Disabled Photographers Society - frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

The information on this page is intended only as a guide and is not exhaustive.
If your question is not covered here or you would like to suggest an addition to this list or you need to request help with a specific problem which is not covered here
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1. Can you recommend a camera for me?

As everyone's abilities and needs are different, we can give you advice on what specifications to look for, but we cannot make any specific recommendations. There are so many new cameras coming out all the time, we wouldn't be able to keep up with them. Once you know what to look for, your best bet is to go to your local camera shop and ask them for recommendations. There should be at least one member of staff there who is up to date with what's available.

You could also post this question on our Forum where you can ask other disabled photographers for their recommendations.

2. Are there any commercially available pieces of equipment that may help disabled photographers?

The Manfrotto Magic Arm, clamp and camera bracket have been very useful to several of our members. You might like to look at www.speedgraphic.co.uk for the Ergorest Multi Tripod which can hold a camera in front of the face and at www.conceptusinc.com/connection.htm for mouth operated switches designed for sky divers! The Zig View viewfinder adaptor that is becoming popular can be bought from www.warehouseexpress.com and the Cullman Magic Clamp can be found on www.binocularhouse.com

3. Is there such a thing as a left handed camera?

There have been such things in the past, but probably not at present. Try searching the internet for left handed articles or asking at your local camera shop. Again, try asking our Forum members. Also, see question 4, below.

4. I own a smallish compact camera and have now lost the use of my right hand. Any suggestions?

If it is small enough, turn the camera upside down and release the shutter using the thumb. This can be a bit awkward, but some people do find it okay once they are used to it. If this doesn't do the trick, please read on ...........

5. I am just recovering from a stroke and have lost most of my right arm movement. This seems to mean I can no longer use my SLR which is too big to use upside down. Can you help?

You could try mounting your camera on a tripod. This would free your left hand so that once you have composed your photograph, you can reach across the camera to press the shutter. But please read on.........

6. I have lost the use of my right hand side. I own a digital camera that has an infra red remote shutter release but find it impossible to both hold the camera and press the transmitter with the same hand. This is because the transmitter only works from in front of the camera as it is intended for including the photographer in his/her own photographs. I don't want to use a tripod for all my shots. Can you help?

7. I had just bought myself a lovely new camera when I had an accident. I can only use one hand now. Any suggestions?

Mounting your camera on a tripod releases your hands from holding the camera, leaving you able to use the controls with your one good hand. However, do look in your camera handbook or ask your local dealer to see if an electronic wired remote shutter release (as opposed to infra red wireless) is available. The camera end of the release can be attached to the camera using the dedicated socket, and the button end can be attached anywhere on the camera that there is space (or on a pistol grip) and where the left hander can reach it, using masking tape or the like. Pressing the button can be done with the left hand or teeth or nose - you will have to think a bit laterally.

Click here to see illustration. Also please see question 2 above.

8. I have limited use of my right hand and would prefer to use my left hand to release the shutter. I have an SLR camera but there is no option to purchase any kind of remote shutter release. What do you suggest?

Become a member then contact us at adaptations@disabledphotographers.co.uk quoting your name and membership number and telling us what your specific photographic problem is. We will invite you to send the camera to us at a special address and then our engineer will make a small metal cradle that will attach via the tripod bush and have a handle on the left hand side (he uses flash brackets). He will then make a long lever to go over the top of the camera which will press down on the shutter button as the end of it is depressed with the left thumb. Click here to see illustration.

9. How do I become a member of the DPS?

You may use the downloadable application form on this site.

10. When are the subscriptions due?

Every April.

11. I am a disabled member of your Society seeking funding/grants for my photographic studies. Is this something you can help me with?

I'm sorry, but we do not have the resources for this. We are only a small national charity.

12. I would like some more information about equipment adaptations. What's the easiest way to do this?

Contact us at adaptations@disabledphotographers.co.uk We will forward your query to our Equipment Co-ordinator. We endeavour to answer members queries as soon as possible. Non-members queries will take longer as we have to put our members first.

13. I am doing a thesis on disabled people and adaptations. Can you give me any information that will help me?

Please feel free to use any information published on this website. We cannot help other than this. We are all volunteers and most of us are disabled. We joined the DPS team to help fulfill the aims of this Society and the needs of its members - helping disabled people either take up or continue with a hobby that improves the quality of their lives.

14. I work for a college that will have a disabled student on a media studies course next term. How can you help?

We suggest that you contact another institution that has disabled students, or a specialist school/college. If your college becomes a Group Member of this Society, then we can let you have some equipment to help the student. The equipment will be on long term free loan for the duration of membership. We have darkroom equipment and wheelchair/camera supports that may be of help. If your student requires adaptations to his/her camera, then he/she will have to become an Individual Disabled Member.

15. Why can't I send my camera for adaptation to your PO Box address?

Please do not send your cameras for adaptation to our PO Box address. This is because the adaptations are done elsewhere. We would prefer that you post it direct to the correct address. We will give you this correct address when we know there is going to be someone at the address to accept it.

16. What if my package goes astray in the post?

When sending your camera to us, you must insure it against loss and/or damage at the Post Office and let us know what amount you would like the camera insured for when we post it back.

17. Will your engineer be able to visit me at home?

Unfortunately, no. Please contact the Equipment Co-ordinator at adaptations@disabledphotographers.co.uk about your equipment handling problem. You can discuss with her whether one of our standard adaptations will help solve your problem.

Click here for details of a shoulder harness in metal

Click here for details of a shoulder harness in fabric

If you need something a little more complicated, she will suggest you contact the charity Remap which is a group of retired mechanical and electrical engineers. They are nationwide and Remap exists to manufacture adaptations for disabled people that cannot be bought commercially www.remap.org.uk

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