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When you're a photographer, and that is what you do everyday, you're bound to meet people who, while you capture their lives, completely capture your heart. Albert is a perfect example. In the few times we have met and recently worked together on this shoot, I always come away enlightened. His humor, his attitude, his optimism is all infectious. We also have a few things in common. As people who have taught and worked with children, we both know their infinite value. We love the crazy cats and dogs we each own. We have a dear mutual friend whom we both adore and we also both love 1980's Bruce Weber photography. The difference is, I have had my sight all my life. Just years ago, Albert lost his. I should also add that he "sees" far more than most people I know who are not blind. Helen Keller, who knows more on this subject than any of us, once wrote, "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."
To get a glimpse into Albert's amazing, energized life and mind, consider his words, as he describes the organization, My Blind Spot, of which he is the founder.
"Each of us in one way or another has a blind spot in our lives. When I first came to be blind, I found that I was forever running into literal and virtual walls and dead ends that blocked my assimilation into the blind community and hindered my participation in mainstream society. Without my sight, not only did the world become invisible to me, but I learned how it felt to be unseen. So My Blind Spot was founded... (a place) where people of all visual abilities can find answers and support on the topic of of vision, both actual and virtual. It is our hope to not just be a resource in the lives of our members but to be a force which fosters positive and empowering results for all things possible."
My photo session with Albert was for his professional use as he continues to do his great work. Albert is the kind of person we need more of, people who spread a needed message on behalf of people with disabilities. In their dedication to educating and enlightening us, we are freed from our own blindness and given a vision of understanding we may have never known.
Thank you Albert from all of us and I appreciate the compliment, but trust me, you already looked like a rock star before these photos.
Please become a Facebook fan
My Blind Spot
and check out
MyBlindSpot.org
Thank you!
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Comments
wow.
(04.02.10)Love these photos. By the way, i have met Albert. He so nice,funny, and caring. He is an amazing and inspiring person and fun to be around. He's just awesome. =)
(04.03.10)