about the place. I can't stand still for long and when I do I have to brace myself somehow. This makes composing a picture very difficult sometimes. My lower arms and hands are weak and I've got arthritis there too so I can't hold the camera for long. I've also got a tremor, so add that to the poor balance and even IS doesn't help much.

The biggest impact however is fatigue. After only a couple of hours outside (or inside) taking photographs I've had it. Can't think straight, can't concentrate, feel nauseated and absolutely exhausted and have to stop. This means long shoots are out of the question and speculative ones are few and far between.

This last 3 months have been particularly hard as I've been having a relapse and have taken very few photographs. I said it was lack of mojo, but it's not really. I've got loads of ideas but no energy. A couple of times MrB and I went out especially (he carries my stuff, helps me up etc), got to where I wanted to go and had to turn around and come back as I wasn't up to it, and we're only talking 20 minutes away!

Even PP takes it's toll as mental activity is just as exhausting as physical activity. Some days I can spend a couple of hours on the computer and others, nada. And the problem with mental exhaustion is you don't realise you've overdone it until you stop and then you find out your body isn't working properly.

However, having MS is the reason I took up photography a couple of years ago. When I have good days I can go out and take pictures and on bad days I can stay in bed with my laptop and play with my images (in theory anyway :D) So I can hardly complain about the limitations when it's the reason I started.

And I'm not complaining :D

I work around things as best I can. I too HATE auto and very rarely use it. My 17-55 and 70-200 have IS which helps a bit. My 12-24 doesn't need it really but the one I'm having the biggest problem with is the Sigma 105 macro. I'm trying to teach myself macro but it's so, so difficult keeping the camera still. I've got a proper neck strap (TP of course:D) which I find helps and I brace my arms as much as I can and won't fanny about with the tripod outside as it takes too long. I've not thought about a monopod before. Are they useful do you think for the kinds of problems I've described?

I made it over to the TP Convention last year and that was great. I've currently got an exhibition running at the town museum (this is my second exhibition) and have been asked to do another one in Lorca,so, despite everything, my innate stubborness keeps me going :lol:

You can check out more details if you want here and here.

Jill

ps MM, I'm in Newcastle for a few days towards the end of May (I'm from the NE originally), so if you'd like to meet up that would be good.
 
MagicMynx said:
Must admit that I have thought of that, but like you said, it's expensive, looking at £120+ so think I'll stick to the tripod for now :lol:
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could you [have someone ] weld an aluminum 3-way tripod head to the armrest

this would give you pan and tilt - then release shutter with a wireless remote so no shaking ?

edit -- crap suggestion - how can you use viewfinder...:bang::bang::bang:
 
Bruja said:
Think it's about time I chimed in too ;)

I've had MS for nearly 20 years and I described a lot of it's effects on my 52 last year.

Mostly I use a crutch, sometimes my mobility scooter or manual wheelchair, and, very occasionally, nothing.

I have reduced power in my legs and when I get low down or lie down for a shot I can't get up again by myself. I can barely do stairs and going uphill or walking in the rough is out of the question. My balance is dodgy and I can't walk and look around at the same time as I walk like I'm drunk, weaving about the place. I can't stand still for long and when I do I have to brace myself somehow. This makes composing a picture very difficult sometimes. My lower arms and hands are weak and I've got arthritis there too so I can't hold the camera for long. I've also got a tremor, so add that to the poor balance and even IS doesn't help much.

The biggest impact however is fatigue. After only a couple of hours outside (or inside) taking photographs I've had it. Can't think straight, can't concentrate, feel nauseated and absolutely exhausted and have to stop. This means long shoots are out of the question and speculative ones are few and far between.

This last 3 months have been particularly hard as I've been having a relapse and have taken very few photographs. I said it was lack of mojo, but it's not really. I've got loads of ideas but no energy. A couple of times MrB and I went out especially (he carries my stuff, helps me up etc), got to where I wanted to go and had to turn around and come back as I wasn't up to it, and we're only talking 20 minutes away!

Even PP takes it's toll as mental activity is just as exhausting as physical activity. Some days I can spend a couple of hours on the computer and others, nada. And the problem with mental exhaustion is you don't realise you've overdone it until you stop and then you find out your body isn't working properly.

However, having MS is the reason I took up photography a couple of years ago. When I have good days I can go out and take pictures and on bad days I can stay in bed with my laptop and play with my images (in theory anyway :D) So I can hardly complain about the limitations when it's the reason I started.

