Submission - Un-Still Photography: The Art of Motion Within a Still

In October 2003, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “It’s progressive and there’s no cure,” said the neurologist. “Uh oh,” said the photographer. Since the late 1960’s, I’ve been doing my own quirky brand of fine art photography and it’s always been a great source of joy. Put me near nice light and I can happily get lost for hours. Then the movement disorder, Parkinson's Disease (PD) arrived, like a loud, permanent house guest. Brought a gift though - a bad hand tremor! Just what a STILL photographer needs. Darkness filled my viewfinder. Then one night, I saw the light! OK I was on the Las Vegas Strip! And there I had an idea. “Don't fight it - use it!" Doh! I let the tremor have its way as I clicked the shutter. Whoa! The visual gumbo of lights, colors and reflections became wonderful smears, blurs and streaks. Now THIS was fun! My little digital camera disagreed, beeping and moaning as it vainly tried to find focus - while being shaken like a paint can at the hardware store. But what really got shook up was me. Turning my tremor into something useful was incredibly empowering - boosting confidence, mood and energy. It freed me up and super charged my creativity. I soon realized the artistic potential went way beyond the tremor to include any kind of movement. I call it “Un-Still Photography: The Art of Motion Within a Still.” Best of all, the fun and joy are back. All thanks to that pesky Parkinson’s tremor! The damn disease has given me a terrific gift!