The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Expressing themselves through photography
Project shows people of all abilities they’re valued, empowered.
Jonathan Gross is not a man of many words, but his photographs speak thousands. Gross is one of 35 individuals currently participating in A Thousand Words Photography Project, a mission by Connectability to teach groups of all abilities about photography.
The Dawsonville resident has learned a lot in his seven years with the project and has even made plans to launch his own photography business after he graduates from Dawson County High School next spring.
Gross, 21, has Down syndrome and has been involved with Connectability since age 2. Connectability is a nonprofit with a mission to create communities where people of all abilities are valued, included and empowered. It offers free programs to families, monthly parties and an array of other services.
Jonathan’s mother, Pam Gross, took a leap of faith when she dropped him off the first time for respite care.
“We didn’t know Jacque Daniel (executive director of Connectability), but she wanted to create respite opportunities in North Georgia where there was a lack of resources for special needs individuals,” Pam Gross said. “We left him that night for two hours and have stuck with them ever since, participating in respite, Christmas parties, proms, and now A Thousand Words Photography Project.”
Jonathan has verbal apraxia, which makes it difficult to speak. He’s a happy-go-lucky guy who loves being around people, but he can be shy at times. When
Connectability called Pam to see if Jonathan would be interested in the photography project, she was unsure.
“He’d never taken pictures before,” she said. “We bought him a point-and-shoot digital camera to see how he liked it and, well, he loved it. I think the very first day he took over 300 pictures. Some were crazy, he experimented in the dark, he tried all kinds of angles. It surprised me to see his point of view.”
During his first year of A Thousand Words, Jonathan’s group was shooting at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground. Pam attempted to direct Jonathan to pretty flowers, but he instead wandered to a retention pond. She didn’t understand why when there were so many wonderful things to photograph.
“It wasn’t until later that night when I looked through his photos. I was amazed,” she said. “There were reeds beside the pond, and the reflection of overhead wires on the water. Things I would’ve never noticed, I wouldn’t have even gone to that area, or seen those angles. I was schooled that day. Jonathan could see beauty in ways I couldn’t.”
Connectability is celebrating the 10th year of A Thousand Words Photography Project. This year, it has partnered with groups in North Carolina and Spain. The theme is “Road Trip,” and participants were given a miniature VW bus to incorporate into their pictures. This is the second year the group will self-publish a book of the photography.
Lee Anne Tourigny is the project coordinator. While in college, she wrote her honors thesis on therapeutic photography and how it affects depression and anxiety. She wrote of how photography can create community and improve individuals’ well-being. Her role at Connectability proves her theory.
“Watching everyone get so actively involved, interacting with one another, excited about the photos they’re producing — you can tell how much they love it and how much happiness it brings to their lives,” Tourigny said.
Angela Cooper said her daughter, Hannah, who is also Jonathan’s best friend, has gained not just a hobby through photography, but confidence.
“Two of her photos sold for $500 each at the annual gala. She was so proud,” Cooper said.
Jonathan’s photos also have received accolades. This year he won a photography contest through the Historic Preservation Commission in Dawsonville and three of his photos were accepted into a juried arts show at the Bowen Center for the Arts. Due to his talent and interest, his parents will help him pursue an online photography business called Depictions of Being after graduation.
“I’d like for this venture to be a place for him to showcase his point of view and encourage anyone who struggles to communicate that they can still find ways to express their perspective,” Pam Gross said. “Challenges don’t have to limit you, sometimes you just stretch in different directions.”
Jonathan, Hannah and their fellow photographers eagerly anticipate the annual Thousand Words Photography Project Gala in January — a night when they can dress up, be recognized for their efforts and let their photographs do the talking.
The Thousand Words Photography Project Gala is Jan. 29 at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. If you would like to attend, or donate to Connectability, visit connectabilityinc.org
To learn more about Jonathan’s online photography business, follow Depictions of Being Photography on Facebook.
WANTED: KINDNESS
Was someone kind to you this year? As we head into the holiday season, we’d like to hear kind acts that you experienced this year. What did this mean to you? Or did you commit to being kinder in this challenging year, and if so, what did you do? What kind of response did you receive? We’ll be sharing some of these stories as we head into the season of giving. If this speaks to you, send us an email. Include your name, which we will use, your city, and contact info to Ajc-inspireatlanta@ajc.com.