Photography has always fascinated me, even from a young age, but my passion truly blossomed during high school. That’s when I caught the “photography bug” and became deeply invested in learning and experimenting with cameras.

Back then, digital cameras weren’t an option. We worked with film, which had its own charm but also came with unique challenges. Film cameras were entirely manual, requiring precise settings and composition since there was no screen to preview your shots. Unlike today’s cameras with LCD screens and multiple viewing options, film cameras relied solely on a single viewfinder for composing images.

For me, this posed a significant challenge due to my disability. The camera’s design required me to physically lift it high enough to align my eye with the eyepiece—a task that was far from easy. Holding the camera steady at that height and angle while trying to frame the shot was incredibly difficult. Yet, despite these obstacles, I loved every moment of it.

There was something magical about the process—the satisfying click of the shutter, the anticipation of waiting to see how the images would turn out, and the pride in capturing the perfect shot. Those early experiences, filled with both challenges and joy, became the foundation of my lifelong love for photography.

Photographs are a way of preserving a moment in our lives for the rest of our lives. Many of us have at least been tempted at the flashy array of photo printers which seemingly leap off the shelves at even the least tech-savvy. It surely seems old fashioned to talk about 35mm film and non-digital cameras in today’s day and age. To our children, cameras not so feature rich with LCD screens and built in Wi-Fi is as foreign as Atari. However, the innovation of home photo printing is bringing about a new way of preserving our most precious memories. Not only do we have digital copies to keep with us for the rest of our days across hundreds of different archives.

In addition to continuously working on enhancing my photography skills, I dedicate a significant amount of time to researching various tools and devices that can make photography more accessible. This includes exploring a wide range of equipment, such as adaptive camera grips, user-friendly tripods, and other assistive accessories designed for individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges. My passion for making photography more inclusive led me to establish a group called Capture Ability, which serves as a supportive community for people with disabilities who are interested in photography, as well as for former photographers looking to return to their craft.