Dyslexia affects 10% of the population, with 3% being severely dyslexic. It has no class boundaries, affecting rich, poor and even royalty alike.

So with my series of images on Dyslexia I tried to show dyslexia in a visual way to make it easier for people who are not dyslexic to understand what it is like to be dyslexic, as well as trying to show other dyslexic’s who don’t have those particular symptoms of there condition.

With my choice of images I hopefully convey the message that dyslexia is not a disability, but is in fact a gift and a perceptual talent.

There are many misconceptions about dyslexics – “They all have problems with reading and writing and are in some way learning disabled.” However dyslexics are not stupid or unintelligent, but purely have a different thinking and learning style, but are often made to feel like second-class citizens.

Most dyslexics view the world in 3D, are great problem solvers and can think ‘outside of the box’, which is of course why many highly talented architects, scientists, entrepreneurs and artists are dyslexic.

All my images portray real dyslexics and issues that affect them everyday. All the styles I have chosen for the project were based on the problems and the solutions of dyslexia.

With the photographs of the model I wanted to have the model telling his side of what it is like to be a dyslexic, for the background I wanted a neutral look but I did not want to do a standard studio shot, with a boring white background. Plus for dyslexics white or black backgrounds for text are the hardest to read. So for a different look I decided to go with the green background I also choose no to iron the fabric background as I was not after a polished studio look but use it as a metaphor for the imperfections of the viewer, the model and how dyslexia is perceived by many. Also I would like these images from this small set to be viewed in the context of constructed documentary.

Some of the images in the series are meant to make you feel ill and not want to look at them.

This is because this is how it can make a dyslexic feel to read a page of text. I feel this small series out of the collection is very important to show as it does not only show people but also makes them feel what it can be like to be dyslexic, this can bring understanding from those who are not affected by dyslexia.

I wanted the viewer to feel disorientated and out of their depth rather than just looking at the image, I wanted them to experience it.

The clay series is all about the symptoms of dyslexia, but not the symptoms of having dyslexia, but the symptoms of being a dyslexic. The series is about the way dyslexics are perceived by others who do not understand.

Below are a few images from the series:

Comments on the ‘Dyslexia’ series from the Free Range Exhibition 2008

1. I’m dyslexic too : ) and i quite like it! Dominique Peters
2. Fantastic piece made me not feel as stupid as i think @ times + not alone. Lil
3. Amazing work! Anonymous
4. Its great to see this portrayed in a positive light. Excellent photos two (sorry i cant read your name it looks like Libby)
5. I don’t have dyslexia but i  do have calculexia which is the numerical equivalent. Anonymous
   The correct term for the numerical equivalent of dyslexia is called dyscalculia.
6. So well presented great concept Dyslexia rules! Leo
7. I am and I cant spell Dyslecik Dyslexic. Anonymous
8. Groovey work! Anonymous
9. Funky! Anonymous
10. Great Idea using fridge magnets to capture dyslexia. Anonymous
11. Interesting use of a really nice set of photos. Really refreshing to see someone finally making intelligent use of what is an incredibly common affliction. Well Done! Anonymous
12. I love you, Penny Lane
13. I think you are a wonderful photographer & human being x Anonymous
14. Beautiful, so clear, i love it! Anonymous
15. Well done I two am dyslexic & my final year work deals with my emotions towards it. www.joannebuckley.co.uk It is nice to see it done in a positive way.