So you want to be an inclusive photographer?
When I think of my very early childhood two main activities stick out in my mind: dance class and surgeries.
I had eleven surgeries before the age of six. The way my congenital disability works is that as I grew, my left arm would have continued to grow in a circular direction due to my wrist bone structure. So, every six months my surgeon would surgically break and shave off my bone, stick a metal rod in my arm, and I’d wait for the bone to grow straight along the rod. Rinse + repeat until my wrist growth plates were mostly closed - hence why my arm still curves slightly. This was excruciating, traumatic and extremely painful.
I hated surgeries, but I loved dance class. My dance teachers were amazing and would always make sure that their choreography was accessible for me, and helped me find workarounds for anything that wasn’t. I loved dance, I loved being on stage, and I loved not feeling othered.
One day after a particularly brutal surgery I was so excited to go to dance class, but it wasn’t just normal dance class: it was dance picture day. I’ll never forget what the photographer said that day “Oh, put her in the back, these parents don’t want her cast in their picture.”
That’s exactly what they did, but it wasn’t all they did. They also damaged my self esteem for the foreseeable future.
I know that the photographer didn’t leave his house thinking “Hmmm… how can I mess up this little girl’s self worth for the rest of her life?” but the reality is - because of their implicit bias - that’s exactly what happened.
In the realm of photography, inclusivity needs to involve a conscious effort to understand and accommodate individuals with disabilities. Photographers who are keen on embracing disability inclusivity in their work - this one's for you, and your peers!
Understanding Disability Inclusivity in Photography:
Inclusive photography, especially in the context of disability, requires sensitivity, understanding, and adaptability. It's about ensuring that your photography practice is not just accommodating but also respectful and representative of individuals with disabilities in the ways we want to be represented. Often due to a lack of awareness, photographers might fail to provide accessible environments, which is crucial for inclusivity. Additionally, without proper education and exposure, photographers might unconsciously lean into stereotypes. This is often the result of failing to involve disabled people in the creative process.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed don’t worry - Misfit Media is here to help. This is the exact reason why we created our Misfit On Demand offering: to help creative teams get it right. Based on what we get asked most frequently, here’s some helpful steps to get you started.
Step 1 - Educate:
Familiarize yourself with various disabilities and their implications. This includes understanding both visible and invisible disabilities. ALL creatives should learn about:
implicit bias and systemic ableism
best practices for language
common access needs
stereotypes, stigmas and tropes we’re fighting
That said, photographers, videographers and producers should pay extra attention to things like:
Props + Set Design: Some individuals with motor or coordination disabilities may require additional time and practice to comfortably interact with props or navigate set designs.
Lighting: Blind or low-vision individuals might require specific lighting conditions to optimize their remaining vision, such as avoiding glare or overly bright lights that can cause discomfort. Neurodivergent individuals might be sensitive to certain types of lighting. Flickering lights, for example, can be distracting or even distressing and can cause serious health implications for those with epilepsy or seizure disorders.
Post-processing Considerations: Be mindful of how you edit photos. Avoid alterations that might misrepresent or diminish the subject's disability. Instead, focus on editing that enhances the authenticity of the image.
Communicate:
Always communicate with disabled people to understand their specific needs. Clear communication can help in addressing any concerns or requirements they might have. Disabled people have extremely low rates of representation in creative fields so air on the side of caution and over explain without coming across as patronizing. Give options for disabled people to request accommodations or ask any clarifying questions before the shoot to ensure everything is all squared away.
Accommodate:
Make sure your studio, shooting locations, and processes are accessible. This includes:
Props + Set Design: As a photographer, understanding and accommodating this need means planning for longer sessions or rehearsals, being flexible with your shooting schedule, and possibly adapting your props and set designs for easier interaction.
Lighting: Adapting your lighting setup to accommodate these needs not only ensures comfort but also enhances the quality of the experience and the resulting photographs.
Pre Production: being flexible with turnaround time for talent, building in margin for responsiveness, and making sure your intake forms all work with screenreaders.
Collaborate:
The anthem of the disability community has been “Nothing About Us Without Us” for over 50 years - citing that no decisions on creating systems or policies about how our community is included should be created without our involvement. Involve disabled people in the creative process to ensure that they are comfortable with how they are being portrayed and have given their consent.
Our team makes this super easy to implement via our Misfit On Demand, where creative professionals can ask us questions at any time and a member of our team gives detailed, nuanced feedback over slack - usually within a moment's notice.
Being an inclusive photographer, particularly in the context of disability, is about creating a space where all individuals feel seen, respected, and accurately represented. It’s a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, requiring an empathetic approach and a willingness to listen and evolve.
Your lens has the power to challenge stereotypes and change perceptions - act like it! We believe in creatives, and we believe in you. If you’re ready to start your first inclusive campaign but don’t know where to begin, check out our free tool to prompt you with your next best steps.