I recently photographed a very inspirational chap called Richard Cook who has a condition called congential dysmelia. He says it has no meaning to him now so just says he was born with ‘short arms’. Richard contacted me as he wanted some photographs to illustrate a book he is writing called “Success in my hands, being Rich” the book is about his journey to find his own peace and freedom. Generously he is donating some of the proceeds to the Help for Heroes charity
He was such a remarkable guy to photograph and I asked if he’d be kind enough to write me a couple of paragraphs about what these photographs mean to him.
Richard – “They say a picture tells a story. This one tells mine. For many years I used my hands as a means to avoid and hide from others in certain social situations. I somehow felt embarrased and anxious of what people might say. I grew up in one way feeling afraid to show off a part of me that that now is part of the whole. The picture perhaps shows how at times I would put my hands over my face, frustration you may say. Frustrated because I just wanted to find a way to obtain my own peace. I finally found it some 25 to 30 years later, having experienced, anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Highly likely from my early years as a child. Yet as I grew up I knew that I would find my own answer. I kept going for some reason I knew I could do it. Now with some four years behind me re training to think differently about the difference I have. I have found my way forward. Feeling free and at peace. Feeling in control of myself at last and feeling happier with the hands I have.
To prove you will have success in my hands: The photo for me now shows that I can show off a part of me that I love, yet cheekily peer through and watch what others are looking at. I now know that the look from others is of curiosity, something different, questions might be: how does he do the things he does? what’s his life been like.? Interesting! I say now with a smile 🙂 The image portrays that we are unique in our own way. The uniqueness that have I feel proud now to express and show off”
To prove you will have success in my hands: The photo for me now shows that I can show off a part of me that I love, yet cheekily peer through and watch what others are looking at. I now know that the look from others is of curiosity, something different, questions might be: how does he do the things he does? what’s his life been like.? Interesting! I say now with a smile 🙂 The image portrays that we are unique in our own way. The uniqueness that have I feel proud now to express and show off”
I’d like to thank Richard for being a hero and allowing me to use these photos together with his words on my blog. His book is due out later this year and will be available on Amazon. Richards own blog is http://www.successinmyhands.co.uk/wordpress/
