[stylist] blindness and photography
Bridgit Pollpeter
bpollpeter at hotmail.com
Thu Aug 12 19:58:50 UTC 2010
Allison,
I do not remember if the photographer was blind since birth or if he
lost vision later in life. He did, though, have a whole process for how
to take pictures with an artistic flare. He was talented enough to make
a living from this, and people were pleased with his results so I assume
the photographs were more than just simple snap shots.
I understand that we all do not enjoy the same interest, nor do we all
understand things with the same perspective, but my point is that
perhaps when we doubt the possibility of a visual element working for
the blind, maybe the real problem is that we do not believe a non-visual
method can be applied. I completely understand others skepticism, and I
do not know how a blind person can take professional photos, but people
do it, therefore I draw the conclusion that it is possible to take a
picture in a non-visual manner.
Again, I think a lot of what holds us back (whether we have a disability
or not) is humans inability to change our perceptions and step outside
the box. I mean, we once thought the world was flat, and no one thought
it was worth considering any other option. Many have believed too many
things are far to visual to make accessible, and yet some have produced
certain products that are accessible proving the naysayers wrong.
The photographer in the story had developed steps to allow him to
understand space, size and even lighting. Do not ask me how he did
this, but obviously he found a non-visual approach. I like to live by
the scientific approach to life which means if something can be proved
then I am willing to buy it. This guy (and others) are making a name
for themselves as photographers, and even though I do not understand it,
it is happening so I am inclined to say that a blind person can take
pictures and have the element of artistry to it.
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
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Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 76, Issue 17
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: Blindness and Photography (Allison Nastoff)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:46:05 -0500
From: Allison Nastoff <anastoff at wi.rr.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and Photography
Message-ID: <5B.4E.01723.BA0636C4 at hrndva-omtalb.mail.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
Hi Bridgit,
This is just a question of curiousity. Do you remember if that
totally blind photographer on the Today Show was blind from
birth, or in childhood, or if he is one of those people who went
blind as an adult due to an injury or something?
The reason I ask is because while I partially agree with you that
the blind should not limit themselves and think they can't do
something because it is thought of as too visual for them to
enjoy, I also understand where Elizabeth is coming from in that
there is a difference between taking a picture, and taking a
picture with artistry and emotion, just like there is a
difference between being able to write a simple sentence versus a
sentence with artistry and emotion.
That being said, I have no desire to pursue photography because
my brain isn't wired for that, but even if I did, I don't know
that I could realistically take a picture with artistry, or if I
could learn the basics of photography, I would need so much help
from sighted people to make it artistic that it would be counter
productive. I feel this way because I went blind when I was
about seven months old, so since I don't remember being able to
see, when people around me talk about artistry concepts related
to photography like background and lighting, it is as if they are
speaking a foreign language. However, for a person who went
blind later in life, I would think photography would be more
realistic of a goal because while they would have to make some
adaptations like learning how to get their subjects in a picture
without sight, they would at least have the frame of reference
from when they could see that would make it a lot easier for them
to understand the artistry of photography.
There are so many things that people who are totally blind can do
especially in writing, the field I plan to pursue because it
requires in a sense the same artistry that photography requires
but without the necessity of understanding visual concepts. So
while I am all in favor of allowing blind people to pursue their
dreams and not limit themselves or let society limit them, to
some extent, I am also in favor of being realistic and focusing
on the many nonvisual opportunities in the world rather than
attempting visual things like photography which we might be able
to do, but might not understand or enjoy if we have never had
vision before.
Allison Nastoff
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:56:22 -0500
Subject: [stylist] Blindness and Photography
Dear List,
I saw a story on the Today Show a couple of years ago about a
blind
photographer. He was totally blind, but was a professional
photographer. He was hired (by the sighted and blind) to work
all kinds
of events including weddings. In the story, he had been hired by
a
sighted couple to work their wedding.
Society (including us who are blind) do not always look outside
our
perceptions. If we can't do it, then we think no one can do it.
My
brain is not wired to think like a scientist, but that does not
mean
others do not have the capacity to think as a scientist. People
think
so many things are visual, and therefore not doable and enjoyable
by the
blind. Initially Apple refused to make the I-phone accessible
because,
according to them, it was a, "fundamentally visually-oriented
product,"
implying that those with blindness would not enjoy it. Well, how
many
of us have enjoyed our I-phones? If everyone thought
visually-oriented
items and things were not possible for the blind, the NFB would
not
exist.
It has been the mission of the NFB to break barriers and prove
that the
sky is the limit for the blind too. That is what the Blind
Driver
Challenge is about. It is not just about the blind being able to
drive.
It reaches farther than that. In a nutshell, if we can make a
car
accessible for the blind to independently drive, then we can make
anything accessible. The Challenge was issued to force us to
think
outside the box; to change our perceptions and our realities.
As individuals, we have unique personalities, and we hold beliefs
and
enjoy interest. We are not all alike, and we do not always share
the
same ideas and opinions. Yet we (the blind) must accept that
perception
is not knowledge. If we can drive a car then we can be guide dog
instructors, musicians, writers and even photographers. The
world only
changes when we step out of our comfort zones and attempt the
(perceived) impossible.
Independence is more than learning alternative skills, and it is
more
than being gainfully employed. Independence is a mindset. If we
believe in limitations then we do not embrace true independence.
If we
(the blind) are so willing to accept the concept of limitations,
then
how can we expect the rest of society to view us as competent,
capable
people. Disability is also a state of mind. Many have dreamed
and saw
that dream come to fruition because they worked hard and were
willing to
think beyond the perception.
We must be ourselves, and we do not have to pursue things just
because
we are trying to prove a point, but we should also not stifle
those who
truly want to pursue certain avenues. Again, just because I
don't
understand or enjoy some things, does not mean others feel the
opposite.
My long ass point here is that we must look beyond perceptions,
including our own, in order for their to be progress, and not
just for
those of us who are blind, but for the world in general.
Bridgit Pollpeter
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 12:00 PM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 76, Issue 10
Send stylist mailing list submissions to
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: Blindness and photography (loristay)
2. Re: Blindness and photography (Donna Hill)
3. Re: Blindness and photography (Donna Hill)
4. Photography and Sighted Assistance (Joe Orozco)
5. Re: Blindness and photography (Judith Bron)
6. Re: Blindness and photography (Judith Bron)
7. Re: Blindness and photography (Priscilla McKinley)
8. Re: Blindness and photography (Robert Leslie Newman)
9. Re: Photography and Sighted Assistance (Robert Leslie
Newman)
10. Re: Blindness and photography (BDM)
11. Chris Kuhl's July 4 Piece (Chelsea Cook)
12. National Federation of the Blind Defends Rights of Blind
Students (Freeh, Jessica)
13. Re: stylist Digest, Vol 76, Issue 9 (Bridgit Pollpeter)
14. Re: stylist Digest, Vol 76, Issue 9 (Donna Hill)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:03:28 -0400
From: loristay <loristay at aol.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <EC34B5E1.1C9A.4BD1.8A87.38FB61C4F79C at aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
What makes you think sighted people don't often ask for
assistance from
others, whether sighted or blind? ?No one is completely
independent.
