An evening with Mike Birbeck FRPS FDPS

14 October 2009

The facilities for disabled people at the Holcombe Village Hall extension meant that Dawlish and Teignmouth Camera Club could invite Mike Birbeck, President of the Disabled Photographers’ Society, to make his presentation of prints to the Club last Wednesday.

Mike was disabled by a flying accident whilst serving with the RAF and now photographs, mainly people, from the lower perspective of a wheel chair. He talked a little about how the DPS, a registered charity, assist disabled people to pursue photography by designing and providing special equipment to cope with their different needs. Even visually impaired people are assisted by the provision of special screens. They also hold exhibitions of members’ work.

Further details can be found on their website: www.disabledphotographers.co.uk

Mike was able to show some excellent prints, some produced in the dark room and some digitally. He uses a variety of lighting and printing techniques to place emphasis on the subject of his photograph and explained these to his audience. Most prints were in black and white which, in his view, added to this emphasis.

One of his ongoing projects involves photographing day to day activity in a school for children with special needs. These images brought out the cheerfulness of the pupils and the care and dedication of their teachers and carers in difficult circumstances.

The evening proved how disabilities can be overcome by looking at matters from a different perspective and by using adapted equipment, a collection having been held for the DPS.