vafishing Loc: Abingdon, VA

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.

Last Blooms of Fall

(Download)

foodie65

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I don't have any helpful hints but I want to applaud your commitment to continuing to practice and enjoy the hobby that you love! What you can't do is not nearly as important as what you can do!

doreens61

I hope when i'm in a cart that I continue to shoot. You picture of your flower is beautiful.

gpro111 Loc: Floral City, FL, formerly Tampa /Saint Pete

You are riding in your own personal tripod! You have an armrest for support and stability in order to capture more in focus pictures, you are sitting at a level that is lower than the average photographer which lends itself to more unique views, and you won't be tired from walking around all day! There are many parks that are mobility friendly, scooter friendly, wheelchair accessible, etc. that provide outstanding opportunities for you to excel in your craft. I say all of this based on experience as most of my photography is from the car due to a mobility problem...and I'm pretty darn good at it! You can use a bean bag to further support your camera if needed. Don't be afraid to add whatever contraptions you need on your chair that will make the day enjoyable. In fact, I usually carry more than others because of lenses, cameras, bags, tripods, etc. attached to my rolling cart! I may not go fast, but patience has allowed me to take some award winning photos....

shangyrhee Loc: Nashville TN to Sacramento CA

I love your beautiful flowers !!! Keep shooting. Shang

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Hi vafishing, I know it's against the rules and there are the forum police out there that will jump all over me but you asked the question and I'll attempt to answer it and include a photo example. My son, who was an outstanding photographer, was severly injured in an industrial accident over 6 years ago that left him paralized from the neck down with limited use of his right sholder.
He wanted to continue his photography and uses a CamRanger system on a custom mount to his powerchair communicating via smartphone (see photo). PM me if you would like his website address and/or contact him personally. Hope this helps. chase

(Download)

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

Have you looked at any of the body harnesses to help you stabilize your camera?

There are styles that are just the harness, while others incorporate a short monopod in the center of the harness.

Also, could you outfit your wheelchair with a flat tray to use for a tripod base?

Or, maybe add add a pipe to one side, to slip a tripod head into, or have an articulating arm created and added, so that you can move it into a comfortable position to shoot from!

Bill_de Loc: US

My uncle / godfather was paralyzed from the waste down from age three. Many years ago getting around on crutches he had his own photo studio. After giving that up he remained an avid amateur. As he aged he had to trade his crutches for a wheel chair. His photography suffered a little for a while until he realised the problem, he was always pointing his camera up. He then stated to focus on things at his new eye level. Not only did his photography improve in general, his portraits (posed and candid) of little kids took on a whole new perspective.

Maybe something to think about, or not. Best of luck to you.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

A very dear friend has parkinsons. He started out with a hyperbarric chamber. That helped for about 2 years. Then he got worse, couldnt walk, etc. He had an operation where they put something in his brain. He's now driving, has a boat and takes it out and is back doing photography.
Should any DR ever mention this surgery, yes it works.

Sorry I don't have any answers to your actual question

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

screw the forum police, I apluade you on your innovation. I must use a mobility scooter so a monopod is a constant companion. as my scooter has a swivel seat , I can turn it sideways and also use a tripod. way to go . keep on shooting.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Vafishing, I also have a power chair and have been hesitant to use it because of the look I get from individuals. This thread will be watched by me to pick up any tricks. We have trails around Raleigh that are paved that I will start using this year. They are marked no motorized vehicles allowed. Well I have sent the organization a couple of E-Mails to see if that included my wheel chair. No response. I have talked to individuals using the trails and they all tell me to ignore the rule and enjoy the trails. I do have a concern about safety since it does seem that there are attacks on the trails on a regular basis. As far as being able to carry additional equipment that would need to be secured since it would sit behind me. I am thinking of a small ice chest that would not only protect a lens or two but can be bolted to the chair. A monopod for stability and a small tripod to use when required.

Sorry for being so long winded. As I develop any attachments to my chair I will post the photos or a link to the photos here. Take care Vafishing and have a great and Merry Christmas.

Greg

lemontart Loc: uk

brilliant, like you I am a wheelchair user and have subsequently developed my own style to make the best of my lower vantage point

Graveman Loc: Indiana

As a seasonal park employee in Indiana we do not and I would guess others to not consider that as a motorized vehicle. The concern is cars, mopeds etc.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

U.K. based, but might be able to help. Usually well represented at various shows where they refurbish / repair / resell old stock for fund raising.

http://www.the-dps.co.uk/