Sometimes you’re forced to look at what you do in a very different way. I’m constantly challenged to do that in photography, but working with the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers challenged me in a new way. It made me question how I communicate.
Day 1 of the shoot was in a small room at the RIDC offices where I’d be photographing Anthony and Razia who are both deaf, and Michelle and Owais who are both blind. It was only that morning that I started to question myself - I realised that I’d never had a conversation with a deaf person, because I can’t communicate in their language. Verbal language is my learnt method for getting to know someone - it’s how I reassure, give words of affirmation and manage the photographic space. I rely on it to photograph… don't I??
As soon as Anthony and his charming 13 year old daughter walked into the room, I was proved very wrong. We shook hands, looked each other in the eyes and smiled. And I said clearly and honestly, 'it's great to meet you'. 90% of that interaction was non-verbal.
I then watched as Anthony and his daughter created a beautiful visual display of language. Not only was it no less a form of communication, it seemed to me an exaggeration of all the wonderful, yet easily forgotten forms of communication. Body language, visual and facial expression, hand signals and touch.
From then on, the shoot was a real pleasure. Each and every person I photographed for RIDC taught me something. I learnt about holidays in Italy and acting careers, para-cycling around Richmond park and skiing for the Paralympics. I learnt how guide dogs struggle to retire and why pedestrian crossings have a little spinning cone underneath the button. I learnt about Disney themed weddings and Tarantino films. And I learnt the strength of humour and companionship, the simplicity of touch and the childlike excitement of someone giving you a bag full of homegrown apples (thank you Bev!).
So thank you RIDC for challenging me. I now look at communication in a very different light, and it’s much much more beautiful for it.
