I need your opinion, please!

[kula23]

Ok as you some of you know that I have eye problem and hearing impaired. I wanted your HONEST opinion is that I have always wanted to be a wedding photographer. Do I have to be hearing person to be a wedding photographer? Do I have to be PERFECT vision to be a wedding photographer? Some of you see my photo work. I am not saying you think I should be a wedding photographer but I have DECIDED that I wanted to do wedding and of course I have interesting in portraits and landscape. Here is reason why I am asking you this because I got an email from my stepmom are having doubts toward me. At first she think I do great job but we haven't see each other for 3 years and how can she know and I don't post all of my photo work online. I am sick of people telling me and giving me a doubt that I can't do it because I am deaf and half blind. But I know most don't required for communication but only to point out and you can always write paper down what you wanted to ask and as for vision, the len have zoom in and you have telescope to look in distance. Here is what my stepmom said:

"On another note, weddings are hard because people see this as their life time dream and a once in a life time story book dream. Given your hearing and visual disabilities it would be very hard to be successful in this industry. Of course you can always prove me wrong, I love you and don’t want to see you set a dream that may not be realistic given your disabilities. Having to be visually and auditory on line (meaning you can’t go back and redo the photo) this would be a huge challenge for you. If you can’t hear what’s being said and you are limited visually I don’t think people would be willing to take the chance with you on their biggest day ever. Each wedding would place you in unfamiliar environments and you won’t be given a second chance.I’m really am not trying to be mean. I love you and as always I will tell you like I see it. I just don’t want you to spend your time and money on something that isn’t realistic and frustrate you. You should focus on things that you know you can do. There are many things that you could be successful in.

Do you agree with her? Should I give up my dream to be a photographer I have always wanted to be since I was 5 years old? Let me know.

Thanks

[CFord]

Never give up your dreams. There are always ways you can aid yourself in acheiving them. I am legally deaf but most people who know me would never guess. I read lips and hear parts of words but I have learned how to have a conversation with people anyway. The weddings shooters I have worked with use more hand signals with me and I always watch for them out of the corner of my eye. If you want to be a photographer then set your boundaries and determine how to overcome obstacles and then move forward. One of the best things a person can learn is when to ask for help cause you don't have to do everything on your own.

[Jfiumara]

I dont disagree that it will be hard, but I also dont think it would be impossible. It is completely in your hands, if this is what you want to do, then make it happen. There may be more obstacles to overcome, but I think it is certainly achievable.

[threesistersphotography]

Do not limit yourself you can acheive any goal you put your mind, heart and soul towards, however vision is an intricate part of photography and I think your step mom may be just trying to protect you from a very real reality. You are going to have to really sell yourself ( like any photographer) and prove yourself ( like any photographer) if you are up for the challenges that any serious photographer faces...GO FOR IT!!!!

[davidlc]

I'd say GO FOR IT. It may be difficult at times but if that is what you want to do then you will find a way. Looks as though you may already have some ideas.

[ttusa]

Please don't let anyone ever sway your dreams or ideas. It seems like someone more supportive would give you encouragement, not dissuade you. I'm sure you know your abilities and limitations and I say GO FOR IT!

[Jenny Z]

I hate to be the bad guy here, but I see your step-mom's point. It's going to be hard for you to be a wedding photographer with a vision impairment. I don't really know the severity of it, so I can't comment other than that. But keep in mind that the wedding is all about the bride and groom; you only get one chance to get it right. It's alot of pressure and alot of work.

That's not to say that you should give up photography at all! If you try it out, and it doesn't work out for you, there are tons of other areas of photography you could excel in. Don't get discouraged, look at everything as an opportunity.

The wedding forum is pretty slow right now, but as the season picks up, there'll be threads asking for tag-alongs. Jump on those when you see them, see if you can tag-along and learn what is involved in shooting a wedding. It's the best way to learn!

[HotHolly]

Wedding photography is a difficult market without having any disabilities. You'll be working uphill all the way. I would not say you cannot do it - I would say that the cost would be too high for my taste. Burn out is a real issue, and when you have something that makes it more difficult to preform your job, you are more likely to burn out sooner.

That's just my opinion. My story isnt the same at all, but I have an idea of how you feel. I crushed my right hand in high school and could no longer hold a pencil, a paint brush, or my cello bow. Every avenue I had chosen for my life-long career was stripped away in a blink. I did the uphill thing even though people told me I couldnt do those things anymore. Those things all require fine motor skills that were lost or became very painful to preform. After the accident, I'd been a commissioned artist, played in the symphony, and pursued a higher education, but it was VERY hard and VERY tiring - physically and emotionally. I'd rather hold a paint brush than a camera, but I chose the road of least resistance for sanity reasons. Painting became the hobby. Cello became the hobby. I still do what I love, but its for me now without restraints that clients demand.

You may want to look for an area of overlap between your passions so you can do what you would like to do, without burning out.

[kula23]

Originally Posted by CFord

Never give up your dreams. There are always ways you can aid yourself in acheiving them. I am legally deaf but most people who know me would never guess. I read lips and hear parts of words but I have learned how to have a conversation with people anyway. The weddings shooters I have worked with use more hand signals with me and I always watch for them out of the corner of my eye. If you want to be a photographer then set your boundaries and determine how to overcome obstacles and then move forward. One of the best things a person can learn is when to ask for help cause you don't have to do everything on your own.

