Yernar is a lawyer, and works with the parents of children who attend the centre, as well as giving legal advice in a more general way. The first time we met I explained the rationale behind my project, and he was the first to ask what my interest was in disabled people. I explained that first of all I abhor injustice, that secondly I enjoy challenging stereotypes, and that thirdly I enjoy meeting people and getting to know their stories – under the skin as it were. Continue reading “Yernar Sarseyev – first visit”
Month: December 2016
Yernar – second visit
Second visit
Again, not a visit per se, but we arranged to meet at the centre. Since Yernar is not a full-time employee, he does not have a permanent office, and on this occasion we set up an impromptu office in one of the classrooms. He told me that he gives legal counselling to the parents on issues concerning their children. While I was filming he was discussing some of the rights and benefits these parents were entitled to. Since their own cases are confidential, I asked Yernar to discuss general issues with them while I filmed with the microphone turned on. Continue reading “Yernar – second visit”
Yernar – third visit
Third visit
Since Yernar only works on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4, I have to wait for suitable opportunities as I am usually working myself at that time. As soon as a window appeared I gave him a call and he told me to come over and we’d shoot a session where he’s on his way to work. He really gets the idea about presenting some kind of narrative, and suggested showing the process himself. Continue reading “Yernar – third visit”
Yernar – fourth visit
Fourth visit
I had arranged with Yernar to interview him at the day centre, since with a newborn baby in the apartment I didn’t think there’d be much chance of getting a peaceful environment in which to record. However, on the day that we were supposed to meet, there was a problem with the InvaTaxi service he had booked, and he was unable to get to the centre. Off the cuff, I asked him if it’d be alright if I came to his place to record the interview. After consulting with his wife, he called me back and said it’d be ok if I came right over, so I threw all my equipment in a bag and rushed over to his place as quickly as I could. Continue reading “Yernar – fourth visit”
Yernar – fifth visit
Fifth visit
Yernar had told me that he was planning to get his hair cut, and though it would make for some good material and he’d call me when he planned to get it done. I was doubtful that I’d have the chance, but a last-minute cancellation meant that I was able to meet up with him. Continue reading “Yernar – fifth visit”
Dinara Sharipova – first visit
First visit
I had already met Dinara when I was shooting an assignment for the ARDI disability centre and she was present. Nevertheless, as always in the initial stages of a new project, I agreed to meet with the subjects and discuss the rationale and content of the photographs. I met Dinara and her mother, Bibigul, at their home – without my camera, just a notebook and pencil. Continue reading “Dinara Sharipova – first visit”
Dinara – second visit
Second visit
During our second meeting, Dinara was keen to show me all that she is capable of doing with her feet instead of her hands. Although I have already seen her embroidery, she felt compelled to show me again. Continue reading “Dinara – second visit”
Dinara – third visit
Third visit
The next time I visited Dinara, we tried to recreate the photograph where she has written her name, but somehow I could not get a decent composition. It was an overcast day and the light was poor as well. I don’t like working with flash since it creates ugly shadows and is tiring and distracting for the subjects. Another issue with flash photography is that it can cause seizures, and since people with CP are prone to seizures, strobe lighting is out of the question. Continue reading “Dinara – third visit”
Dinara – fourth visit
Fourth visit
During this visit, I showed Dinara some of the images I had already taken, and rephotographed some family album snapshots. We also photographed the embroidery work that Dinara was preparing for her upcoming exhibition. I took the opportunity to make some shots of Dinara at work – both at her computer and doing embroidery, but the embroidery shots were not as strong as the previous session.
Dinara – fifth visit
Fifth visit
Although not strictly speaking a visit, since this particular time we met at the exhibition centre where Dinara’s embroidery was being shown. I promised to take pictures of the vernissage, which I did as a personal favour, but I don’t know if I’m going to show these images, since they detract from the normalcy I am trying to get across through the work.
Carl Whetham photography 