?That's the way of the world.
Lori
On Aug 8, 2010, at 11:38:31 PM, "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
wrote:
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Date: August 8, 2010 11:38:31 PM EDT
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity, wouldn't
a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see that
the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing?
_______________________________________________
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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:17:01 -0400
From: Donna Hill <penatwork at epix.net
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <4C60380D.8000609 at epix.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Joe,
If photos are to be used solely by the blind/visually impaired
photographer -- those of us who have some usable vision and
simply want
to see things in what is often a better format than reality,
because we
can stare at it for a long time and /or blow it up and change the
contrast -- then, no sighted help is needed to judge the quality
of the
photo. Sighted help, I believe is useful in learning to aim and
operate
the camera to begin with, and in the cases where a blind person
wants to
share the photos with others. As Peter points out, he had
sighted
assistance in checking photos prior to posting them on the
division
website. With the low cost of taking digital photos and the fact
that
you can e-mail them to your relatives, you can either count on
them to
weed out the duds -- and sighted people have more duds than good
ones --
or have a trusted sighted friend review them prior to using them.
I
certainly don't suggest that anyone start sending out photos to
publishers as the art work of a blind person, for instance,
without
having plenty of sighted opinions.
Two final points ... There's nothing wrong with wanting to see
things or
acknowledging that visual imagery is hugely important in the
sighted
world. There's also nothing wrong in "needing" sighted
assistance.
Sometimes, I think we forget that people in general seek, value
and
indeed need the opinions of others, be they sighted or blind.
Donna
Read Donna's articles on
Suite 101:
www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
American Chronicle:
www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
Connect with Donna on
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/dewhill
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
FaceBook:
www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at:
cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
Apple I-Tunes
phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2
5924437
4
Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit
Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind:
www.padnfb.org
On 8/8/2010 11:38 PM, Joe Orozco wrote:
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity,
wouldn't a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see
that the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up
their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing
_______________________________________________
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http://www.nfb-writers-division.org<http://www.nfb-writers-divisi
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Message: 3
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:19:27 -0400
From: Donna Hill <penatwork at epix.net
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <4C60389F.6040100 at epix.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Brad, well put and many excellent points.
Donna
Read Donna's articles on
Suite 101:
www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
American Chronicle:
www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
Connect with Donna on
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/dewhill
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
FaceBook:
www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at:
cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
Apple I-Tunes
phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2
5924437
4
Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit
Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind:
www.padnfb.org
On 8/9/2010 12:55 PM, BDM wrote:
Since you asked about opinions Robert :). In response to
someones
recent post. I too am not a nay sayer, optimistically an
optimist :),
and also an encourager and not complainer by nature. So the
following
comment is meant to be taken in that light. I don't quite
understand
the point of it being a mockery as a blind photographer,
professional
or just someone clicking pics for a visual journal of their own
or
loved one's lives. I agree with the breaking news of fried
potatoes
thing, that's just folks exposing a lack of mature insight, or
being
able to actually think things passed the shallow threshold of
being
amazed we breathe on our own. But I'm not getting the mockery
thing or
how could taking pics as a blind person really make us happy or
be
enjoyable. I think it is a matter of the perspective of the
reasons
"why" we do what we do. If I can take a picture and regardless
if I'm
blind or not, it makes one say, "What a cool shot that is, I've
been
to that place?" Or "That is just a cool sunset shot", and they
enjoy
it, isn't that what it is about? I write songs and perform
them and
yes I do like the process, I enjoy it for what it is, but what
makes
me write is to try to evoke some emotion in a listener, take
them on
a mini-emotional trip. I know there are people who sing better,
play
better, write better, entertain better, just like they might
center
an object in a pic or what not better but that's OK with me.
My drive
as a writer is to let others enjoy or feel. They show their
appreciation and I enjoy that in return. It isn't about my
playing,
writing or singing, its what it evokes from others that matters
to me
and drives me to continue. My wife is no photographer she
basically
puts whatever she's taking a picture of in the center of the
screen
and, bam, clicks it and its done. Yet she got really good
composition
comments from a professional photographer on one of her pics.
She
doesn't even know what that is.
And I don't wish to beat this example to the ground as I'm sure
we've
all heard it a thousand times if even once, but it is relevant
The
deaf musician who plays xylophone or whatever it is, in an
orchestra.
She in no way has the same enjoyment perspective as we do, but
she
enjoys it in her own way that matters to her and she's living
the
dream she wants regardless. Isn't that what it is all about?
Probably
more applicable are blind web designers, beats me how they do
it but
they are out there, I can't do it, but that isn't my dream
either. If
we wish to be seen as just people minus a label, we need to be
secure
in ourselves enough to allow us to be who we are as well.
There is
much more to the picture than pressing a button, there's the
people
you get to meet while taking it, there is the vacation you are
on, the
triple story house of cards that is about to blow over if a flea
jumps
on it before you can snap its proof of existence... whatever.
People
want to do things because of the feeling it gives them, how are
we to
question the origin of that feeling in whatever they decide to
use as
a vehicle. *smile*.
Brad
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Message: 4
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 13:20:40 -0400
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Photography and Sighted Assistance
Message-ID: <A1D030516FCF4978973BD2A986A112B2 at Rufus
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Lori,
You misunderstand my point. I am not one of those hard core
blind
people
who are opposed to sighted assistance by any means. My point is
that
there
are a plethora of jobs where people can fulfill a job without the
need
for
sighted people to double check the results. This is not to say
that I
do
not have my supervisor eyeball my outbound grant proposals before
they
are
submitted. This does not mean that Peter Donahue does not have
someone
sighted double check his web content before it goes live, but in
both
examples, we are fully capable of assessing the work along the
way so
that
we can set our own standards for what is working and what is not.
I
agree
that there are partially sighted people who can enlarge the
images to
make
their own evaluations, but then this becomes something of a
dancing
target,
because what is sufficient vision and what is the proper
magnification
tool?
I'm talking about people who cannot see at all or people who
cannot see
well
enough to determine for themselves what is poor, what is better,
and
what is
great. I would personally hate to always have to rely on what
other
people
claim, because beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. This
should
give
me a sufficient self of fulfillment, but I guess I'm too much of
a
control
freak and would want to be able to independently gauge for myself
that
this
photo was great and that photo was whack. Know what I mean?
But, as I
clearly pointed out, I've never given the issue much thought, so
I'm
willing
to learn.
Joe
?Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.?--Sam
Ewing
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of loristay
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 1:03 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
What makes you think sighted people don't often ask for
assistance from others, whether sighted or blind? ?No one is
completely independent. ?That's the way of the world.
