Creative Director Jennifer Ruf has launched a stock agency, disabilityphoto.com, to answer the needs of the mainstream press to have images of the disabled in action. Not only will this be a great resource for press outlets, the site will be a great community resource for the disabled where they can share their lives visually, offer tips, and advice to each other via Disability Photo's twitter page.
Ruf came up with the idea for the site when her brother became wheelchair-bound as a result of a car accident a few years ago. “You should see my brother now. The wheelchair hasn’t slowed him down. He plays hockey, soccer, and just bought his first house,” says Ruf proudly. “These are the kinds of photos we want to have available to the mainstream media. And today, pictures of the disabled are limited.”
To beef up the site, Ruf is aggressively seeking photos and illustrations of—and by-- the disability community. The site’s goal is to offer a unique place for royalty–free and rights–managed photography and illustrations. Photography from prominent photographers in the disability community have already been lined up. For instance‚ buyers on the site will be able to obtain the works of Christopher Voelker, Chris Hamilton, Eric Stampfli, and many others. However, Ruf wants to get the word out that there’s no limit to Disability Photo’s quest for talent. “We’re creating something that’s never been done before…a place where a huge amount of disability photos will be available at a buyer’s fingertips.
“We’re calling on all artists‚ from amateurs to professionals‚
To submit artwork or learn more about the site, please go to www.disabilityphoto.com or contact Jennifer Ruf at jruf@disabilityphoto.com or (917) 568-4077.