And I'm not complaining :D

I work around things as best I can. I too HATE auto and very rarely use it. My 17-55 and 70-200 have IS which helps a bit. My 12-24 doesn't need it really but the one I'm having the biggest problem with is the Sigma 105 macro. I'm trying to teach myself macro but it's so, so difficult keeping the camera still. I've got a proper neck strap (TP of course:D) which I find helps and I brace my arms as much as I can and won't fanny about with the tripod outside as it takes too long. I've not thought about a monopod before. Are they useful do you think for the kinds of problems I've described?

I made it over to the TP Convention last year and that was great. I've currently got an exhibition running at the town museum (this is my second exhibition) and have been asked to do another one in Lorca,so, despite everything, my innate stubborness keeps me going :lol:

You can check out more details if you want here and here.

Jill

ps MM, I'm in Newcastle for a few days towards the end of May (I'm from the NE originally), so if you'd like to meet up that would be good.
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Metting up would be cool, keep in touch via PM ;) If you'd like we'll arange a Newcastle TP meet for then? :thumbs:

Alot of the difficulties you describe, I have too. Re macro tripod or gorilla pod :thumbs: every single one of my macro shots have been done with a pod (see my 365). I always have the camera around my neck too - if I spasm I'd drop it and I spasm alot, also hands randomly stop working, so again, really need the camera around my neck. Desperately need a padded neckstrap soon though. Tripod are easier to use outside if someone is there to help you put it up - they REALLY hammer your arms, even the light ones. Good thing about macro is that you can move things to suit you most of the time :thumbs:
 
"Raises Hand"

I'm disabled[not that i mind nowt you can do lol]

I am registered fully blind as i have less then 50% sight this reeps a few benifits which where pointed out my local specalist.

I've got Cone Distrophy, Photophobia, Astigmatism in both eyes, coloured blind and short sighted lol. Only of which the astigmatism can be corrected with glasses everything else comes down to the Cone Distrophy.

Quick blurb from the net
Your eye contains two kinds of light-sensing structures in the retina: cones for clear vision and color vision, and rods for side vision and night night.

Cone dystrophy is a genetic eye disease that causes poor central vision and poor color vision in each eye. Patients with cone dystrophy usually have normal night and side vision, but require low vision aids to help them see details at far and near. There is no cure; but depending upon the level of reduced acuity, patients can ambulate well and can read at far and near with low vision aids such as magnifiers, telescopes, and/or closed circuit TV systems.
Click to expand...

There are a few variations on the above some people can see more then others and some less depends on the severity, everyone i know has been born with it and there is no cure as of yet not really holding my breath for the future but you never know.

What i find hard?
Mostly is getting things in focus first time, I love the AF systems :) they allow me to take photos without AF all my shots would be flurry its really hard to get things in focus if as one side affect of the condition I have to shake my head to focus not sure why but yeah so if you see me im not constantly saying no im trying to focus on something, which sometimes makes taking a sharp photo a real pain.

Colours?
Im coloured blind to most of the colour spectrum only colours i can tell apart are Red, yellow and black everything else I don't know this is a pain when I take a shot and go that looks cool then my mate goes "no all the colours are out mate" or something along those lines helps to have friends that don't mind pointing out the seemingly obvious.

There are other things, like fast moving objects lol they become a blurr, went to a hockey match last weekend to take photos I think i only saw the puck once lol helps to know when all the players are going down that way thats where the puck must be lol.


Now that is a big post :).


Morgan.
 
I'm not disabled so can't really help with the issues you are talking about.

However, reading through the posts you guys are making I am truely humbled. The issues that you have to overcome and still produce stunning photos is incredible.

I will not moan when I have an aching shoulder and can't be bothered to get out and about again.

Keep producing the images that you do folks.

Andy
 
Jill

Reading your post made me think "I don't remember writing that" as your situation is so similar to mine:)

I find VR (sorry, I'm a Nikon user) a tremendous help, to the extent that I bought a 16-85mm lens to use as a standard lens on my D90 rather than the much cheaper (and probably nearly as good in terms of quality) 18-70mm. I also find that being in a wheelchair is helpful as I can brace myself against the back and sides which helps minimise shake. Having said that some of the monopod ideas have got me thinking if there's anything I can rig up or have made which would help even more. An example of a picture taken from my wheelchair is this, taken in the Land Warfare Hall at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

0002.jpg


If you're not familiar with the location it's dimly lit, very dimly! That photo was taken at f8, 1/3 sec and ISO 1600 if I remember correctly. The VR and bracing helped me get a picture that I think is probably as good as I'd have managed if I'd been able-bodied.