Lori
On Aug 8, 2010, at 11:38:31 PM, "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
wrote:
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Date: August 8, 2010 11:38:31 PM EDT
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity,
wouldn't a person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see
that the topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up
their sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing?
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:59:27 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <000301cb37ec$9c1766e0$3302a8c0 at dell5150
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=original
Some have a difficult time believing that a blind person can
identify a
goal, do what they need to reach it and bbe successful at it.
Many of
these
people feel better if we keep their roles as pitying folks
standing on
the
sidelines and cheering those who make our daily existance
possible.
They
forget that blind and otherwise handicapped people are first and
foremost
people. As people we have the right to make our own dreams come
true.
As
for those other folks, who cares what they think? Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "loristay" <loristay at aol.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 12:56 PM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Amen, Pete.
Lori
On Aug 7, 2010, at 11:02:27 PM, "Peter Donahue"
<pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net
wrote:
From: "Peter Donahue" <pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Date: August 7, 2010 11:02:27 PM EDT
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Hello Elizabeth and everyone,
This reminds me of the reaction I got from some blind individuals
I knew
in Massachusetts when discussing the possibility of blind persons
becoming
guide dog instructors. These same people often criticized me for
working
as
a street musician rather than "being more gainfully employed." It
was
their
attitude, their unwillingness to explore possibilities, and being
unsupportive of my dreams and life goals that put myself and a
few
others on
the streets to begin with.
Not all of us are cut out to be writers or photographers but for
God
sakes if a blind person chooses to become a guide dog trainer, a
photographer, a writer, or whatever let's support them and quit
trying
to
steal their dreams! I sent a message similar to this one to the
NABS
List
earlier this past week concerning a discussion of blind drivers.
We're
federationists and our imaginative spirit and can-do attitude
needs to
shine
through at all times.
Peter Donahue
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elizabeth Sammons" <antigone at columbus.rr.com
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Hi, Robert and all others.
Yes, I'm in complete agreement that this is an interesting
discussion,
and
of course, knowing us as writers and thinkers, the discussion
could and
should be 100% civil. (Smile.) I simply find it a mockery, a
caper that
either wishes to say "Look at me, I can do this, too," to attract
attention,
or else totally missing the idea of good photography. I know you
did not
mean it this way, Robert, and while I agree that listening to a
voice, a
bird song, etc., can help one to find the subject, the difference
between
capturing that subject on a picture and making it artistic is the
difference
between saying "Look, I know the alphabet and can write a
punctuated
sentence!" and "Look what a fine sentence I just wrote, evoking
the mind
and
spirit of my subject." I don't feel that people who are blind
should put
themselves out to pursue something for the sake of pursuit rather
than
to do
a good job any more than as I quoted "Beethoven's Nightmare" the
deaf
group, they could call themselves quote real musicians end quote.
For
the
record, I think they take themselves with a lot of irony, which
makes
the
band at least marginally acceptable in my view.
Admittedly, I stand on the more radical edge of this field of
thought,
but
I'm putting it out boldly for the sake of discussion. If anybody
writes
something that makes me change my mind, I'll smile and let you
know,
though
please note, I am not particularly trying to say here please
change my
opinion on this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
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------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:00:59 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <000701cb37ec$d3244450$3302a8c0 at dell5150
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=original
Of course they do. The difference is they think their dependence
on
others
is "normal". If blind people want to snap a picture the action,
in
their
opinion, is abnormal. It's all in the perception of the action.
Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "loristay" <loristay at aol.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 1:03 PM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
What makes you think sighted people don't often ask for
assistance from
others, whether sighted or blind? No one is completely
independent.
That's
the way of the world.
Lori
On Aug 8, 2010, at 11:38:31 PM, "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
wrote:
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Date: August 8, 2010 11:38:31 PM EDT
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity, wouldn't
a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see that
the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 13:43:22 -0500
From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID:
<AANLkTikWurTEUL00+Sz6P8vDkQjQavO8AL1PXkHeu8tE at mail.gmail.co
m
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I have been reading this discussion with interest. I know blind
photographers and artists, but their work is based on usable
vision.
I was totally sighted for half of my life and I have been totally
blind for the second half of my life, and while I will take
pictures
for family and friends, I would hire someone to take pictures if
I
needed them for a professional writing assignment. After all,
I'm a
writer, not a photographer. I would want the photographs to be
the
best for a sighted audience, as most of my audience would be
sighted.
Sighted people don't want pictures that are fair. They want
brilliance. And I'm not saying that blind people can't take
brilliant
photographs, but if a person has no sight, it would be next to
impossible to know the lighting and so on.
This leads to the whole idea of a contest for blind
photographers.
Isn't it more likely that someone with usable vision would do a
better
job than someone without? After all, lighting is everything for
photography. I have to wonder if Dr. Jernigan would like such a
contest. If you haven't read it, perhaps you should listen to
the
dishwashing tape where he explains that we are all equal as blind
people. Would a photography contest illustrate this? Or would
it
cause a divide? If there was such a contest, wouldn't it make
more
sense to put everyone under sleep shades, as Dr. Jernigan
insisted
should be done in the traning centers so that we would be equal
as
blind individuals?
Just my thoughts,
Priscilla
On 8/9/10, Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net> wrote:
Of course they do. The difference is they think their
dependence on
others
is "normal". If blind people want to snap a picture the action,
in
their
opinion, is abnormal. It's all in the perception of the action.
Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "loristay" <loristay at aol.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 1:03 PM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
What makes you think sighted people don't often ask for
assistance
from
others, whether sighted or blind? No one is completely
independent.
That's
the way of the world.
Lori
On Aug 8, 2010, at 11:38:31 PM, "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
wrote:
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Date: August 8, 2010 11:38:31 PM EDT
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity, wouldn't
a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see
that the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up
their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 13:53:45 -0500
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <8C99E3E5EB974B02A6D84E409103A1E3 at RobertLesliePC
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Brad, well written! what you wrote, was in general what I was
meaning of
personal choice, doing it for me and not really caring how
someone else
thought about it. and as I say, I'm mature enough, comfortable
in my
blindness, that I don't need to prove anything to anyone.
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of BDM
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 11:55 AM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Since you asked about opinions Robert :). In response to
someones recent
post. I too am not a nay sayer, optimistically an optimist :),
and also
an
encourager and not complainer by nature. So the following
comment is
meant
to be taken in that light. I don't quite understand the point of
it
being a
mockery as a blind photographer, professional or just someone
clicking
pics
for a visual journal of their own or loved one's lives. I agree
with the
breaking news of fried potatoes thing, that's just folks exposing
a lack
of
mature insight, or being able to actually think things passed the
shallow
threshold of being amazed we breathe on our own. But I'm not
getting the
mockery thing or how could taking pics as a blind person really
make us
happy or be enjoyable. I think it is a matter of the perspective
of the
reasons "why" we do what we do. If I can take a picture and
regardless
if
I'm blind or not, it makes one say, "What a cool shot that is,
I've been
to
that place?" Or "That is just a cool sunset shot", and they enjoy
it,
isn't
that what it is about? I write songs and perform them and yes I
do like
the
process, I enjoy it for what it is, but what makes me write is to
try
to
evoke some emotion in a listener, take them on a mini-emotional
trip. I
know
there are people who sing better, play better, write better,
entertain
better, just like they might center an object in a pic or what
not
better
but that's OK with me. My drive as a writer is to let others
enjoy or
feel.
