Disabled Photographers’ Society: 'I don't know what I'd do without photography'

Paul Grant snapped an acrobat at Beck Theatre in Hayes for his winning shot, titled Hand Stand

Disabled photographers have spoken about how their art has helped their mental health during an annual exhibition.

One member of the Disabled Photographers' Society (DPS) said photography was "my life".

Photos displayed in the show in Hatton in Warwickshire, ranging from breath-taking skylines to stunning nature shots, were judged by photographer Ray Spence.

He said photography could be "enjoyed by everyone", regardless of disability.

Paul Grant was also recognised for his photo "Duck Stampede"

One of the winners, Paul Grant, said be believed his disability helped people "drop their guard" and agree to be photographed.

Mr Grant, from West Drayton in west London, uses a wheelchair as a result of spondylosis, a condition in which spinal discs break down.

"I don't know what I'd do without photography," said Mr Grant, who was recognised for his images of an acrobat, an AC/DC tribute band and his "duck stampede".

"I love his expression," Mr Grant said of his photo Guitar Man, which captured an AC/DC tribute band

"San Francisco impression" was judged first in the Advanced Open Print section and overall Best Print

Fellow photographer Paul Franklin said he believed the hobby could help people's mental health.

Before an illness affected his mobility, Mr Franklin, from Hounslow, also in west London, said he enjoyed triathlons and marathons and so he "started photographing sports events but I got the hump with that because I couldn't take part".

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"It's my life," he said. "Before mindfulness was ever a word photography was doing the same thing."

Jeffrey Graham photographed grandson Eli waiting for friends at his seventh birthday party

Judge Ray Spence said photography can be "enjoyed by everyone"

"We see people struggle and we want to make it easier for them," Gillian Birbeck, who works for the DPS, said.

She got involved after her husband, Mike, a former RAF engineer, broke his back in a flying accident about 35 years ago.

For the past 18 years, she has helped members who needed adaptations such as wheelchair mounts and shoulder equipment.

Mr Birbeck has become president of the charity, which has grown to about 500 members across the UK.

The couple, from Taunton, have made "wonderful friendships and had lots of lovely opportunities" through the society, she said.

Keith Parker took this photo at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent

The DPS marked its 50th anniversary last year

The photographs are on display in Northleigh House School in Hatton, Warwickshire.

All images subject to copyright.