Hi and welcome to my website!
So, the basics: My name is Mary-Louise and my first visible symptom of Parkinson’s Disease revealed itself 15 years ago. I was 30 years old. Like most at this age you I thought it was an old person’s disease.
The truth is nothing really prepares you for this diagnosis of Parkinson’s and nothing can prepare you for what comes after and how you and those around you cope. There is no typical pattern of progression so it is hard to plan or really know what to do.
However I am one of the lucky Parkinson’s sufferers in that my progression has been slow and for the last 3 years I have had no physical progression.
About 8 years ago, I discovered that I really enjoyed photography.
Not being one for formal training environments, in 2009, I sort out someone to teach me more about it to take me to another level. I was lucky; the photographer I chose had a direct relationship with someone with PD. Not only did he explain the basics of good photographic composition but how to get around and even use my PD symptoms. That year I also did a Photographic tour of Slovenia and met Luka the owner of the tour company Adriatic 2 Alps. After some initial “Lost in Translation” moments, we cemented a friendship. I have since traveled with Luka a further 3 times and more is planned.
My other mentor is my most avid critic. Eric is a typical cynical Pom but I like the way he makes me think about my photography and the direction I wish to take it.
I held my first exhibition on Works Parkinson’s day 2010. Title Travel Tides and Tremor, I raised over $2500 in profit from the sale of my photographs, which I donated to a Parkinson’s Charity.
The main purpose of Handshake Photography is to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and raise much needed funds for Parkinson research and support service.
I hope you enjoy looking at my site and should you like to purchase any of my photos please don’t hesitate to contact me using the contact form.
Cheers,
Mary