They show their appreciation and I enjoy that in return. It
isn't about
my
playing, writing or singing, its what it evokes from others that
matters
to
me and drives me to continue. My wife is no photographer she
basically
puts
whatever she's taking a picture of in the center of the screen
and,
bam,
clicks it and its done. Yet she got really good composition
comments
from a
professional photographer on one of her pics. She doesn't even
know what
that is.
And I don't wish to beat this example to the ground as I'm sure
we've
all
heard it a thousand times if even once, but it is relevant .
The deaf musician who plays xylophone or whatever it is, in an
orchestra.
She in no way has the same enjoyment perspective as we do, but
she
enjoys it
in her own way that matters to her and she's living the dream she
wants
regardless. Isn't that what it is all about?
Probably more applicable are blind web designers, beats me how
they do
it
but they are out there, I can't do it, but that isn't my dream
either.
If we
wish to be seen as just people minus a label, we need to be
secure in
ourselves enough to allow us to be who we are as well. There is
much
more
to the picture than pressing a button, there's the people you
get to
meet
while taking it, there is the vacation you are on, the triple
story
house of
cards that is about to blow over if a flea jumps on it before you
can
snap
its proof of existence... whatever. People want to do things
because of
the
feeling it gives them, how are we to question the origin of that
feeling in
whatever they decide to use as a vehicle. *smile*.
Brad
_______________________________________________
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------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 13:58:32 -0500
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Photography and Sighted Assistance
Message-ID: <67CA3F62CA6D47938988C8A9AFBDE534 at RobertLesliePC
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Joe, After I take a batch of pictures, I always get my wife or a
friend
to
check out what've got. I bet I delete eight picks for everyone
that I
keep.
(I now have an IPhone and need to figure out how to get the pics
off of
it.
Just haven't taken the time to work on it.)
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Joe Orozco
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 12:21 PM
To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
Subject: [stylist] Photography and Sighted Assistance
Lori,
You misunderstand my point. I am not one of those hard core
blind
people
who are opposed to sighted assistance by any means. My point is
that
there
are a plethora of jobs where people can fulfill a job without the
need
for
sighted people to double check the results. This is not to say
that I
do
not have my supervisor eyeball my outbound grant proposals before
they
are
submitted. This does not mean that Peter Donahue does not have
someone
sighted double check his web content before it goes live, but in
both
examples, we are fully capable of assessing the work along the
way so
that
we can set our own standards for what is working and what is not.
I
agree
that there are partially sighted people who can enlarge the
images to
make
their own evaluations, but then this becomes something of a
dancing
target,
because what is sufficient vision and what is the proper
magnification
tool?
I'm talking about people who cannot see at all or people who
cannot see
well
enough to determine for themselves what is poor, what is better,
and
what is
great. I would personally hate to always have to rely on what
other
people
claim, because beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. This
should
give
me a sufficient self of fulfillment, but I guess I'm too much of
a
control
freak and would want to be able to independently gauge for myself
that
this
photo was great and that photo was whack. Know what I mean?
But, as I
clearly pointed out, I've never given the issue much thought, so
I'm
willing
to learn.
Joe
?Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.?--Sam
Ewing
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of loristay
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 1:03 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
What makes you think sighted people don't often ask for
assistance from
others, whether sighted or blind? ?No one is completely
independent.
?That's
the way of the world.
Lori
On Aug 8, 2010, at 11:38:31 PM, "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
wrote:
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Date: August 8, 2010 11:38:31 PM EDT
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org> Dear
all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity, wouldn't
a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see that
the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing?
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
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y%40aol.com
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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:01:50 -0500
From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID:
<6.2.3.4.2.20100809155108.02a56188 at www.braddunsemusic.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Yep I agree. :) I am fortunate that pre-blindness and post,
I've
always been concerned with my own thoughts and provings rather
than
others.
Brad
At 01:53 PM 8/9/2010, you wrote:
Brad, well written! what you wrote, was in general what I was
meaning
of
personal choice, doing it for me and not really caring how
someone else
thought about it. and as I say, I'm mature enough, comfortable
in my
blindness, that I don't need to prove anything to anyone.
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of BDM
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 11:55 AM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Since you asked about opinions Robert :). In response to
someones
recent
post. I too am not a nay sayer, optimistically an optimist :),
and also
an
encourager and not complainer by nature. So the following
comment is
meant
to be taken in that light. I don't quite understand the point of
it
being a
mockery as a blind photographer, professional or just someone
clicking
pics
for a visual journal of their own or loved one's lives. I agree
with
the
breaking news of fried potatoes thing, that's just folks exposing
a
lack of
mature insight, or being able to actually think things passed the
shallow
threshold of being amazed we breathe on our own. But I'm not
getting
the
mockery thing or how could taking pics as a blind person really
make us
happy or be enjoyable. I think it is a matter of the perspective
of the
reasons "why" we do what we do. If I can take a picture and
regardless
if
I'm blind or not, it makes one say, "What a cool shot that is,
I've
been to
that place?" Or "That is just a cool sunset shot", and they enjoy
it,
isn't
that what it is about? I write songs and perform them and yes I
do
like the
process, I enjoy it for what it is, but what makes me write is to
try
to
evoke some emotion in a listener, take them on a mini-emotional
trip. I
know
there are people who sing better, play better, write better,
entertain
better, just like they might center an object in a pic or what
not
better
but that's OK with me. My drive as a writer is to let others
enjoy or
feel.
They show their appreciation and I enjoy that in return. It
isn't about
my
playing, writing or singing, its what it evokes from others that
matters to
me and drives me to continue. My wife is no photographer she
basically
puts
whatever she's taking a picture of in the center of the screen
and,
bam,
clicks it and its done. Yet she got really good composition
comments
from a
professional photographer on one of her pics. She doesn't even
know
what
that is.
And I don't wish to beat this example to the ground as I'm sure
we've
all
heard it a thousand times if even once, but it is relevant .
The deaf musician who plays xylophone or whatever it is, in an
orchestra.
She in no way has the same enjoyment perspective as we do, but
she
enjoys it
in her own way that matters to her and she's living the dream she
wants
regardless. Isn't that what it is all about?
Probably more applicable are blind web designers, beats me how
they do
it
but they are out there, I can't do it, but that isn't my dream
either.
