[Stickman]

November 7, 2012 at 12:44 am

Andrew W. Both really. Physical and mental. I’ve “acquired” a number of physical disabilities as the result of a stroke. I’m not in a wheelchair 24/7, but I do have mobility issues. I’m just putting out some feelers.

I looked up the COPE Foundation, they seem to be based in Cork. I suppose there’s no fit all organisation when it comes to disability, but I was thinking more country wide. Maybe the suggestion of contacting the UK society as a first step is a good one.

I feel a bit lost though. It’s a huge thing to tackle alone…it would be great though. :D

[Stickman]

May 17, 2012 at 7:57 pm

The bag’s gone…

[Stickman]

May 11, 2012 at 8:03 pm

Ok so…

€50 for the grip, €50 the bag or €90 for both. P&P paid for by the purchaser…

[Stickman]

February 24, 2012 at 12:22 am

Thanks John.

You obviously don’t have problem with disability & I’m sure most able bodied people don’t. It’s disabled people who feel discomfort. It doesn’t matter really how often people say that there’s no problem. The ‘feeling’ is still there. At least for me…

But thanks for the vote of confidence, and I’ll keep an eye on those deaf guys, they’re known in the ‘trade’ as trouble makers…ha ha ha!

[Stickman]

February 23, 2012 at 10:58 pm

Hi John,

I have no issue with my club…end of. Part of a disability, a long term one, is not wishing to be a burden, to anyone. While its important for disabled people to take part in everyday society, there’s no escaping the fact that you’re different.

Speaking for myself, while help is appreciated and always welcome I’d never ask for it. It isn’t pride or independence, I don’t want to put people out. People may be willing to help when they’re asked but I hate having to & I try not to get into a position where it’s necessary. Very often I’ll avoid a situation so as not to put others in a position of discomfort, or at least perceived discomfort.

The idea of a disabled photo society is not to set disabled people apart or segregate them, but to even the playing field somewhat. If a group of disabled people get out together to persue a hobby as creative as photography without having to rely on other peoples kindnesses then all the better. It takes a burden off the shoulders of the disabled person and the obligation off the shoulders of the ‘regular’ person.

None of it requires that anyone has to leave their present club and any and all help would of course be welcome, but as its a disabled society all involved would be under no illusion as to the needs of it members. Besides, all of this is just notional as it doesn’t exist.

And of course deaf people could join.

[Stickman]

February 23, 2012 at 11:06 am

Not at all John. I’m a member of a club already. The question of a disabled society would really just recognise that a disabled photographer could have limitations. Of course the quality shouldn’t suffer.

Also some help for those who would love to get involved but can’t because they either lack the skills, have no one competent enough to take them under their wing, or just can’t use a camera because they haven’t got the use of one or both arm or they’re mobility is compromised in some way.

I have a freind whose right arm is paralysed from a stroke, has to use a standard tripod and a camera designed for right handed fully functional person. He gets around it, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be made easier. I don’t know what adaptions would be available, but I’m sure they exist.

[Stickman]

February 1, 2012 at 8:48 pm

Thanks Jenny. I know what you mean about the black. I’ve tried everything to get rid of it, cause I was bothered by it too. Any kind of crop to get rid of it means the stamens would be compromised, or the image would end up outside image proportions.

Personally I feel the framing could have been better, but members of my local club said that I shouldn’t worry about it, but I’m pleased you noticed and pointed it out.

Stickman

[Stickman]

January 29, 2012 at 12:52 pm

Well. I’m originally Danish, but I’ve lived most of my life in Ireland so I guess I’m Irish. I’ve been interested in photography for ever really, but life got in the way and it took a very back seat for years.

In February of 2005, when I was 35, I suffered a severe stroke but about two or three years later I took the camera up again as I had plenty of time on my hands and I thought it might help with my recovery. I don’t get around too well now of course and my balance is awful so although I might ‘see’ a good photo-op I’m seldom in a position to act on it. I get tired easily too which doesn’t help.

I don’t think anyone inspires me either as I tend to like fairly wide subjects, but I’m mostly drawn to black and whites, macro and portraits, and I don’t know why – weddings. I don’t like weddings really. I’m not to prolific now because of my ‘condition’, but even though I may not post too often I’m always looking.

I use a Canon EOS 50D with various lenses and other bits…I’d love to own a 5D Mk II, but that’s a way off yet.

[Stickman]

January 28, 2012 at 8:34 pm

:D :D :D :D