Recently I photographed several Mainers whose orthotic and prosthetic devices help them function and live more independent lives. The people I met are incredible, inspiring and have had tougher times than most of us would like to imagine.
The day involved a lot of documentary coverage of patients getting fitted for devices and using them to walk. Although most of the shoot would be editorial style, very much grab-and-go, I decided to make a couple of simple one- and two-light portraits as well, thinking that the right look in the eyes could dramatically tell another aspect of the story.
The patients were amazing—ranging from young children up to adults—all with very compelling stories to tell. I was happy to get strong portraits of Ken and Kimberly. Ken uses a prosthetic lower leg after losing one to an accident at work. Kimberley uses a wheelchair to get around but is pushing herself to walk on two custom-made leg braces that enable her to walk with assistance.
The portraits themselves are incredibly simple from a technical point of view—in fact, I had just a few minutes to set up lights and shoot—but I think they reveal some of each individual’s inner strength. Looking at the images, the eye sees a wheelchair and a presthetic limb, but it’s the faces, expressions and body language that grab and hold the attention.
Interestingly, both have tattoos that relate to their recovery. Kimberly’s is, ‘Fear is lack of faith,’ while Ken’s is accompanied by a handicapped wheelchair symbol and reads, ‘I’m just in it for the parking’.
Thus illustrating the power of both humor and grit to see you through very tough times.
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