How far have we come in terms of inclusivity? Or are we just scratching the surface? Photographer Neha Balachandran discusses these issues and more.
For viewers like many of us, we may say we love photography because images touch our emotions in some way. But for the people behind the camera, like Neha Balachandran, she fell in love with the process.
As part of the Deaf+ community, Balachandran faced challenges that were not universal to all photographers, one of which was inclusivity. “You’re missing out if you can’t see past our deafness,” she says. Maybe we are. Maybe we aren’t paying enough attention. Maybe there’s so much more to be done.
Here’s the rest of our conversation with Create Fund winner, Neha Balachandran.
Shutterstock: Hi Neha! So, how did you get into photography?
Neha Balachandran: Thank you, Tammy! Photography runs in my family—both of my grandpas were into photography, my uncle loves taking photos of flowers, and as a deaf person, I am a visual person and have always been into photography.
Growing up, I always asked for a camera for Christmas. I used to photograph nature, like flowers and sunsets. But never people. I dropped photography when I went to college, that is until the pandemic hit.
I was in a rut where I was frustrated. My dad noticed it and told me to get back into photography. So, I was like, sure, let’s see what I can do with it.
My sister is a great model, so I came up with a photoshoot concept—she did her makeup, and then I photographed her. I fell in love with the process and the experience. I realized that I absolutely love photographing fashion and portraits.
Balachandran: It is a blessing to be a deaf photographer, but it also comes with challenges, such as hearing photographers underestimating me due to their perception of deaf people.
Another obstacle would be having access to the same opportunities and resources as hearing colleagues. Oftentimes, YouTube tutorial videos and content on social media are not captioned or accessible. They could be sharing about an opportunity, but we wouldn’t know because the reel/video is not captioned. It automatically excludes us.
We Deaf, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled (Deaf+) are taught that we are disabled and, by definition, we are disabled. But it’s not we that are disabled. It’s the society that disables us.
The bias and judgments that they have of disabled people are limiting and hindering us from being able to reach our full potential.
SSTK: You have answered this a bit but, to try to go more in-depth, do you think the photography community is inclusive enough for deaf photographers and photographers with disabilities?
Balachandran: In my honest opinion, no. As I mentioned, a lot of the resources, tutorials, and content on social media are not captioned or visually accessible. Or, they do not provide sign language interpreters. This lack of accessibility creates a significant barrier for aspiring deaf photographers.
But that is why we, the deaf community, are out here trying to pave the way to make space for ourselves. We’re the ones creating our own content, sharing our knowledge, and advocating for greater inclusivity in the photography industry.
It’s a challenging journey, but we’re determined to break down these barriers and ensure that future generations of deaf photographers have the support and resources they need to thrive.
I am building my photography career, network, and community from scratch, and it is challenging when trying to branch off into the hearing photography community. But I love to step out of my comfort zone.
My motto is, “You never know if you don’t try. What’s the harm in trying?”
SSTK: What is one thing you wish the general public would understand about deaf photographers that we may not fully understand (or even realize)?
Balachandran: That we just want to be included. We have the knowledge, we have experience, we have the skills and talent. You’re missing out if you can’t see past our deafness.
One can try to include us by typing on your phone to communicate with us, like we all are on our phones, texting–it isn’t that much different. Or, if you are hosting a content day or a retreat for photographers, please be open to hiring ASL interpreters.
And there is a misconception that reading lips is effective . . . it is not effective. So please don’t ask us if we can do that, respectfully.
License these images via Neha Balachandran x2 x3.
SSTK: Would you say you look at photography differently than those who are not deaf? Do you have a different relationship or bond with photography?
Balachandran: Yes, I believe that deaf photographers have a unique perspective on the world. The way we capture moments and energy is something so special. Being deaf has heightened my visual awareness and sensitivity to details.
I am constantly observing how light, shapes, and textures all play with each other, which helps me compose my photographs. I believe that my attentiveness to subtle visual nuances is what makes me a good photographer.
Also, photography is a form of self-expression for many of us. For me, it’s how I communicate my emotions without relying on spoken language. That’s how I grew up, by reading energies in the room, people’s facial expressions, and body language.
Each photograph I take is a visual representation of my inner world. That connection between my identity as a deaf person and my love for photography—it’s a part of who I am.
SSTK: What is it about photography that you love the most?
Balachandran: I love capturing life moments. Hence, the word Jeevan is the name of my photography. It means life. Being able to document life for others to cherish forever is something so rewarding.
Also, as I’ve grown as a photographer and established myself, the people I’ve worked with really value my ability to make them feel safe, comfortable, and empowered. They feel they can step out of their comfort zone and be vulnerable with me. That means so much to me, and I am forever honored that I could be the one who provides that kind of experience for them.
Deaf+ people do not always have that kind of experience with hearing photographers because, naturally, they don’t know sign language. So, being able to cultivate a space where that is accessible and empowering for them is the reason why I love photography.
It allows me to bridge a gap and create a truly inclusive experience for everyone.
SSTK: And to follow with that, why did you stick with photography?
Balachandran: I think it gave me a new sense of purpose. To be honest, when the pandemic was happening, I felt like I lost myself. I was in graduate school, but I have always been a creative person ever since I was young. But I didn’t know it was something I could do as a sideline or full-time.
Photography filled my soul. I love creative planning, and I always have a great time while photographing and meeting different kinds of people. It is rewarding.
License these images via Neha Balachandran x2 x3.
SSTK: Lastly, how has The Create Fund impacted you?
Balachandran: The Create Fund has impacted me by allowing me to elevate my photography gear, which elevated me as a photographer. I looked at this grant as an investment in myself and taking my capabilities beyond what I could ever dream of.
Not only that, but I was also able to achieve my goal by incorporating deaf, BIPOC individuals into my project. Representation is so important to me and to contribute to that is forever rewarding.
License this cover image via Neha Balachandran.
This post was originally published onSeptember 13, 2024
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