The Disabled photographers society....please read.

Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia

Messages
3,238
Edit My Images
Yes
Been a while coming, but today I did my first training session as a volunteer for the Disabled Photographers Society. I had offered to assist the group a while back and finally today I started.

It was something I had been mulling over for some time and recently realized how much I could offer the group, whether training, helping, lifting, shifting and driving. Today I took a small class on the benefits of using natural light for portrait work. Was a nice session. The photographers I worked with ranged from a blind chap through to a guy in a wheel chair along with other assorted disabilities ranging in from recovering heart attacks to depression. The rub of it is that photographers less abled than me still want to take shots as much as me and that makes me want to give 110%. When you meet people who love your passion but have had things taken away, it makes you think.

I enjoyed it and we started with a model using light via a nice window with a reflector bouncing back some fill. It was interesting seeing how the class worked and the different dispositions that the fellow photographers showed when they could not get the shot with a large selction of cameras on show. I simply helped them out and for example a pleasant chap with mild parkinsons expressed that he kept getting soft photos so I spent 20 minutes explaining TV mode and how he can manage the camera. Overall I enjoyed it and I am commited to the project. Groups all over the country are looking for help and 'friend' membership. The 2009 goal is to hit 1000 members.

It takes on average £100.00 a week to sustain my local class of which quality studio lighting and kit is available. Do have a think - as I said, the benefits can be for everyone and todays session energized me and left me confident in my ability as both a photographer and a person in either order.

If you are going to Focus, the group will be there. Stop and have a look and think. Website here -

http://www.disabledphotographers.co.uk
 
I don't have the time of funds to be able to help the DPA in any significant way, but in the past when I've had letters published in Amateur Photographer I've requested that my 'prize' be donated to the DPA. I also had a complaint with Park Photos about some return postage not being paid which instead of a refund I ask that they make a donation to the DPA instead.
 
Aww bummer! If I had known it was you taking the course Diego, I would have made a concerted effort to go along. I'm a member of the DPS forums. its a lovely place :)
 
Its a pity it is so far away. I would love something like that around here.
 
its nice to see someone doing something positive to help others.

would contributions of bits of camera gear help?

or maybe we could have a donation thread or something similar?

i know personally that photography has helped me keep occupied know ime not so mobile with wounds from the army.
 
i think its beatiful that a dedicated photographer can help the less abled:thumbs:

if i go to focus then i certainly pop by and say hello, i will also have a search around for any old camera equipment to help fund for the cause.
 
Just goes to show that Pete is one stand up guy and always willing to help someone out. Proud to have you as a mate.
 
There was an article in one of the photography mags a couple of years ago about the DPA and it has always stuck with me. Food for thought DG.

I'm going to Focus and I'll make a point of going to see them.
 
Diego. If any of them go to football games then am interested in any pics they might take .. view from or of diabled areas and anything else do do with disabled football fans.. This for my website I ahve been running for more years then I care to remember www.awads.co.uk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top