How do you REALLY see people with disability?

*Pic: Nic, By Scott Gelston

“When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I’d like to know them” said Annie Liebowitz, American portrait photographer extraordinaire.

It’s a potent sentiment. And it certainly doesn’t shine through the majority of ‘portraiture’ we’re drowning in; the curated, filtered, ubiquitous images that reveal how we desire to be seen, as opposed to revealing the essence of who we really are.

Striking back as a powerful antidote are 26 portraits of people with disability, currently displayed in the ‘Picture Us All’ photographic exhibition in Launceston.

“People with disability know the paradox of being treated like they’re invisible, while having a lifetime of dealing with unwanted attention” said Belinda Kitto of New Horizons Club, a sport and rec group for Tasmanians with disability.

“Picture us All’ is putting these people in the spotlight; telling their stories, and showing the world that they are indeed dynamic…and essentially, just like everyone else!”

The powerful collection of images which make up Picture Us All is intended to challenge the way society views people with disabilities; especially intellectual.

“I think most people who view these portraits will be surprised to see a little of themselves in them too” said Belinda.

As well the pride that comes from viewing their own striking images, the experience of being the focus of a shoot dedicated to capturing spark over physicality was exhilarating for most of the subjects.

“It was such a wonderful experience for Brodie, spending time with Alia and showing her who he really is, including and beyond his down syndrome” said Lorna Wilson. Alia Coates’s portrait of Lorna’s 18-year old son Brodie Leslie, took out first prize in the exhibition competition.

“It was great fun having Sonja come over and meet us and see all my favourite things; I love my picture, it’s definitely me” said Kate O’May, of bonding with her photographer, Sonja Ambrose.

“The photographers who participated in Picture Us All found the experience far more profound than they’d expected it to be, I think” said Belinda of New Horizons, the group who initiated the project.

“To discover and be able to share the essence of someone who’s strength is not always obvious to outsiders is a real privilege and can be quite a pivotal moment”

So, back to that beautiful Liebowitz quote (“When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I’d like to know them”) and why projects like ‘Picture Us All’ are so important for an inclusive society:

It’s that EVERYONE deserves to be known; known on their OWN terms. Everyone deserves a chance to GET to know others; especially those outside their usual circles.

“I think this is why this exhibition is already proving to be such a powerful tool” said Belinda.

Picture Us All is showing at Launceston LINC until October 30. The organisers hope to take the project state-wide in 2017.

*Edwina Dick is a freelance writer who also works with Launceston Inclusive sport and rec organisation, New Horizons Club. “We’re all about making sure EVERY person in our community has the opportunity to live and reap the benefits of a physically and socially active life” says Edwina.