Insights
all insightsDeaf Makers & Creators Series: Deaf Photographers
There are some incredibly talented photographers all around the world, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing photographers. We want to showcase a few Deaf and hard-of-hearing photographers, both past and present, that have made an impact not only within the Deaf community, but also across the broader artistic and cultural landscape.
Walton R. Burrell
Walton R. Burrell is one of the earliest-known Deaf photographers in British history. Burrell was born in 1863 and grew up in Eastern England where he was one of 14 children. Walton was born Deaf, as were three of his siblings. All four eventually became members of what is now the British Deaf Association, founded in 1890 to advocate for the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Walton Burrell was among the association’s first members. He would grow up to become a gifted photographer who would take 20,000 photographs in his lifetime. Walton had many favorite subject matters throughout his career as a photographer, but some of his favorite subjects included photographs of his family home, his pet squirrel, and life during the First World War. His photographs during the First World War can be found at the Friends of Suffolk Archives.
All photos taken by Walton R. Burrell.
Jaime Del Pizzo
Jaime Del Pizzo is a photographer, videographer, and creator, based in the United States, but travels all around the world for her work. Jaime was born with bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss. Inspired by her father’s love for video and photography, she picked up a camera at a young age but became immersed when studying abroad in New Zealand. Jaime incorporates her Deafness as a valuable tool in improving her craft:
“Due to a lack of hearing, my eyesight is heightened without the distraction of noise. With that, I think I see the world differently from most people, so I think that translates over to the art I create.”
All photos are owned by Jaime Del Pizzo.
Explore more of her photography on Jaime’s InstagramJaime’s Instagram.
Kate Disher-Quill
At three years old, Kate and her family learned she was hard-of-hearing. At first, it was a difficult experience for Kate and her family, but after reading an article about a young photographer who was Deaf, Kate became inspired to tell her story and help others shine light on what it means to be part of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This started a five-year project of connecting with other Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to tell their stories through photographs, which was eventually published into a book called Earshot.
All photos owned by Kate Disher-Quill.
Explore more of her photography on Kate’s Instagram or purchase her book, Earshot, on Amazon.
There are so many incredible creators and artists in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Their experiences can offer a fresh perspective on the world, resulting in art that is deeply moving, challenges social norms, and celebrates individuality.
If you’re interested in exploring more stories from Deaf and hard-of-hearing creators, check out other Deaf Makers and Creators in the list below:
Kirk and Teresa Von Loh: Creators of ASL Plant Sticks
Ryien Blackwood Smith: Founder of For the Deaf Girl
Children’s Books by Deaf Authors Featuring Deaf Characters
Sources:
https://www.instagram.com/earshot.au/?hl=en
https://katedisherquill.com/Earshot
https://suffolkarchives.shorthandstories.com/the-world-of-walton-burrell/index.html
https://www.jaimedelpizzo.com/?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social