Photography and disabilty

     A few days ago I slipped on the ice and injured my knee, which made getting around incredibly difficult and photography even more so. This has raised questions for me relating to the experience of photographers with permanent physical disabilities. While my very temporary injury does not compare it gave me a slight window into understanding some of the difficulties they might face, including not being able to bend or climb things to get a specific angle or stand in the darkroom for extended periods of time while developing. Not being able to get around easily even just for a few weeks meant something simply couldn't be photographed. I have begun to find myself questioning what it is that we photograph and why more than I have previously at least. I have been asking myself why not photograph the things around me, within reach despite more injury. Capturing the world from the perspective of someone who can't move very fast and isn't very agile. This injury has also forced me to be more dependent on others to help make things more accessible. This made taking photos a more social experience as I had to explain the picture I was trying to take, and why. Even occasionally be brave enough to ask someone often a friend or family member to help me take it, either by holding me up while taking the picture or doing all the setting and getting them to take it.  

    Achmad Zulkarnair is an Indonesian photographer who was born with hands or legs and has built a career of his work which is primarily portraits. His social media including both TikTok and Instagram show how he has adapted his practice to move at a pace that works for him as well as including others in his work making it a social process. His disability also offers a unique perspective to life in Indoensia. 


Comments