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.

If you would like to see some more images from the Dyslexia series please visit the link below:

http://davidflisherphotography.co.uk/wordpress/2010/04/05/dyslexia/

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.

If you would like to find out more about Dyslexia please visit A New Way

The pieces are titled as follows:

1. “The Christmas Pilgrimage”
2. “Away and a Manger”
3. “Hope?”
4. “Following the Star”
5. “The Christmas Gift”
6. “The End of Christmas?”

	The Christmas Pilgrimage 0001.jpg The Modern Meaning for this image is very similar to the meaning linking back to the original Christmas story. This photograph depicts the modern Christmas’s pilgrimage made by people every year to get presents for the people they love. It is a time of busyness and preparation no-one has any time as the pressure and the stress is slowly increasing as each day is getting closer to the big day. This photograph links back to the bible [Luke 2;1-7] Where Mary and Joseph begin there journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus decreed that everyone should be registered.
	Away and a Manger 0002.jpg This image in its modern context shows the emptiness of the modern Christmas. Religion only plays a small part now in Christmas and it has been replaced with commercialism and consumerism which has not fulfilled people. The Christmas tree in this image represents Christ and the lights represents the commercialism. This photograph links back to the Nativity within the bible in particular [Luke 2;1-7]. Where baby Jesus was born and laid in a manger.
	Hope? 0003.jpg This third image in this modern setting asks the question does a fake Christmas really symbolise hope when compared to a real Christmas which actually symbolises hope. Does this mean that a fake Christmas tree represents false hope? This photograph to me links back to [Luke 2;8-14] Which in my interpretation is about hope in particular when the angel said “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord….”
	Following the Star 0004.jpg The carousel in this fourth photograph to me represents the star in its modern form leading you to the young child. In this modern context the star is followed to find the perfect gift but to think of this give makes your head spin and the lights represents the commercialism. This photograph links to the original Christmas story within the bible especial [Matthew 2;1-10] where the star leads the Wise-men from the east to the young child.
	The Christmas Gift 0005.jpg This fifth picture illustrates the modern Christmas gift. The modern gift is stress, you start off calm but the stress slowly builds and gets bigger and bigger. To me this photograph links to [Matthew 2;11-12] which tells of the wise-men from the east giving the young child the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
	The End of Christmas’s 0006.jpg This sixth and final photograph visualises what commercialism is doing to Christmas taking the parts of Christmas it can use to make a profit and leaving other and making changes. So slowly over time Christmas is slowly losing its true meaning a becoming something else. This final image depicts from [Matthew 2;13-18] the turmoil in Jesus’s early life where Mary and Joseph have to flee with the young child from king Herod who put to death all the young male children in Bethlehem.