Modern digital cameras to the rescue

Modern auto focus technology has come a long way from the manual split prism focusing aids found on SLR cameras of yesteryear. Having to take the extra time to insure that the image was in focus caused me to miss many shots. Now with quick and accurate multi-point AF systems in modern cameras, there is no excuse for blurred images unless done intentionally for artistic affect or unintended motion blur.

Almost anyone can pick up a camera and take a well exposed, sharp image. Notice I didn't say a "good" picture since that is subjective.

Since the playing field has been somewhat leveled. Those with visual acuity issues can now take a sharp picture without too much fear of out of focused final product.

Since modern cameras can do it all, and pretty good at that, more people are taking up the hobby of photography and some of them are even going pro. The third eye is now the predominant factor in the personal style and creative vision which distinguishes one photographer's work from another. And it is nearly impossible to tell if that image was taken by a visually impaired person or someone with 20/20 vision.

Let the games begin. :-)

Albinism and the "appearance" factor

One of the "joys" of having albinism is low vision. (HA HA) The lack of pigment hinders the development of the fovea in the eye which is responsible for sharp vision. The lack of pigment in the eye also allows stray light to enter which makes it very uncomfortable, which is the primary cause of the squinting. I wear sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days, not just to look cool. (I do look cool, don't I? LOL) Some type of a hat with a rim also cuts down on the glare factor. No, I'm not hiding from the world, just trying to navigate through it without being blinded.

In a culture where eye contact is important, I feel that some may mis-perceive a dude walking down the street wearing shades as someone hiding something. Often times people that are under the influence of alcohol or drugs shield their disposition by wearing sunglasses. Trust me, I wish I didn't have to sport my Oakleys all the time.

Even indoors where the lighting is omnidirectional or strong daylight coming in can wreak havoc on my perception of the world as well. This is manifested by more squinting and lack of direct eye contact, which in term can be interpreted as lack of confidence and nervous energy.

Nystagmus, the involuntary movment of the eyes "wiggling" back and fourth doesn't help my cause either. Now you get the picture. Add to that the fact that many people have never seen a person with albinism, let alone an Asian one. LOL

The energy I have to put out can seem a bit daunting at times. The energy to deal with the eternal stimuli as well as balancing the physiological impact on those I encounter throughout my day.

Thought I'd throw that out there in case you come across one of "us" in the wild. LOL I think my personality helps to offset that freak factor in the social context, but I still run into the occasional small minded person that react negatively to my presence and feel that they need to remind me via derogatory singular noun often used to label, classify and attempt to belittle. I can tell a lot about a person by the way they approach or react to me. I try to use these times as a teachable moment if they hang around long enough, which they don't. LOL

Meeting RICK GUIDOTTI for the first time.

So I finally met up with Rick from Positive Exposure after years of seeing his work. He had the LIFE magazine spread a few years back highlighting those with albinism in a positive light.

He was being filmed for a documentary on his work with Positive Exposure by Kartemquin Films. I, along with two others, was invited down to be a part of it. Kartemquin's best known film, Hoop Dreams, won every major critics prize and journalism award in 1995.

It was exciting to see Rick in action as he photographed those in attendance. His energy and genuine empathy for his subjects is evidenced by his infectious enthusiasm shown during the whole shoot.

Rick is also helping to raise awareness for people with albinism being targeted in Tanzania for their body parts which are sold to witch doctors to create potions of prosperity. Kartemquin Films will follow him to Tanzania Africa to document his work exposing the plight of those suffering under this barbaric act.

Public Radio International did a excellent two part piece on it and I was shocked at the level of ignorance these witch doctors are perpetuating. Come on, weave the gold hairs of an African with albinism into your fishing net and catch plentiful fish? I can't help but wonder if these "doctors" are also knowingly preying upon the ignorance and poverty of their own people for financial gain. Exploitation knows no bounds apparently.

This reminded me of the scene in the latest film District 9 where one fo the warlords thought that by eating an arm of an alien hybrid, he would get his powers.

Peter Ash, from Under the Same Sun is working hard to bring this ongoing barbarism to the attention of the local authorities and the world.

Some albinism related links that come to mind

NOAH The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation. The definitive online albinism community.

Positive Exposure - Fashion photographer Rick Guidotti's work depicting albinism in a positive light.

Why I started this blog

I've always thought blogging was a form of self indulgence and a huge time waster, however, I've also noticed that it has fast become a powerful tool in this tech savvy society for meaningful dialogue.

Having been born with albinism, I felt that a lot of questions and misguided presumptions can be addressed through the eyes of this stranger in a strange land.

I'll try to dispel some of the stereotype and hope to put more of a positive spin on this unique genetic condition which 1 and 20,000 of you carry the gene for.

It's not just about me, well kind of - since it's my blog, but more about life framed through the window of albinism. I'll rant and rave about my own feelings and experiences related, and not so related, to the topic at hand.

Remember, we all have differences and uniqueness that may or may not be fully embraced by society as a whole, mine just happens to be more overt.

So indulge me if you will... feel free to comment on my posts and contribute to this productive dialogue.

First entry

So this was created to link my twitter account in case I have more to say than the limited characters allotted.