The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia reported March 28 on a program called "Local Eyes - Our Community Through A Different Lens." The program is not just for blind people but for a variety of people to express how they feel about their community through photography.
"Forty-five children and adults from a range of disability, rehabilitation and social justice organisations were given digital cameras and taught how to use them," according to The Morning Herald. "They were then paired with a professional photographer who guided them through their artistic brief: a self-portrait, a day in your life, and people, places and moments that make your day."
When three blind people wanted to participate, the program accommodated them and that willingness appears to be what netted the good media attention. The story primarily profiles Sue McLeod, 40, who has been blind since the age of 3, and her positive experience learning photography from photojournalist Helen Cross.
McLeod (pictured above with Cross) says in the article that "she is hooked on photography and hopes to have her own camera some day, believes it has given her more than another skill set. 'To be honest with you, my attitude is stronger towards things, more confident,' she said. Once afraid to venture beyond the footpath bisecting her local park, Ms McLeod has recently returned from New Zealand, her first overseas trip."