If we
wish to be seen as just people minus a label, we need to be
secure in
ourselves enough to allow us to be who we are as well. There is
much
more
to the picture than pressing a button, there's the people you
get to
meet
while taking it, there is the vacation you are on, the triple
story
house of
cards that is about to blow over if a flea jumps on it before you
can
snap
its proof of existence... whatever. People want to do things
because of
the
feeling it gives them, how are we to question the origin of that
feeling in
whatever they decide to use as a vehicle. *smile*.
Brad
_______________________________________________
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signature database 5353 (20100809) __________
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Brad Dunse
Success in life is a result of good judgment,
good judgment is a result of experience,
experience is a result of bad judgment
E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
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------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 22:26:39 -0400
From: Chelsea Cook <astrochem119 at gmail.com
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Chris Kuhl's July 4 Piece
Message-ID:
<AANLkTimwbo5qAKCDxmYqS_gVhDswqhpQmLy4OBGyOX5g at mail.gmail.co
m
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Chris,
I read your piece and absolutely loved the interplay of the
different
holidays. The dialogue and characters were clever and
interesting.
I've just been away at Orientation and vacation, so did not have
much
time to post. But don't worry: I enjoyed your writing very much!
Please keep sharing!
Very busy preparing for college,
Chelsea Cook
--
"I ask you to look both ways. For the road to a knowledge of the
stars leads through the atom; and important knowledge of the atom
has
been reached through
the stars."
Sir Arthur Eddington, British astrophysicist (1882-1944), Stars
and
Atoms (1928), Lecture 1
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:42:21 -0500
From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org> (by way of David Andrews
<dandrews at visi.com>)
To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] National Federation of the Blind Defends
Rights of
Blind Students
Message-ID: <auto-000166292429 at mailfront1.g2host.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org
National Federation of the Blind Defends Rights of Blind Students
Calls for Equal Access to Information and Technology in America?s
Universities
Baltimore, Maryland (August 9, 2010): The
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) responded
today to recent attacks on the right of blind
students to have equal access to technologies
used by America?s universities and to the
textbooks and course materials offered by
institutions of higher learning. The NFB and the
United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights
Division, have come under attack in recent days
for reaching settlements with universities
requiring that the universities refrain from
purchasing any e-book technology that is not fully accessible to
the
blind.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, said: ?Blind students
must have access to the same textbooks and course
materials and the same technology to read them as
all other students. This is not only a matter of
fairness to blind students but a requirement of
federal law. For this reason, we applaud the
United States Department of Justice, acting at
our request and pursuant to its mandate to
enforce this nation?s disability rights laws, for
reaching landmark settlements with colleges and
universities ensuring that e-book technologies
deployed by these institutions will be accessible
to all their students. With the announcement of
a new accessible Amazon Kindle, the recent
introduction of the Apple iPad, and the promise
of future accessible e-book products?many of
which would not have been made accessible without
our advocacy efforts?colleges and universities
will find it increasingly easy to procure e-book
technology that benefits everyone. These
settlements benefit not only blind students, who
will now have access to the same books at the
same time and at the same price as their sighted
peers, but also institutions of higher learning,
which will no longer incur the administrative
burden of producing or procuring accessible books
through separate and inferior methods. To the
extent that inaccessible e-book technology
remains a barrier to the equal education of the
blind, however, the National Federation of the
Blind will continue to fight for the educational
and legal rights of blind students, and we will
not hesitate to call upon the Department of
Justice and other government authorities to
assist us in doing so when necessary.?
###
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National
Federation of the Blind is the largest and most
influential membership organization of blind
people in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
/>United States. The NFB improves blind people?s
lives through advocacy, education, research,
technology, and programs encouraging independence
and self-confidence. It is the leading force in
the blindness field today and the voice of the
nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened
the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan
Institute, the first research and training center
in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:43:15 -0500
From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] stylist Digest, Vol 76, Issue 9
Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP24E319553B98F66A4DEBD3C4950 at phx.gbl
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Jewel,
Most digital cameras have the facial recognization feature. I
have an
Easy Share by Kodak and it does the facial or object
identification.
I have a tip for taking pictures. I stand as close to what ever
I am
trying to take a picture of possible then back up. It usually
helps so
that I actually take a shot of what I want. Digital cameras are
a
little different because they do not use a view finder, but have
a
screen. I suggest taking time to get use to how the camera feels
when
snapping a picture.
Anyway, I do not believe any cameras will just recognize a face
just
because the camera is pointing in a direction. There still has
to be a
focus, but this feature helps to stabilize the image.
Good luck finding a camera. There are so many!
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 12:00 PM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 76, Issue 9
Send stylist mailing list submissions to
stylist at nfbnet.org
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
stylist-request at nfbnet.org
You can reach the person managing the list at
stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more
specific
than "Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Blindness and photography (Jewel S.)
2. Re: Blindness and photography (Donna Hill)
3. Re: Writers Division member featured by Stanford
University,
Center... (KajunCutie926 at aol.com)
4. Re: Blindness and photography (Robert Leslie Newman)
5. Re: Blindness and photography (Elizabeth Sammons)
6. Re: Blindness and photography (Joe Orozco)
7. Re: Blindness and photography (Jewel S.)
8. Re: Blindness and photography (Robert Leslie Newman)
9. Blindness, Photography, and Division Web Site (Peter
Donahue)
10. Re: Blindness and photography (BDM)
11. Re: Blindness and photography (loristay)
12. Re: Blindness and photography (Donna Hill)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 12:59:51 -0400
From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID:
<AANLkTikMxTLAm0THw3xcuz385+6YB2Mr84ZccfORZ0ek at mail.gmail.co
m
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Does anyone know the Blind Pohotographer Blog? It can be viewed
at:
http://blog.blindphotographers.org/
I check this blog from time to time, because it is an interesting
one.
Also, my boyfriend and I want to go over to a nearby
photographer's
shop soon, to do a full review for my blog (Treasure Chest for
the
Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com) about a camera
that has
a "smile detector." The camera has a special feature that when a
person smiles, it takes the picture while focused ont that
person. It
can be turned off, too, if you want to take a picture of someone
who
isn't smiling (like a baby who is crying but is hilarious in his
temper). There is a facial identification focus as well that
will let
you know when you are centered on a face. I have not tried thie
camera
out, and don't remember its model name, but am hoping to get over
there to do a review on it soon. Anyone know about these
features?
It's a digital camera, by the way.
My two cents on the topic,
Jewel
On 8/8/10, BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com> wrote:
There is nothing like following your dream, no matter what
anyone
else thinks. I am also a performing songwriter and part of PAD,
I
think Robert was asking earlier. I do a loose blog on my site
http://www.braddunsemusic.com/blog.html
basically a live spew of mostly unedited thoughts which recently
I've
done a couple thoughts on following dreams. One of which is in
a
monthly story behind the song which I confess why the gal in the
song
has two different colored shoes on, while some might assume its
due
to my vision loss, it was not as you'd read :). Some blind
folks are
so over sensitive to being pegged as stereotypes they miss what
they
are meant to do, or at least infringe on what others are meant
to do.
