Empowered by photography

Building confidence, creativity and independence through photography

When we talk about accessible art forms, photography often comes first to mind.

But for the team at Luminary Photography CIC, this assumption was quickly challenged when they discovered that even the act of pressing a shutter can be a barrier for people living with a disability, whether that be people using wheelchairs or with limited dexterity.

“We went in thinking photography was naturally inclusive,” a Luminary Photography facilitator shared. “But we had to completely rethink how to make it work for everyone.”

Thanks to a £5,000 grant from our Community Grants Programme, Luminary Photography delivered 12 workshops for over 40 people. The workshops took place between July and September 2024 and were specifically designed for and by people with complex disabilities at Durham Pathways.

Small changes, big difference

The grant allowed Luminary Photography to tailor and adapt their workshops. This meant workshops were structured but flexible enough to work around unexpected situations like when health emergencies required sessions to end abruptly. The design of each workshop meant people could drop in when their health allowed and pick up from where they left off without feeling left behind.

Most of the funding was used to buy additional kit and kit adapters for things such as mounting cameras to wheelchairs, purchasing remote shutter releases, and using height-adjustable tripods. Every solution was personalised to the needs of the person and their disability.

“Given the different styles of wheelchairs, we needed a range of clamps to accommodate different models,” the facilitator explained. “Equipment that worked well in one scenario might not work effectively in another.”

Many of the people who took part had never held a camera before these workshops, let alone directed a photoshoot. But with the right support, they found new ways to express themselves, find their independence and be seen.

Creating lasting memories

Photography is unique in its ability to create immediate results. You capture an image, and you see it there and then, whether on a screen or printed. You don’t need to wait for the paint to dry or to pick up from where you last left off.

During each workshop, the team printed the group’s photographs. This allowed the group to engage with their work in a tactile way. It also gave them a sense of achievement and something to take home and share with their family.

The project culminated in an exhibition at Durham Pathways and a printed booklet featuring the group’s photographs, providing them with a lasting reminder of their creative journey.

Independence through creativity

One person described the workshops as “brilliant,” highlighting how they provided a sense of “real independence.” This independence came from Luminary’s approach, which emphasised the groups’ involvement in shaping their own creative processes.

“Our project is centred on promoting inclusion, particularly for individuals with disabilities who face the greatest barriers and least likely to engage with the arts and access creative careers and education,” the facilitator explained.

Everyone deserves the chance to express themselves creatively.

By supporting Luminary Photography CIC, we’re helping to break down barriers and create inclusive experiences for people who face the barriers in accessing the arts.

Two participants have expressed a desire to take their photography further, demonstrating a genuine passion for the medium. Luminary is now exploring ways they can support these individuals to become photographers who document activities and events at the Pathways Centre.

“Facilitating this level of engagement doesn’t just allow them to express themselves but also builds confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose,” noted the facilitator. “Supporting these individuals to take ownership of their photography could lead to meaningful changes in their lives, reinforcing their self-identity and giving them agency.”

Lessons learned and creating a lasting difference

The project wasn’t without its challenges. The team learned valuable lessons from the initial workshops, experimenting with various equipment and approaches to identify solutions to the barriers they faced. Some solutions were straightforward, such as using external triggers that enabled participants to take photographs. Others required more creative thinking and adaptation.

“Collaborating with Pathways has enriched the lives of our beneficiaries and increased our commitment to inclusion,” the facilitator reflected. “The positive feedback reinforces our belief in photography’s potential to improve the lives of marginalized groups. We hope this also contributes to a broader cultural shift within the community.”

The grant has enabled Luminary Photography CIC to create experiences where individuals with disabilities can explore their creativity in a supportive environment. The project has refined their approach, highlighting the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in arts programming.