BetterPhoto Q&A
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Need Ideas for interesting projects

I am not interested in selling individual photographs, but rather, create a series of shots which could increase awareness on people living with disabilities...

(Something original)

m a 37 years old woman. I have cerebral palsy, a disability which greatly affects my motor skills. I cannot write with a pen or a pencil; I have to type. I use a straw to drink because my hands shake too much to hold a glass. Up until March 2006, I had basically never shot pictures. After spending 10 years (on and off) using Photoshop to alter other people's pictures, I decided to take my own, howwever blurried it might be. Soon, I discovered to use a fast shutter speed to compensate for my tremors.

Now, taking pictures is one of the greatest joys of my life.

I hope to some day, earn some form of recognition as a photographer...

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August 07, 2006

I do have one suggestion for you though regarding the problem of camera shake with slower shutter speeds. (Same advice goes for everyone, just kicks in at a different speed for you.) Get a tripod and use either a remote release, cable release or the self-timer to release the shutter. (Sorry, but I am not familiar with your camera so I don't know which of those is available for you to use.) I often use this method even though I am pretty steady. (OK, physically I'm pretty steady but as many on this site can testify, I'm not too sure about mentally steady. LOL)

If you are interested, I hope to have a photo posted in a few weeks that might be something similar to what you are talking about. IF (big if) I can get the photo on film to look like what I see in my mind's eye it should be a good photo. It will be a shot of a friend of mine, who also has CP (and has been in a wheelchair all of her life) in the vestibule of our new sanctuary. My reason for shooting this photo is a little different from your reason for shooting. I am shooting it simply because I like the idea of the shot (may use more than one subject and shoot a series of shots) and because she has been a good friend of mine for 38 years and I want to shoot another picture of her.

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August 07, 2006

I photographed it for about a year, following a few specific residents through the program at various intervals and recording their accomplishments and experiences. Physical rehab, counseling, reading/writing skills, all the way through improving their daily living skills from riding a bus to grocery shopping.

Over time, I formed close relationships with some of the participants. I learned myself how to communicate with some of the profoundly retarded and autistic. I was invited to their birthday parties and outings including golf.

So, my suggestion to you, if you can, is over time, document a program that has others with CP and after awhile, start to narrow your focus, so-to-speak, and hone in on particular aspects of a program or series of programs to document the physical and emotional aspects of CP. I think you'd be doing a remarkable service for your own community and society as a whole.

For marketing, start with agencies specializing in CP and other disabilities including your local chapter of the United Way. Whaddya think?

Be well Sophie.
Mark

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August 07, 2006