Foul ball. Just do what is in your heart and go for your dream
no
matter what anyone else thinks. Those that criticize with such
claims, unknowingly expose their own insecurities, which may or
may
not have to do with their blindness. There are four bases and
one
chance to stand over the plate.
Brad
At 10:20 AM 8/8/2010, you wrote:
Peter,
Bless you. This is right on and well-stated. I too worked as a
streetsinger. I sang in Philadelphia's Suburban Station and at
Penn's Landing year-round for over 13 years. There were some
people
who objected to that. Although there is a rich history of
excellent
blind street musicians, apparently some blind people feel that it
is
only OK to be a troubadour if you're sighted. Incidentally, my
work
led to many non street jobs. In schools I actually got to talk
about
blindness issues and help bridge the gap of misunderstanding and
fear in the sighted world. I also produced 3 albums, wrote a
book
and was chosen as the subject of an independent film.
I hope you are still pursuing your dream. Nobody blind or
sighted
should be stepping on other people's dreams. When it happens
within
the blindness community, it always reminds me how true it is that
we
are just like everyone else -- in this case, that's a shame.
Donna
Read Donna's articles on
Suite 101:
www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
American Chronicle:
www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
Connect with Donna on
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/dewhill
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
FaceBook:
www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at:
cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
Apple I-Tunes
phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2
59244
374
Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit
Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind:
www.padnfb.org
On 8/7/2010 11:02 PM, Peter Donahue wrote:
Hello Elizabeth and everyone,
This reminds me of the reaction I got from some blind
individuals I knew
in Massachusetts when discussing the possibility of blind persons
becoming
guide dog instructors. These same people often criticized me for
working
as
a street musician rather than "being more gainfully employed." It
was
their
attitude, their unwillingness to explore possibilities, and being
unsupportive of my dreams and life goals that put myself and a
few
others
on
the streets to begin with.
Not all of us are cut out to be writers or photographers
but
for God
sakes if a blind person chooses to become a guide dog trainer, a
photographer, a writer, or whatever let's support them and quit
trying to
steal their dreams! I sent a message similar to this one to the
NABS
List
earlier this past week concerning a discussion of blind drivers.
We're
federationists and our imaginative spirit and can-do attitude
needs
to
shine
through at all times.
Peter Donahue
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elizabeth Sammons"<antigone at columbus.rr.com
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'"<stylist at nfbnet.org
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Hi, Robert and all others.
Yes, I'm in complete agreement that this is an interesting
discussion, and
of course, knowing us as writers and thinkers, the discussion
could
and
should be 100% civil. (Smile.) I simply find it a mockery, a
caper
that
either wishes to say "Look at me, I can do this, too," to attract
attention,
or else totally missing the idea of good photography. I know you
did
not
mean it this way, Robert, and while I agree that listening to a
voice, a
bird song, etc., can help one to find the subject, the difference
between
capturing that subject on a picture and making it artistic is the
difference
between saying "Look, I know the alphabet and can write a
punctuated
sentence!" and "Look what a fine sentence I just wrote, evoking
the
mind
and
spirit of my subject." I don't feel that people who are blind
should
put
themselves out to pursue something for the sake of pursuit rather
than to
do
a good job any more than as I quoted "Beethoven's Nightmare" the
deaf
group, they could call themselves quote real musicians end quote.
For
the
record, I think they take themselves with a lot of irony, which
makes
the
band at least marginally acceptable in my view.
Admittedly, I stand on the more radical edge of this field of
thought, but
I'm putting it out boldly for the sake of discussion. If
anybody
writes
something that makes me change my mind, I'll smile and let you
know,
though
please note, I am not particularly trying to say here please
change
my
opinion on this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
_______________________________________________
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Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or
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E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
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_______________________________________________
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--
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind:
http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:09:44 -0400
From: Donna Hill <penatwork at epix.net
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <4C5EE4D8.3070101 at epix.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Shelley,
When I was taking pictures, the light/shadow experience was a
huge deal
for my nature shots especially. Still, I don't think sight is
necessary
in all cases. Glad to hear you include photos. We're not all
cut out to
take them, but it's important to realize the profound impact they
can
have on sighted people. We need every tool we can find.
Donna
Read Donna's articles on
Suite 101:
www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
American Chronicle:
www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
Connect with Donna on
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/dewhill
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
FaceBook:
www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at:
cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
Apple I-Tunes
phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2
5924437
4
Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit
Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind:
www.padnfb.org
On 8/7/2010 1:13 AM, Shelley J. Alongi wrote:
This is very very cool. A lot of times good photographs have to
do
with the light and its affects on surroundings and if a blind
person
can get a sense of how light reacts to surroundings and pick up
clues
I am sure it can be done. I have done many presentations not
necerssarily for writings in which photography was a part of the
picture. If you read fashion or home decorating magazines at
all
you'll notice a great emphasis on different kinds of light.
It's all
very logical and interesting. This works into photographs.
I've always
been one to leave the photographing to others as I have my hands
very
full at any given moment but as a blind person I've never left
it out
of my work. It is part of what makes experiences for all kinds
of
people enjoyable. Go for it!
Shelley J. Alongi
Independent Consultant with The Pampered Chef
Consultant#628861
Home Office: (714)869-3207
Why You Should Start Your Own business with the Pampered Chef:
630-261-3537
**
NFBWD "Slate and Style" editor
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
**railroading, planes, romance,
click on
http://www.storymania.com/cgibin/sm2/smshowauthorbox.cgi?page=&au
thor=Al
ongiSJ&alpha=A
updated July 14, 2010
----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Leslie Newman"
<newmanrl at cox.net
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2010 10:24 AM
Subject: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Hey STYLIST members, here is an interesting site to check out.
It's
not
about writing, but it deals with an skill that is often
associated
with
writing (like in the news paper or books, etc.)
Blind With Camera School of Photography is a virtual school with
step-by-step tutorials for the visually impaired to get started
with
photography and guidance to sighted photographers for starting
photographic
workshops with local visually impaired people.
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103601039185&s=3910&e=001PsgFa0OJY
OsU6mli
68as
FX7oGcOcZRAqA-mEOYBq2vk334oeaLxtCx-GpDgMf2vU3FbXtJyE1cQ4lsJK8cvdm
XLbW68n
uq80
INGrImyzskNBaClBHACQhKfKyTWq2GPy
http://www.blindwithcameraschool.org
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
_______________________________________________
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http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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40roadr
unner.com
_______________________________________________
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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 13:26:48 EDT
From: KajunCutie926 at aol.com
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Writers Division member featured by
Stanford
University, Center...
Message-ID: <b01ca.77a1cfe5.399042d8 at aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Indeed.. huge congrats Donna!!
In a message dated 8/8/2010 11:20:07 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
lists at braddunsemusic.com writes:
Indeed congrats Donna!
