Jon – the Life of a Multi-Handicapped 11-Year-Old Boy

My goal has been to understand Jon and his feelings. It took a while before I could read his very special body languages. At first I spent a lot of time just to get to know him and his family before I pulled the camera out. After a while they got more relaxed and comfortable with me being around, so that I could come closer and make more intimate moments with my camera. It has been a challenge to create that closeness and to capture his personality through the lens, as well as an eye opening experience for me personally and photographically.

Jon is a multi-handicapped 11-year-old boy. He was born without eyes and cannot talk or communicate. He doesn’t understand words, and doesn’t have the ability to learn them. He cannot walk or use his body, therefore communication goes by tone of voice and touch.