My Unique Perspective as an Autistic Photographer

I have been a passionate photographer for the last 10 years, starting with a bridge camera in 2007. Since 2013 I’ve run my own small business photographing weddings and portraits. At weddings I can immerse myself and be in my own world, observing the world around me and documenting what I see. It’s perfect for me and my autistic view of the world.

I was recently diagnosed with ASD in March 2017 at 47 years old. Being autistic gives me a unique perspective on the world through patterns, light, shade, repetition and order. Autism enables me to create unique images that are moody, striking and have a distinctive, unique style about them.

This will be my fourth exhibition at Chesterfield Central Library and the first as a diagnosed autistic. I have re-written my artist bio that accompanies my prints to include my diagnosis. I made this decision because I want to be an inspiration to others on the spectrum and demonstrate that autistic individuals can do things “normal” people can do, we just do them differently.

I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve achieved, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. I’ve found a great community who I can relate to on a basic level. This last year since diagnosis has been a turning point in my life, and I finally feel at peace with who I am.