Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Vasquez.
Hi Denise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for photography began as a child when I first got my hands on a disposable film camera. There was nothing like the excitement of photographing colorful moments, dropping the camera in an envelope and waiting to see what I captured. This was my first lesson in patience as a photographer!
Over the years as technology evolved, so did the equipment I used. Some of the jobs I had required me to use a variety of equipment: Being a production assistant for a casting director and production company in the US Virgin Islands offered me the opportunity to shoot with a polaroid camera & DSLR camera to photograph talent. Companies I worked for offered me opportunities to use both Canon & Nikon DSLR Cameras while photographing portraits of people. Having access to a variety of equipment gave me insight to what kind of cameras, lenses & equipment I personally wanted & later invested in.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many lessons along the way, but my point of view is that with every experience, comes an opportunity to learn something. As in life, photography is all about perspective.
I’ve overcome many obstacles including getting injured at work, ending up in a wheelchair for 3 years and realizing that the world is not accessible to disabled photographers like me.
I ended up with a permanent disability, which to many that might see me might not be aware of because I am back on my feet, I still have a permanent invisible disability.
I don’t want to go too deep into what I went through because re-living my injury and what I experience is really traumatic for me, but at the same time, I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason.
Being a disabled photographer awakened me to the realization that we live in a world that is not accessible to everyone. During the 3 years I was in a wheelchair, I would focus on my photography and visit National Parks & State Parks. Many of the parks that say they are accessible are not ADA compliant which has been the law for over 30 years. After spending a lot of time, money, and traveling to parks that were not as accessible as they claim to be, rather than be angry, disappointed and fustrated, I founded and created The Disabled Photographer Project & How Accessible Is Accessible Youtube series. I began making videos, writing blogs, doing anything I could to bring awareness about the importance of the world being inclusive & accessible to everyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist who creates because it is a part of my being. Life is my canvas and photography, music, art and writing, are all colors on my palette that I use to connect to my audience while sharing how I view the world.
I am known for being a published photographer, Founder of The Disabled Photographer Project, Co-Author of Sketch Card Mania, being a dancer in music videos, feature films & on TV, being a stand up comedian, actress, award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist, Producer & Host of WO+MEN 4 APPLAUSE comedy & Music Variety shows, Ladies Night Music Festivals, my Art of Self Promotion Panels at San Diego Comic Con, and for the art I have created over the years including my published official Star Wars Dia De Los Muertos style art and much more.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was my first dance recital with Ms Dorothy’s dance class in front of a live audience at the age of 4.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DeniseVasquezPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisevasquezofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseVasquezPhotographs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCallyZDiOzSkVDqUjMYdOaw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisevasquezphotography
Image Credits
©Denise Vasquez Photography