Thanks for letting me know that I am not only one who is deaf. I have always believe there are many ways to do in Photography. I went to college for two years and of course my photography teacher was puzzled how I can do it but I managed for 2 years and they love having me there. Just that I am so tired of everyone was saying "you can't do it" or blah blah. I can't live without photography, the reason why I love photography so much is because I am half blind and I might go blind and that photos will always be in my mind to remember. And then again I love art, I used be artist until I lost my eyesight when I was 14 years old so I had to give up but when I though of doing photography that I have always wanted to do, I went for it and did so well. I took in high school and in college. I love doing more and more.

[kula23]

Originally Posted by Jenny Z

I hate to be the bad guy here, but I see your step-mom's point. It's going to be hard for you to be a wedding photographer with a vision impairment. I don't really know the severity of it, so I can't comment other than that. But keep in mind that the wedding is all about the bride and groom; you only get one chance to get it right. It's alot of pressure and alot of work.

That's not to say that you should give up photography at all! If you try it out, and it doesn't work out for you, there are tons of other areas of photography you could excel in. Don't get discouraged, look at everything as an opportunity.

The wedding forum is pretty slow right now, but as the season picks up, there'll be threads asking for tag-alongs. Jump on those when you see them, see if you can tag-along and learn what is involved in shooting a wedding. It's the best way to learn!

I wouldn't think you are bad guy here for telling me this but I just asked for an HONEST opinion. I get alot of people telling me that there is no way I can be a photographer. And they don't make much of money but I do believe there are extra money come in handy if you work hard that is. That's what I am trying to join for a second shooter and tag along to learn from photographer and I will find my own way so I can grab the chance. Believe me I know it's once a lifetime a chance for bride and groom depend on me. It's very challenges and I would love to try it to go over my limit. I am even considering going to workshop next year if they will have one so I can go there and learn from it for wedding. Hell my friends said I should do nude models and sell picture, I even got asked alot from ladies and guys but I don't know If I wanted to do it.(Even though I have done it like few times) Ha! It just kinda basics for just body shot, I just wanted to try out wedding for more challenges, almost like you are paparazzi to target on groom and bride in wedding. So, thanks for your honest, hough. I ain't give up my photography. It's my life.

[kula23]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Wedding photography is a difficult market without having any disabilities. You'll be working uphill all the way. I would not say you cannot do it - I would say that the cost would be too high for my taste. Burn out is a real issue, and when you have something that makes it more difficult to preform your job, you are more likely to burn out sooner.

That's just my opinion. My story isnt the same at all, but I have an idea of how you feel. I crushed my right hand in high school and could no longer hold a pencil, a paint brush, or my cello bow. Every avenue I had chosen for my life-long career was stripped away in a blink. I did the uphill thing even though people told me I couldnt do those things anymore. Those things all require fine motor skills that were lost or became very painful to preform. After the accident, I'd been a commissioned artist, played in the symphony, and pursued a higher education, but it was VERY hard and VERY tiring - physically and emotionally. I'd rather hold a paint brush than a camera, but I chose the road of least resistance for sanity reasons. Painting became the hobby. Cello became the hobby. I still do what I love, but its for me now without restraints that clients demand.

You may want to look for an area of overlap between your passions so you can do what you would like to do, without burning out.

Thanks for sharing me your almost similar what you can't do or do. I used be an artist until I was 14 years old and I had to give up because I can't keep the line straight like I used do. On other hand, Photography is something else.......it's more than just drawing. I don't have to draw, I can be more creative in photography to do anything you wanted in photo. My real mom is an artist and photographer, that's how I got from her. Of course, she still support and encourage me to do in Photography. I got my first SLR camera when I was 12 years old from my grandmother and I snapped away, since then I kept going. Right now I work a graphic designer......do you know how I got this job? I show them my photo work, they loved it and hired me because of it. I love challenges and prove everyone wrong. I am so tired of people telling me crap what they think and saying that Photographer don't make alot of money but they do come in handy for extra income in a way if I can find a buyer. I don't want to do anything else but do photography. I am hooked and nuts when it comes to photo. But I am going to try out for wedding if someone allow me to join with them and I hope they do and see from there. Thanks again for sharing, girl.

Rest of you, thank your for your kind words to said keep going. That doest meant me alot.

[dtscds]

I vote with those that say you should at least give it a shot.
I HATE the "Politically Correct" change from using the term "handicapped" into "disabled". To me, "disabled" means you are not able. "Handicapped" means you might be able to but it is going to be harder for you than someone without the same issue(s).
Your physical condition might prevent you from becoming a wedding photographer. Or, it might just mean that it will be harder for you than someone else--who knows.
Be realistic about your physical condition. If you can't physically perform the job, or figure out some way to work around your physical condition then you may need to find another outlet for your love of photography/art. But, by saying from the start that because you aren't physically "normal" (whatever that means!?) you can't, then you are accepting defeat before you even start.
Do you do sign language? You might need to hire an assistant that goes with you on your shoots to translate your instructions from sign language and can be your "voice" to your clients. You may need to make lens choices that compensate for you vision problems.
I'm not saying it's for sure that you can do it--I'm saying that you can sure give it a shot.

[epoh]

I have not seen any of your work, but I just wanted to mention, there may be an advantage to your being deaf. Have you considered advertising yourself to the deaf community? I would imagine a deaf couple has a slightly harder time finding a wedding photographer than a hearing couple.

From what I understand (a good friend of mine's mom is deaf) the deaf community is rather close-knit. If you get a good name with them, you will have quite a bit of work shooting events, portraits, weddings, etc.