When I first became a photographer, I asked anyone and everyone to model for me to practice on. At one point I asked a friend who was a wheel chair user if she would model with her kids. I can't say the images I delivered were high end as I was super new, but she was over the moon excited about the images. She had soon after gone home to BC and I haven't seen her in person since. I just remember her telling me little bits and pieces about her journey both being pregnant with a disability and a new mom with a disability. And I just could not believe the trials and tribulations she had to face. 

Since that day I have not once again been contacted to photograph a person who is a wheel chair user. Recently I had wondered if it was either a) because I didn't have content on my business pages and sites representing or b) because the photography community itself does not have much content representing wheel chair users. 

Perhaps I am wrong on both accounts and I am just making some basic assumptions and there's actually another reason why. But regardless, I think it is important that both my photography and the photography community have responsibility to do our part in making people with visible disabilities more seen within our community. We as photographers have a responsibility to tell stories and to bring a visual story to the world around us and that includes people of minorities. 

So I put out a model call in a local photographers and model group and this lovely model was recommended. As always I was a little nervous meeting new people and clients as I never know what to expect.

I was over the moon excited when I saw horses and dogs when I showed up and some beautiful windows for light. It helped too that the model was absolutely stunning.

Her, her husband and I chit chatted a bit during their session and they shared a bit of their story. It is quite amazing what they have faced as a couple and I was in awe of this incredible soon to be mothers strength. Motherhood is hard at the best of times, I can not imagine the challenges faced being pregnant and a new mom while living with a disability. I am excited to do more sessions that show the strength and beauty of people in our community who face obstacles many of us take for granted. And I hope that perhaps it will help bring a deeper awareness in our community of the challenges faced and what we can do as individuals to make our community more accessible.