As with you I find tiredness a real problem - sometimes I go back and have a look at a photo and immediately spot all the things wrong or wonder what on earth possessed me to take that shot in the first place. For me the real problem is spotting what looks like it could be a good shot and then realising that I can't get to where I need to be to take the shot I've envisaged. The limited options for viewpoint i.e. always sitting down and consequently only being about 4 foot tall are also frustrating.

Again, like you I'm not complaining but just sometimes I get so annoyed at not being able to find a workaround to get the picture I've envisaged. Looking at some of the pictures in the various galleries here is inspirational and, while I know I probably won't ever get anything as good as some of them, they do spur me on to think of ways in which I can at least try. The explanations of how the photo was created or just thinking about how I could try something similar is tremendously helpful - I've now got a series of pictures I'm planning for when the countryside comes back to life, including a panoramic shot of Bedford and surrounding areas taken from the slightly hillier area to the south. I still haven't quite worked out all the details, especially of how I'm going to cope with the tripod, but guess that my poor long-suffering wife will get roped in again to help.
 
MagicMynx said:
Nope, doesn't sound wrong and you're perfectly correct. For example, using a tripod with a wheelchair, yes it works, but it's awkward!
Click to expand...

my first thought was that the wheelchair being the tripod in essence

one needs a fixing platform and head to adjust attitude of the camera
but i would assume a wheelchair with a body in it is pretty solid on its base

other disabilities of course should be included...partial sight say and loss of an upper limb
 
itsdavedotnet said:
Nattelie, have you considered using your chair as a tripod? I would have thought that a manfrotto magic arm superclamped onto some part of the metalwork (eg the arm rest), would both allow you to attach a tripod head, and would actually be a really neat solution - you could just lock the arm off, set up the shot, take it, done, and all without having to take a tripod!

Pretty much exactly the same thing is used by photographers setting up remote cameras (eg at sports games), but it might be a neat way of replacing a tripod with something that might be way more convenient!

downside is they are pretty damn expensive :(
Click to expand...

A good thought! :) They're no more expensive than a decent tripod though!
 
Even thou we be disabled we should all be doing this for are daily exercise :lol::lol:

DSC_3098.jpg


Its been a long while since I was at Imperial War Museum, Duxford. And I gave up part way round cause my legs gave way.
I think I might try again soon with the scooter it would be a doddle and get some great pictures I will have to pass on the concord don't think scooter would fit:shrug:

I have to say its great to here so many disabled are photographers I felt very much in minority where I am.
If any of you are coming to London and want to meetup please PM me also if you need advice in the travell routes

Barry
 
i hate the word i allways say i am a blue badge holder which is only marginaly better.

walking and standing are difficult,my hands shake and my vision goes a bit.if i do to much i just collapse on the ground.
i just try to pace myself and choose the minimum amount of equipment as i cant carry a lot.
seats have become very important. wherever i go i look for seats and a lot of the time i will just get the best picture i can from the angle that gives me.
often after i have been out i stuggle back to my car and dont leave the house again for a couple of days.
 
I have to admit that I don't like the word disabled. To me disabled means useless ("she disabled the alarm" ero the alarm is useless) hopefully that makes sense? I'm not useless, my limbs are knackered....but I'm not quite useless yet! :lol:

Vantage points are something that I struggle with tbh. Sometimes I know the shot would look better at a different angle....but I have no way of getting to that angle.
 
I can certainly vouch for what Jill says as far as MS is concerned and fatigue is definitely the worst symptom as far as I'm concerned. I also have blurred central vision in my right eye and about 25% feeling in both my hands. I can't hold a pen properly so I find writing extremely difficult and don't get me started on shirt buttons. :bang:

But........I can hold a camera and, like Jill, my involvement with photography blossomed primarily because of MS . My only limitation in that area (apart from my photos :p) is that I would like to shoot in Manual more when doing sports but it is very difficult for me to change settings in a hurry.

I think the most important thing we can say is, are our disabilities going to stop us? will it ******! ;)
 
I'm disabled. i find difficulty in handling the equipment, carrying the equipment and getting to locations. As a result, I have been thinking of giving photograghy up and selling my kit. But reading comments on this thread I may have another go. Thanks
 
I'm disabled with a degenerative spine disease and widespread arthritis. I have great problems and a lot of pain walking, with a frame. Can only manage about 100 yards max, and in pain. At present I'm considering getting a scooter as I find the Shopmobility and supermarket ones so helpful.I have a Motability estate car so could fit one in ( though not with the dog) but they are all so heavy that I wouldnt be able to lift one into the car.

