Wheelchair Photography
Dec 19, 2016 11:03:52 #
GLbro
Loc: Sacramento County
I don't have Parkinson's, but I do have Essential Tremors, which "look like" Parkinsons. My tremors have "progressed" to my balance and I have difficulty walking especially when I turn. I use a tripod and a remote to shoot with to cut down on the shakiness. They work to keep the camera steady when I shoot so I can set different time settings. I use a monopod as a walking staff. I can attach the camera to the monopod for stability and I use it as a walking cane as needed. Needless to say I cannon hike as far as I used to, but my adaptations help get me out and about. Good luck, and I hope this helps.
Dec 19, 2016 12:01:38 #
Just like a lot of you I am doing most of my photography from a wheelchair. Occasionally I use a homemade beanbag for camera support. I sewed (wife probably) a cut off jeans leg and filled it with beans and always have it nearby. Another helper is a remote control. Especially for fast moving objects.
Dec 19, 2016 12:37:34 #
PressPhotog
Loc: Harmony, MN
Federal handicap laws were rewritten a few years back to allow handicapped people better access to Federally funded projects like hiking trails, bike trails, etc. These trails are several miles long and are not safe to take a short range battery powered scooter. Compliance varies from state to state. In order to access MN Department of Natural Resources controlled trails requires a negotiated contract to use a longer range vehicle (golf cart) detailing days of access, speed, stopping for other users and other concerns. Your handicapped card and a copy of your contract has to be carried on your golf cart. Many of these trails are along streams or through woods that are beautiful places to take photos. I always carry a cell phone and bring along a person who can walk for help in case my cell phone does not have reception.
Dec 19, 2016 12:38:09 #
How exactly did the photographer(s) sit up the camera and the tablet working together? What cords, etc. did they use or camera settings, etc.?
Dec 19, 2016 13:08:18 #
vafishing wrote:
I am not able to stand for any length of time because of advancing Parkinson's Disease. So now, when I go out to shoot I'm usually in my motorized wheelchair. Are there any fellow travelers out there? I'm always looking for adaptive ideas, and would love to share ideas and photos. Here is one of my latest.
Good for you! Love this shot. I admire your perseverence in getting out there and enjoying this great hobby.
I have a rare, chronic neuromuscular disease similar to MS. My arms and legs are weak and holding a up camera for long is difficult even on a good day. A light weight camera and lenses are a necessity for me. Right now I am not in a wheelchair, but I do have to use a walker during serious flare ups. I have a high end rollator that holds everything I need for my photo outings and it can support my arms and my camera that enables me to get the shot I want. One problem I have run into is that some paths and walkways are not quite wide enough for me to use my walker or for people to easily walk around me when I am using it.
It is encouraging to hear about others who are still able to get out there when having to use a wheel chair. From them I have learned I need to add a bean bag to my gear.
Dec 19, 2016 13:34:30 #
I don't know the details of tethering a camera to a tablet. I've considered exploring it but haven't done so yet.
Dec 19, 2016 14:09:31 #
A few years ago I entered the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit with a walker, and at the first display set up a tripod. I was immediately informed by a polite guard that tripods were not allowed. I found that by sitting in the walker's seat and resting by elbows on the armrests I was able to go through the dimly lit exhibit taking excellent photos. This example was at 1/15 second.
Dec 19, 2016 14:44:09 #
Rock on brother,we are to a point limited only in the fact of being able to get some shots.So,we adapt our art. I am a amputee above the knee,even getting around on prosethic is a journey.Example all focused ready to snap,and poof the leg buckles.Man gravity sux,I have planted flowers mostly Dahlias in my yard.I have lilies,etc. They bring out butterflies,bees,lizards,in general,critters.One of the things my wheelchair ♿ has taught me"PATIENCE"go wherever you feel safe. I have been a idiot at times,I suppose some would say 4 wheel in my electric chair.My yard has provided me a starting point.Do what your imagination dares! So much art ,so close to us. Ihave taken my chair to Road Atlanta,Cool air shows,street work. Now trying to learn the art of post processing,just doing neat things with certain photos.Embrace life,be the best you can be,we maybe gimped up,we ain't dead.Photography is such wide open art,follow your imagination my friend,and Rock On!!😜 🤓🤔🙂
Dec 19, 2016 14:55:26 #
I think that it is great that you are still enjoying your hobby. Nice image.
Jack
Jack
Dec 19, 2016 15:12:48 #
vafishing wrote:
I am not able to stand for any length of time because of advancing Parkinson's Disease. So now, when I go out to shoot I'm usually in my motorized wheelchair. Are there any fellow travelers out there? I'm always looking for adaptive ideas, and would love to share ideas and photos. Here is one of my latest.
I have arthritis that may son put me in a chair too. When standing or walking I'm often in too much pain to concentrate of photography properly. These days I regularly use an electric cart at the stores that have them. A couple times I rented a cart at the county fair and that was great and I got much better images. I can stand briefly to shoot images. But I really need my own cart for regular use and especially when photographing in the wilderness. I need to have a long talk with my primary physician about this.
A while back I was taking an adult ed photo class where one of my classmates was in a while chair 90% of the time. He shook a lot do to PD or some other condition. We found that he had to use his camera somewhat differently than the rest of us. He had to use a fast shutter speed at all times. This meant that some types of shots he just could not do. Good luck, and keep taking photos as long as you can.
Dec 19, 2016 15:16:47 #
neilds37 wrote:
A few years ago I entered the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit with a walker, and at the first display set up a tripod. I was immediately informed by a polite guard that tripods were not allowed. I found that by sitting in the walker's seat and resting by elbows on the armrests I was able to go through the dimly lit exhibit taking excellent photos. This example was at 1/15 second.
You might try invoking the ADA Law!
Dec 19, 2016 15:21:18 #
I live in the uk and have various conditions including me/cfs and two types of disc desease - I cannot carry massive amount of kit these days so limit myself to one camera with lens and a compact for most things out and about. Access is often an issue but such is life
Dec 19, 2016 18:15:01 #
Everyone posting is a inspiration to each of us and others,stay strong as you can physical, as well as mental .Enjoy the challenge of making it work,kids!
Dec 19, 2016 18:21:44 #
Dec 19, 2016 18:35:01 #
Wonderful shots! Kept it up! I'm not yet in a wheelchair but I do have spinal stenosis that pains and weakens my right leg. Wife and I went on tour of Ireland fall of 2014. It was a struggle with my walking stick but I got 500+ shots. One of the other folk on the tour said to me, "You are an inspiration to us all." Well, I didn't feel that, but you folks who have shared how you are overcoming certain limitations to take pictures certainly are an inspiration.
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