I fell into photography by chance. In 1998, while working for an HMO, an employee complimented me on the photos in my cubicle. They were of my son, then 2. She then offered to pay me to photograph her son. He was autistic. Back then, I was so ignorant. The only autistic child I remembered was one my mother took care of in the late 70's. Very severe, non-verbal, spun in circles. I was 8 and she was a nuisance. I didn't have any knowledge of Autism. In my eyes, she was monopolizing my mother's attention. Fast forward, I happily told my co-worker, "Sure." At the time, I had some off brand point and shoot. However, the photos were remarkable. I followed this precious little boy in his natural environment. I captured this toddler blowing bubbles, swinging and smelling the flowers.
Time passed and I decided to start a small business. I quit corporate and never looked back. The past 12 years have been a rollercoaster, filled with many changes. As I reflect upon that day at my former co-worker's home, I now empathize. My youngest, 11, was diagnosed with Autism in May 2012; after 6 years of searching, assessments, hospitalizations and multiple diagnoses. My eldest is almost 17.
I am not a traditional photographer. If you ask technical questions; I look at you with a blank stare. However, I capture one's personality. I don't like the word "clients." I do not think of my subject as a client. Rather, a wondrous creation with a story to tell. Everyone has a story to tell. Through the lens I am a visual storyteller. Via person and Social Media, I advocate to make a positive difference in the world. ~Angie
