9-12-2024 4:40am

"In Focus with Allison Kelly": Photographing Beauty

Lesley Misko Editor

by Allison Kelly*

Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of two, I have spent my whole life figuring out ways to keep my severe physical disability from preventing me from doing what I love.

Taking photos of nature is a challenge for someone who does not have the arm strength to use a camera with a big telescopic lens or the finger dexterity to use the camera option on a cell phone. I like my simple point-and-shoot cameras and have learned to use my creativity to get the results I want. In fact, being out in nature helps me to forget my chronic illnesses for a little while – my favorite kind of therapy.

I took this photo in June 2018 right outside my home in Gilbertsville. Every year all I have to do is drive my power chair down the ramp from the kitchen and follow the sidewalk around the corner of the house to view our impressive bed of hosta.

Described as a “hardy, low-growing perennial with attractive foliage and flowers,” this plant is great to photograph. “Low-growing” makes it the perfect height for me in my wheelchair. It has many qualities – most notably massive (often heart-shaped) leaves and multi-tiered flowers on spindly stalks that sway in the breeze – that make it a great subject for photographers who like to get different angles.

When I saw the way this tiny blossom was draped over the gigantic leaf, I had to get the shot. A study in contrasts between size and color? An example of how big and small can complement each other? Or just a pretty photo?

I'd like to know: What did you first see when you looked at this photo – the leaves or the flower? There’s no right or wrong answer. I am just curious. If you're willing to share your opinion, please send your responses to noteworthynaturephotos@gmail.com. I'm always glad to make connections with other amateur photographers.

* Despite Allison's juvenile rheumatoid arthritis rending her physically limited, she has always enjoyed the outdoors. Growing up on a family Christmas tree farm – she could literally go over the river (creek) and through the woods to her grandmother’s house - instilled a love of nature in her at an early age. As an adult she’s learned that nature has its own story to tell, a story she likes to read and relate through the lens of her camera. Today she drives a scooter when taking nature photographs and turns them into note cards available at Engage Arts Studio, 1005 Gravel Pike, Schwenksville, or on-line in her shop on society6.com.