I have weak, shaky hands but can just manage to hold my little D60, even with a 55/200 lens on.I cant get any low shots as I cant get down or up again and the big problem with my D60 is it doesnt have a screen ( sorry if I have given that the wrong name, you have to look through the eyepiece to see what you are taking).

Its great to be able to talk to others on here and share ideas and I admire all of you that are determined to adapt and keep going.
 
MagicMynx said:
Terry, don't give up! There's ways around stuff, if you can't get out, do some closeups or macro at home - even use a tripod - I do!

There's lots of ways to get around disability for photography. It's just discovering them
Click to expand...

Thanks. compared to some I am well off. Therefore, should not use my disability as an excuse. That's my observation from reading this thread.
 
The tripod issue is my biggest one. Though I do cope with my Redsnapper, I wish someone out there could build something like the Spiderpod ...

pod.jpg


A rough drawing, but you get the gist. The Spiderpod is show being used by someone in a wheel chair (in a girly pink colour :lol:), it can be pulled right up to the eye so you can use the view finder :D Plus you don't have to worry about movement as its feet will be firmly on the floor. Now someone go and make one :D
 
crazy idea maybe...

how about one of those padded tv trays with a table top tripod gaffer taped on [i used gaffer tape to hold mine before on a regular table].

use a fast shutter speed in case of movement.

it also sounds like you might need a light camera with a big screen and live view
 
The word in Spanish for disabled is minusválido which translates as 'less value' :(

I feel I am 'less able' than some people (and that includes my photography :lol:) but I don't want to be known as 'that disabled photographer' as I feel my work could be viewed differently and could be subject to comments like those I heard at a recent exhibition of paintings by a group of people with learning difficulties. 'That's pretty good for someone with mental problems', for example. They weren't judged in their own right but were perceived differently because their disability was known.

Most of the MS community prefer to be referred to as a Person with MS (PwMS), and that is so important. I'm a person first! And part of that person is a photographer, and a wife, and a mother, and a friend, a writer etc.

I think we should all be proud of what we achieve in our photography. I know I am ;) and no, we can't always get the angle we want, some locations are not accessible to us, but maybe that also gives us an advantage in that we get to see some from a different perspective (for example, in a wheelchair or scooter we are at the height of a child and therefore can see what a child sees)

I had a great laugh in Disneyland, Florida about 15 years ago. MrB was pushing the chair and I used to whisper 'fat bum alert' to him and spent a happy hour taking pictures of some of the fattest backsides I'd ever seen :lol:, Not PC but a great laugh nonetheless.

So yes, there are barriers to photography if you are physically less able, but there can be advantages too. People suddenly become a lot more friendly when I'm in my chair, I get a better viewpoint as people move out of my way, street photography is easier. So it's not all bad ;)

And,if anyone is interested I've just posted some pictures of my exhibition in General Photo Sharing.

Jill
 
Just a thought as a birder there are quite a few clamps available for scopes **** could be used for a camera. Some of these may be of use on a wheelchair. Try looking at Warehouse express or other optic suppliers.

brian.
 
There is a famous photographer, his work is out of this world (IMHO anyway) his website is http://www.voelkerstudio.com/

Like many of us here, he got into photography after he'd aquired his disability. Lovely gentleman, spoke to him via email last summer.

He does admit that despite being famous and his work being out of this world and sought after, he gets people calling him, specifically requesting him after seeing his work, they learn that he is disabled and then suddenly change their mind.

To be honest, I really don't care how people view me or my work, I'm very open that I'm disabled and make no apologies for it, but I shoot for me. I can't draw anymore, or paint and I can seldomly (and barely) play my beloved flutes anymore, photography was there, it was accessible, so it was a natural progression.

We do have certain and unique advantages, unique because we see the world in a different perspective - including vantage point. Generally I don't think that we have as much trouble with people thinking we're "upto no good" (not a rule though, I've had some lip!) but there's just different advantages.
 
Although I don,t consider myself disabled I have problems with my shoulders and upper arms.As I mainly do bird photography I got round this by selling my DSLR and long len and buying a bridge camera,teleconvertor and lightweight tripod I can now continue my photography with much less pain and discomfort.Picture of Heron taken with my set up.

 
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