A Hello and a Model Search

I suppose I’m doing this the wrong way, I should have said hello first, gotten to know you all and THEN asked around for what I’m looking for – but after a small nudge I’ve decided that this probably is the best way to figure out where to go at this point.

A Little Background…

I’m a 30 something female photographer in the Southeast US (Atlanta)- and I am absolutely looking for a paraplegic to do a photo shoot with me. Let me explain.

I recently met someone who has become very important to me in a short period of time. This person is a C5 quadriplegic.

It has become apparent to me that there are things he thinks about, only dreams of – and it unnerves me that he only watches/reads about these instead of living them. I can certainly understand why he would think he wouldn’t be able to partake. Although he has accepted his situation, I can only imagine on a small scale what it is like having a body that you can’t feel, only having limited movement, etc. How terribly frustrating that sometimes could be/is.

What I’ve come to realize, because he is the first person I’ve ever come across and known in a wheelchair, is just how much alike he and I are – and probably he and I and a lot of other people out there. I’m taken aback at how much I assumed that people in wheelchairs are somehow different from the rest of us walking people. And I am ashamed to say that I was one of those who overlooked you all in crowds.

But I’d like to do something a little different – because I’m an artistic person and a photog, I’d like to do a self portrait shoot, except with a paraplegic partner. You might ask, why don’t I get my friend to help out? There is just no way possible that I could ask him knowing I have the feelings that I have – it has to be someone that I’m able to be comfortable with, but not romantic about.

I’m looking for someone that is comfortable in their skin, in their chair – someone who can be a bit spontaneous – a little carefree, and yes, maybe a little hesitant. I want that in the shoot, that pause that you get when something might take your breath away. And since I plan on having little or no clothes on at some point (the person I’m looking for would have the same), I’m looking for someone who can handle that completely, professionally. I’m sarcastic, witty, and have a wicked sense of humor as well as a lively imagination, so it’s important to me to get someone that’s going to jive and not be crazy nervous.

What I’d like to do is tell a story about passion through a lens. Because I think people assume incorrectly that those in wheelchairs aren’t wanted, aren’t able to be passionate lovers, etc. Photographically I’d like to blow that out of the water.

I was told to post a little about who I might be searching for…so here goes:

Be – Trustworthy, I’m not just meeting you once to do this – I’m going to have to meet you a couple times before I will be comfortable as well…clear guidelines and boundaries have to be established. I’m a professional putting myself into something I really believe in, therefore it should not be cheapened in any way.

Injury Level (Paraplegic – I’m thinking) – Doesn’t matter, although I’d like to have someone that is able to lean forward and use both arms – hands aren’t completely necessary. I know no two people are the same so I’d have to play it by ear…

Dark hair – straight/slightly wavy is fine, not long – trim/tidy is what I’d like

Lighter skin – because it would be just the two of us, with no one to hold reflectors/diffusers – it would be easier for me to have someone with almost the same skin tone as my own. Not that I oppose someone darker, it’s just the exposure would be harder to get correct since I’ll be taking pictures with a remote in front of the camera…

Age – I’d like someone in their late 20’s to late 30’s – Could be a little younger or older I suppose…

Weight – probably somewhere around 150-180lbs…? I’m not sure on this one.

Live – in the Atlanta area

I guess what I need to clarify is that I’m not looking for a perfect person, I’m looking for someone who is going to be honest – is going to have a good smile. I do see the pictures in my head so the above is kind of the guide line for what I am envisioning, but visions change – and I’m adaptable.

I’m thinking about doing this towards the beginning of next year – Jan – March 2013. There are other elements I have to line up, studio time in a studio that is accessible, etc…

Anyway, I hope you don’t mind me tugging your ears – just thought I’d put myself and what I’m looking for out there. If any of you know a site where I might find male paraplegic models (I’ve had such a hard time locating any) or if you know someone that might be interested in the Atlanta area, please feel free to shoot me a PM. Even if you have more questions, I’m happy to answer them either here or privately.

I hope this post doesn’t offend, it’s not the intention – I just don’t know where to go.

Thanks!

Meg