Posted by Timothy Valcke on the Big Photo Hunt community board.
I recently learned about a legally blind photographer named Gary Williamson and wanted to share his work and story. I hope this is allowed( @Ken Deckinger ) — I’m not trying to advertise the website or his work, but it is noteworthy and truly worth sharing: <https://lenscraft.co.uk/photography-blog/blind-photographer-gary-williamson/>
He is really good, and his camera allows him to “see further,” even though to him it is still blurry.
Replies
Hayley Flint-ahern
Fascinated to read about this inspiring man. I am visually impaired but no where near the extent of legally blind, but I need visual aid particularly for distance vision and this can be frustrating but I totally relate to the camera being an eye in a way. I think a combination of photography skill an innate talent and eye for beauty plus a desperate desire to see something with clarity gives him the thing it is he has. I feel grateful I am able to achieve visual clarity with photography and like he mentions with using larger screens I can see something much better using prescription lenses. Basically I wear glasses and can’t see shit without them the camera gives us a whole new perspective in the most literal sense.
Gwen Mattila
I am also a Legally Blind Photographer. I'm happy to hear that it's helping more than little old me to "see further."
Ken Deckinger
I love that you shared this @[Timothy Valcke](67cbe9dd-f3f4-4ef5-a134-4916a14fcfe3)! Such a great story to keep perspective...
Hayley Flint-ahern
lol how are so many of us visually impaired in some way like Ken’s colourblindness and Gwen being legally blind maybe that’s why we’re drawn to photography somehow
Angela Woods
I find it so inspiring that a blind person can do photography, that's so awesome.
Ken Deckinger
@[Gwen Mattila](98c07693-571b-4249-a193-3b9d07977bfc) hi! Thanks for sharing that! I'm curious, if you don't mind sharing, what are some of the tricks and techniques you use to help you with your photography... I ask because although I'm not legally blind I'm colorblind and have had to compensate many ways to pull photography off.
Timothy Valcke
@[Ken Deckinger](c3048578-7544-410e-a042-d00e6ec6333e) exactly why I wanted to share it!
Timothy Valcke
@[Hayley Flint-ahern](82d0a8ab-3fa2-47f0-b8e7-69dc32871621) interesting,
I didn’t know how to respond when I read this 5hours ago 🙂.
Because my mind went of in the direction of where do I fit into this…
It caused me to discover a thing about my style and why I usually have 2 competing subjects in my frames.
Thank you. 🙏🏻.
And yes and it’s not always the same “impairment” that draws us to this hobby or lifestyle
Gwen Mattila
@[Ken Deckinger](c3048578-7544-410e-a042-d00e6ec6333e) Even though I'm Legally Blind, I can still see light & shadows, and shapes & color. I question my eyesight multiple times daily and I use the camera lens to help me confirm or deny that I am really seeing what my brain believes I am. I know sometimes that what I see isn't necessarily what others are going to see through my camera lens.. but I wish they could. I am fortunate to not be color blind and I can't imagine how much it might affect your photography and life in general, and I never considered how a camera could compensate for color blindness.
I have; however, considered how these new smart glasses with built-in cameras can be a possible life changer for those of us who have extreme low vision or who are Legally Blind, and now, those with color blindness, too!
Ken Deckinger
@[Gwen Mattila](98c07693-571b-4249-a193-3b9d07977bfc) Thank you for sharing this. I totally get it. A good friend of mine is legally blind and was able, though, to use the camera when it was very close to his face. He could see almost better than without it - the camera is what helped him see.
The good thing about being colorblind is that I have no idea what anything else is actually supposed to look like, so to me, everything's perfect! 🤩
I'd imagine smart glasses will be really powerful one day. You could almost use the cameras to transfer the image to the lens, almost like an EVF, maybe at some point. Long way to go I think but so much opportunity there.
I really appreciate you sharing this!
Ken Deckinger
@[Hayley Flint-ahern](82d0a8ab-3fa2-47f0-b8e7-69dc32871621) Ironic, right?!? 😎
Timothy Valcke
@[Gwen Mattila](98c07693-571b-4249-a193-3b9d07977bfc) oh Waw I never thought about how smart glasses could help people. I used to think they are Just gimmicks!
Gwen Mattila
@[Timothy Valcke](67cbe9dd-f3f4-4ef5-a134-4916a14fcfe3) Right? It's an interesting perspective on what most people think of as, just the "latest electronic gadgets," available on the market..
Timothy Valcke
you should see his work. He posts on Instagram regularly.