How Wildlife Photography Has Improved My Life With a Developmental Disability

I am 31 years old and live in Moriches, New York. I am a wildlife photographer and I am also developmentally disabled. I face many challenges in life, but photographing wildlife and nature is one of my favorite passions. To get outside and be with nature is very therapeutic to me and taking these beautiful photos builds up my confidence. I love to capture the beauty of nature and wildlife and share my photos to everyone.

I use my wildlife photos as my talent in a disability pageant. Miss Exceptional Long Island is an organization that promotes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain confidence and self-esteem. I have raised over $500.00 for my platform, which will be going to Angela’s House, a home and agency that helps medically frail children. Even facing different challenges myself, I try to keep going forward with perseverance and never give up.

Just because you have a disability, it doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goals and passions in life. My pictures have been published in different newspapers and I also won a photography contest and won third place. Here is my Canon Rebel video I made with them about my work!

See more of Lauren’s photos on her Facebook page.

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