Brad
At 11:07 AM 8/8/2010, you wrote:
Donna
this is great news! You are indeed deserving of being honored
for the
widespread coverage that you do with your writings. We within
the
Writers'
Division, as being authors who happen to be blind, and no matter
if it
is
blindness issues we concentrate on, or not, we all are working
to
change
what it means to be blind, and though recognition for our work
is
seldom
given, it is a great feel when it happens.
So keep up the good work!
(All this goes for our sighted members, too; you are one of us.)
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On
Behalf Of Donna Hill
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2010 8:34 AM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: [stylist] Writers Division member featured by Stanford
University,
Center for Social Innovation
Hi Friends, <http://www.stanford.edu/
I have received a great honor which has led to publicity for the
NFB
and
for
blindness issues. I was chosen as the 2nd "Third Sector Grit"
profile for Stanford University. "Donna Hill: A Profile in Third
Sector
Grit" (July 23, 2010), by John Brothers has just been published
by
Stanford
University, <http://www.stanford.edu/> Graduate School of
Business,
<http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/> Center for Social Innovation
at: <http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu
http://www.ssireview.org/opinion/entry/donna_hill_a_profile_in_th
ird_se
ctor
_
grit/
The project profiles people who are making a difference in
nonprofits
Enjoy and please pass along,
Donna Hill
--
Read Donna's articles on
Suite 101:
www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
American Chronicle:
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Message: 4
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 19:47:37 -0500
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <45E1939B69E346EC9B423371B9E8AE9A at RobertLesliePC
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Elizabeth
Hmm, on the specific issue of some blind folks getting into ---
showing
off,
like doing something just to prove that they can do something ---
well,
personally, I'm past that stage of -- call that sort of thing as
"acceptance," by the blind person themselves or the blind guy's
attempt
to
get the sighted world to accept him/her.
So as for my part of this discussion, it is more along the line
of
knowing
that some of us blind folks can take photos and get some that are
acceptable
and may get some that would be considered as being very good,
too. (Not
all
sighted folks can take a good photo, either.)
thus, in general, my initial response to your email was a ---
matter of
seeking out where you were coming from and equally , as I would
do with
any
questionable comment by whomever about the abilities of a blind
person,
I
wanted to counter what you were seeming to be saying; as it were,
you
took
the glass as being half empty and I was saying it was half full.
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Elizabeth Sammons
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 9:12 AM
To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Hi, Robert and all others.
Yes, I'm in complete agreement that this is an interesting
discussion,
and
of course, knowing us as writers and thinkers, the discussion
could and
should be 100% civil. (Smile.) I simply find it a mockery, a
caper that
either wishes to say "Look at me, I can do this, too," to attract
attention,
or else totally missing the idea of good photography. I know you
did not
mean it this way, Robert, and while I agree that listening to a
voice, a
bird song, etc., can help one to find the subject, the difference
between
capturing that subject on a picture and making it artistic is the
difference
between saying "Look, I know the alphabet and can write a
punctuated
sentence!" and "Look what a fine sentence I just wrote, evoking
the mind
and
spirit of my subject." I don't feel that people who are blind
should put
themselves out to pursue something for the sake of pursuit rather
than
to do
a good job any more than as I quoted "Beethoven's Nightmare" the
deaf
group,
they could call themselves quote real musicians end quote. For
the
record, I
think they take themselves with a lot of irony, which makes the
band at
least marginally acceptable in my view.
Admittedly, I stand on the more radical edge of this field of
thought,
but
I'm putting it out boldly for the sake of discussion. If
anybody writes
something that makes me change my mind, I'll smile and let you
know,
though
please note, I am not particularly trying to say here please
change my
opinion on this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
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------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 21:17:27 -0400
From: "Elizabeth Sammons" <antigone at columbus.rr.com
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <77.D9.24046.B275F5C4 at hrndva-omtalb.mail.rr.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Colleagues,
Well, I am glad that the subject of blindness and photography, or
as I
might
call it blindness versus photography, is getting a lot of
reaction.
Folks
here do not know me, but perhaps you will trust me that in
general, I am
very far from being a ney sayer both in my personal life and in
my
career.
As I dig into my own thoughts, here's what is eating at me when I
consider
the subject of blind camera people and photographs. Photography,
I think
you
will agree with me, is by its very essence a matter of vision and
view.
Blindness by its essence is the matter of having lost or never
having
had
that very vision or view. This is why it still seems to me a
mockery to
try
to combine the two, water and oil. And even if the effort is
made, I
don't
get the point or the happiness of doing something along this
line.
I am appreciative of some of the reasoning raised such as wanting
to
leave a
visual record to one's children, wanting to see if one can simply
capture a
subject in the frame, etc.. But even in the best scenario, say,
the
subject
is captured successfully, I am reminded of a news subject that I
saw
while
living in Russia about a young man who was blind and who fried
his own
potatoes for dinner. So what? So does everybody else. So what's
the
newsworthiness in that? Similarly I would say that there is
nothing
praiseworthy in someone who is blind taking a picture beyond
perhaps
some
desire to try a new thing, since it is a thing that anybody else
can do.
Note, I am not talking here about the artistry of the photo...
that is a
completely different matter which I addressed earlier.
Anyhow, here's to the diversity of opinion such groups support,
and
thanks
for making me think on this issue a bit more deeply than prior to
this
discussion.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 23:38:31 -0400
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <6C607955DD654D6B9411E5FE8087A065 at Rufus
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity, wouldn't
a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see that
the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 03:29:05 -0400
From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID:
<AANLkTi=P0mp2vYOfs=Xxjv9zJwBus50FqeXzLyzerUvp at mail.gmail.co
m
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
The way I see it, many blind people are not totally blind. Quite
a few
have some sort of usable vision. My boyfriend is one such
example, as
am I. He has enough vision that he can use a CCTV to read
things. We
found that using the handheld CCTV (Amigo), he could freeze the
screen
over an object to take a "picture" of it, then magnify it and put
it
on the TV if necessary to be able to see it. I think having a
digital
camera and a large screen TV would be really great for him,
because
then he would be able to see things that are quite small
normally, but
he could blow it up to a size wher he could see it (for example,
a
pretty bouquet of crepe myrtle flowers or the painting on a
decorative
plate.
I have heard of some blind photographers doing so for the simple
reason of magnifying the picture to be able to see the faces of
family
and friends. I know my boyfriend would be able to do this. I
really
would give near anything to be able to do the same. Sadly, my
vision
is not good enough for that.
At this point, my vision is almost exclusively light and colour
perception. However, as I can see colour, a high contrast image
is
still something of a beauty to me. As an example, there is a
blind
painter in Texas who did a painting called Eyes. It is purely
black
and white, and very high contrast. It is very lovely to my eyes,
if
magnifyed gratly.
