When I first became a photographer, I asked anyone and everyone to model for me to practice on. At one point I asked a friend who was a wheel chair user if she would model with her kids. I can't say the images I delivered were high end as I was super new, but she was over the moon excited about the images. She had soon after gone home to BC and I haven't seen her in person since. I just remember her telling me little bits and pieces about her journey both being pregnant with a disability and a new mom with a disability. And I just could not believe the trials and tribulations she had to face. 

Since that day I have not once again been contacted to photograph a person who is a wheel chair user. Recently I had wondered if it was either a) because I didn't have content on my business pages and sites representing or b) because the photography community itself does not have much content representing wheel chair users. 

Perhaps I am wrong on both accounts and I am just making some basic assumptions and there's actually another reason why. But regardless, I think it is important that both my photography and the photography community have responsibility to do our part in making people with visible disabilities more seen within our community. We as photographers have a responsibility to tell stories and to bring a visual story to the world around us and that includes people of minorities. 

So I put out a model call in a local photographers and model group and this lovely model was recommended. As always I was a little nervous meeting new people and clients as I never know what to expect.

I was over the moon excited when I saw horses and dogs when I showed up and some beautiful windows for light. It helped too that the model was absolutely stunning.

Her, her husband and I chit chatted a bit during their session and they shared a bit of their story. It is quite amazing what they have faced as a couple and I was in awe of this incredible soon to be mothers strength. Motherhood is hard at the best of times, I can not imagine the challenges faced being pregnant and a new mom while living with a disability. I am excited to do more sessions that show the strength and beauty of people in our community who face obstacles many of us take for granted. And I hope that perhaps it will help bring a deeper awareness in our community of the challenges faced and what we can do as individuals to make our community more accessible. 

I asked if she would mind sharing a bit of her story for my blog so people could understand a little bit more and here is what she had to say 

"As for being disabled and pregnant, for us it was a journey just to get pregnant. We had fertility issues and didn’t even think we could get pregnant, decided not to have fertility treatments and then after 8 years and just adjusting to life without kids, we spontaneously got pregnant.

For us, we have really found that so far the most common problem in preparing for a baby is the same as our most common problem in every day life - accessibility. We live in a world not designed for the disabled. There aren’t many companies that make products for disabled parents- we have to adapt everything and try to make it fit or work with the wheelchair or my disability, and a lot of times that is not all that easy. Things like strollers that I can push from my chair have been difficult to find, while car seat adapters for wheelchairs are something that don’t exist, and that is just how I will be able to independently carry my baby on a day out of the house.

But overall we are grateful to be able to bring a child into the world who will be able to have the skills to adapt and be creative, because as a disabled parent that is what I will be able to model everyday."

Dress Designer  

The two stunning gowns used for these images were custom made by the ever so talented designer Michelle Bossert at Enchanted Ever After Bridal. The white dress is hers and can be rented from her if you are wishing to use it for your future session. The orange dress I had her custom make for my client closet and is now available to used for any future sessions. Both dresses can fit small - large sizes. For more examples of Michelle's designs please click the button below. 

Disabled&Dragons

While I was there and talking with the couple I discovered that this gorgeous models husband has  an Dungeons and Dragon's educational Utube channel. If you are D&D player (I have never, but have always been curious) and what to know more here is a description of the channel and a link to the latest video released. 

Description:

Welcome to Disabled & Dragons. Aj and Quill here, and we are all about helping people in the Disabled Community access the tabletop gaming world, especially Dungeons and Dragons 5e. We believe there are healing qualities to playing social tabletop games that can help the differently abled in both mental, emotional and social ways. It worked for us and we want to just help others like someone helped us.

Its not JUST for disabled people... the DM Tips, Tactics, Tutorials and Tools we provide for D&D 5e can streamline anyone's gaming experience. New and Young DM's can quickly jump into the game while Intermediate and Veteran DM's can add variety to their existing gameplay and to make their lives a little easier. Even players can use the information we provide to improve how the handle themselves while playing. 

If this sounds up your alley then CRITICAL HIT that SUBSCRIBE button and let's Get Started!