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I have always loved photography. Even as a child I took so many pictures, my friends got tired of “striking a pose”. Photography was a hobby I loved. Little did I know it would save my life.
During my junior year in college, I suffered a sudden and traumatic illness which had rendered me completely blind. Although the doctors told me that I would never see again, I chose to believe differently. I'll never really know if I willed myself to get better or if it was just meant to be, but after about 4 months of complete darkness I slowly began to see light again. Over the next few months I slowly regained about 2% of my vision back in one eye, which is what I still have today.
About 6 months after losing my vision, I was sent to a rehabilitation center. My new friend had invited me to attend her high school graduation. After the ceremony my friend handed me a camera and told me to take a picture of her with her mother. I stood there surprised that she would ask me to do such a thing. Didn't she know that I was visually impaired? Of course she knew. She was visually impaired too. I put the camera up to my face and it took what seemed like forever for me to find the viewfinder. Once I did I was shocked that I was able to fit them in the box (viewfinder) and take the picture. To my surprise, I could see clearly. Nothing about taking pictures had changed. My passion had survived when I thought all was lost. I finally felt alive again.
I began using my camera as often as possible. My impaired vision prevents me from getting to locations to take pictures. However, the miracle is that once I get there, I can still find the perfect shot. I have difficulty getting to the field, but once I’m there, I can find the butterfly on the flower or the sun flickering off the water.
I would like to take this moment to thank my family for being so supportive. They take time from their busy schedules to venture out with me so that I can find some new places to photograph.
Although my vision may not be permanent, I am glad to have the opportunity to take these photographs. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed taking them. I want to share my passion with the world and with your help, I will.
Samantha