For myself, I would love to be able to take pictures to share my
life
with ffamily that I do not see often. Most of my family is in
Lousiana, and others are in Arkansas, South Dakota, Texas, and
overseas. I do not get to see them often, and they have not seen
any
pictures of me in several years. I would love to be able to take
pictures of myself and things in my life (like my cat when she is
in
one of her silly poses, or my boyfriend asleep with his dog
laying
across his chest with a cute look on his face) to send to my
family
and friends. Just because I am blind doesn't mean I don't
understand
the importance of sharing images from my life with my sighted
family
and friends. I know pictures are important to sighted people,
having
been one myself for 23 years, and I wish to share images from my
own
life with others.
My two cents,
Jewel
On 8/8/10, Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com> wrote:
Dear all,
I haven't followed this thread. Forgive me if this has already
been
raised,
but how exactly do blind people know how to gauge the quality of
their
product? This can't possibly be something one can independently
measure
without sighted assistance, and at that point, doesn't it become
counterproductive? If pictures are taken for posterity,
wouldn't a
person
want that to be preserved at its best? I'm not bashing it,
because I
genuinely don't know how blind people would do it. I'm open to
enlightenment, though I'm scanning through my e-mail and see
that the
topic
has been bounced about quite a bit already.
Joe
"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up
their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
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info for
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ykat2%4
0gmail.com
--
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind:
http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 09:59:14 -0500
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID: <1D0F972DFCFE4015BC1024CD7DE6151B at RobertLesliePC
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Elizabeth
This discussion, if anything has allowed me/us to get to know you
better;
your take on blindness, your perception on societal
reactions/acceptance
to
us, and more. And, I know that on these very complex facets of
your ---
or
for any of us who have been revealing our personal philosophies,
we have
been privileged to share only the proverbial "tip of the
iceberg."
And so after reading your latest message, what I'm
feeling/thinking this
morning is that we are talking along the same lines of thought
and, at
least
I am feeling we are --- let's see --- that more than anything, we
are
sharing what could be seen as a "personal choice thing." that
bottom-line,
we are in agreement that a blind guy can do most things (those
things
that
we have an interest in and some talent for) which can include
photography.
Secondly, that yes, we jointly agree that with the very nature of
"photography" being a visual art/thing, that there are issues a
blind
guy
would need to address to make it work.
And so, I appreciate that you've been upfront with sharing your
take and
choice.
(Anyone else? How do you see this?)
Robert Leslie Newman
President NFB Writers' division
Writers' Division Website-
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Elizabeth Sammons
Sent: Sunday, August 08, 2010 8:17 PM
To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Colleagues,
Well, I am glad that the subject of blindness and photography, or
as I
might
call it blindness versus photography, is getting a lot of
reaction.
Folks
here do not know me, but perhaps you will trust me that in
general, I am
very far from being a ney sayer both in my personal life and in
my
career.
As I dig into my own thoughts, here's what is eating at me when I
consider
the subject of blind camera people and photographs. Photography,
I think
you
will agree with me, is by its very essence a matter of vision and
view.
Blindness by its essence is the matter of having lost or never
having
had
that very vision or view. This is why it still seems to me a
mockery to
try
to combine the two, water and oil. And even if the effort is
made, I
don't
get the point or the happiness of doing something along this
line.
I am appreciative of some of the reasoning raised such as wanting
to
leave a
visual record to one's children, wanting to see if one can simply
capture a
subject in the frame, etc.. But even in the best scenario, say,
the
subject
is captured successfully, I am reminded of a news subject that I
saw
while
living in Russia about a young man who was blind and who fried
his own
potatoes for dinner. So what? So does everybody else. So what's
the
newsworthiness in that? Similarly I would say that there is
nothing
praiseworthy in someone who is blind taking a picture beyond
perhaps
some
desire to try a new thing, since it is a thing that anybody else
can do.
Note, I am not talking here about the artistry of the photo...
that is a
completely different matter which I addressed earlier.
Anyhow, here's to the diversity of opinion such groups support,
and
thanks
for making me think on this issue a bit more deeply than prior to
this
discussion.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/
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------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 10:45:59 -0500
From: "Peter Donahue" <pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Blindness, Photography, and Division Web Site
Message-ID: <00e701cb37d9$f7cc8dc0$4001a8c0 at yourfsyly0jtwn
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Good morning everyone,
With all of the discussion of the blind and photography our
division
Web
site is a wonderful place to showcase the talents of budding
blind
photographers. If you take pictures that would complement your
story and
send it along with a discription of the photo these would be a
great way
to
spruce up our division Web site. One of our affiliates had some
pictures
taken by several of its blind members on its Web site. I had a
sighted
person check all site photos before the pages in question went
live. All
pictures including those taken by the blind people were excelent.
Hence
I
want to suggest that if anyone has taken pictures that would
complement
an
article or a story these would be great to post on the division
Web
site.
The only thing I ask is that you include a description of
what's
being
shown in the photograph along with the photo file attachment. It
is this
discription that it used as the alt text to describe the images.
Happy
picture taking.
Peter Donahyue
Webmaster, National Federation of the Blind Writers' Division
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:55:05 -0500
From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [stylist] Blindness and photography
Message-ID:
<6.2.3.4.2.20100809105401.02a2d7c0 at www.braddunsemusic.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Since you asked about opinions Robert :). In response to
someones
recent post. I too am not a nay sayer, optimistically an
optimist :),
and also an encourager and not complainer by nature. So the
following comment is meant to be taken in that light. I don't
quite
understand the point of it being a mockery as a blind
photographer,
professional or just someone clicking pics for a visual journal
of
their own or loved one's lives. I agree with the breaking news
of
fried potatoes thing, that's just folks exposing a lack of mature
insight, or being able to actually think things passed the
shallow
threshold of being amazed we breathe on our own. But I'm not
getting
the mockery thing or how could taking pics as a blind person
really
make us happy or be enjoyable. I think it is a matter of the
perspective of the reasons "why" we do what we do. If I can take
a
picture and regardless if I'm blind or not, it makes one say,
"What a
cool shot that is, I've been to that place?" Or "That is just a
cool
sunset shot", and they enjoy it, isn't that what it is about? I
write songs and perform them and yes I do like the process, I
enjoy
it for what it is, but what makes me write is to try to evoke
some
emotion in a listener, take them on a mini-emotional trip. I
know
there are people who sing better, play better, write
better, entertain better, just like they might center an object
in a pic or what not better but that's OK with me. My drive as
a
writer is to let others enjoy or feel. They show their
appreciation
and I enjoy that in return. It isn't about my playing, writing
or
singing, its what it evokes from others that matters to me and
drives
me to continue. My wife is no photographer she basically puts
whatever she's taking a picture of in the center of the screen
and,
bam, clicks it and its done. Yet she got really good composition
comments from a professional photographer on one of her pics.
She
doesn't even know what that is.
And I don't wish to beat this example to the ground as I'm sure
we've
all heard it a thousand times if even once, but it is relevant
------------------------------
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