I just spent the last few days in my backyard photographing & making videos in the snow storms, here in Yucca Valley, CA.
Was it worth it? Absolutely! One of the reasons I wanted to move to Yucca Valley, CA was to be able to photograph the different phases of snowfall featuring Joshua Trees.
After spending so many years, facing so many challenges, moving here made sense!
From spending money on so many trips, gas & accommodations, to the snow being melted by the time we arrived, to not finding accessible locations for me to safely photograph the snow...
As a disabled photographer, not only did I face accessibility challenges when I was in a wheelchair, even now that I'm walking, many locations, workshops, meetups, residencies...are not accessible or inclusive for me & my photography. I've been working hard for many years to change this reality!
When I started walking again, I decided to look into finding a house that had a big accessible backyard, with beautiful landscapes where I could practice standing, holding my camera, walking & doing photography.
When we looked at the house we're living in, I was beyond ecstatic that the backyard is exactly what I visualized.
I love our backyard because it's not only where I got back on my feet with my photography, literally...it's accessible, safe, and private which keeps my photography compositions unique.
We have a long way to go to make the world more accessible & inclusive but I hope that my blogging, making content & creating The Disabled Photographer Project & How Accessible Is Accessible series continues bringing awareness to what accessible really means.
Being disABLED doesn't mean I am unable to do photography, it means my approach to photography is more mindful and different than it used to be!
I trust that my research, area exploration, and personal experience sharing have been beneficial! I initiated this project in 2017. Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of revisiting locations multiple times to provide updated information. This not only benefits me but also aids individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those with limited mobility. Moreover, it helps raise awareness among trail users and park staff.
If you appreciate my blog and find the content in my blogs, TikToks, and YouTube videos useful, you can show your support for my project by making a donation. Any amount is welcome as every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable. Sustaining this project requires significant investments of time, money, and effort. I have poured my heart, soul, and resources into it, and the knowledge that my work is creating an impact motivates me to continue. Your donation will assist in funding my time, research, planning, travel, gas, accommodation, scouting, photography, memory cards, hard drives, and the creation of content shared in YouTube videos, blogs, Instagram posts, TikToks, and more.
Thank you for backing The Disabled Photographer Project! If you wish to contribute, you can make a donation here:
If you are considering hiring me for consultations, photography, content creation, workshops, or panels, please don't hesitate to reach out via the contact form on my website.
I've been posting my favorite videos that I shot in the snow storm & will be posting my favorite colorful moments I photographed, so be sure to follow me on social media to keep up with my travels:
Instagram @DeniseVasquezOfficial & @DeniseVasquezPhotographs
The Disabled Photographer Project on Insagram @DisabledPhotographerProject
TikTok @denisevasquezphotography
Facebook @DeniseVasquezPhotographs
The Disabled Photographer Project & How Accessible Is Accessible series on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCallyZDiOzSkVDqUjMYdOaw
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