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Published: 2002

Total Pages: 104

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"Shooting Blind"Photographs by the Visually Impaired Introduction by Edward HoaglandInterviews with the photographers "Shooting Blind: Photographs by the Visually Impaired gives us entry to another world-- a reality that is at once mysterious, evocative, and beautiful, arousing a blend of memories and emotions. The unique photographs are made by Seeing with Photography, a collective of photographers with varying degrees of visual impairment-- ranging from legal to complete blindness-- that has been active in New York City for over fifteen years. The group uses their cameras to explore the world and better understand themselves while creating luminous works of art. These compelling black-and-white images are made using an old technique called "painting with light," in which flashlights are used to illuminate the subjects over long exposures in complete darkness. Various tactile and audio cues are used while creating the image; sometimes an assistant will describe the surroundings for those with the most limited vision and help orient their cameras. Through close collaboration, the photographers achieve a result of striking imagery imbued with a charged and bristling energy, distinct from the ordinary. The work represents the collective's response to the world, pushing the human form and creating novel translations-- at times ironic and extravagant. The photographic technique incorporates clashing areas of softness and sharpness, streakiness and luminous distortions, detail and confusion, symbolic of the group's shared visual loss. Accompanying these richly surreal photographs are interviews with the photographers, shedding light on the motivations behind theirwork. Acclaimed novelist and essayist Edward Hoagland's most recent book, "Compass Points, is a memoir, which includes a chapter exploring his descent into almost total blindness. His first book, "Cat Man, won the 1954