Sunday, September 30, 2012

Disney Weekend

Didn't see him do this but he loves taking pictures of himself

View from Main Street

USF Botanical Garden

Appreciating beauty

Martin hates bugs but loves bug eating plants

Daddy taking pictures of flowers

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Martin's Self-Portraits




Who was photographing who?

Martin by Matt Ramirez
Daddy by Martin Ramirez

Photographing Martin

Nearly five years ago my son was diagnosed with Autism. That day remains crystal clear to me. I recall the room, the doctor, and the feelings I had when the doctor diagnosed my son with Aspergers and ADHD.

With Martin I have had to rethink what a father should be. I expected to show my son how to play baseball, ride a bicycle and fish. Rather than shaping him into what I thought he should be, he has shaped me into what he needed me to be. 

Photography has always been an important part of my life. My parents bought me my first camera, a Kodak C110, when I was 10. In high school I completed four years of Graphic Arts learning photography and darkroom techniques. I bought my first SLR when I was 15 and have had several since. In college, I studied darkroom, studio lighting, portraiture and night-time photography. As you can guess, I'm hooked on taking pictures.

In the past nine years, I've taken thousands of pictures of my children and was thrilled the day Martin asked me if he could take a picture with my camera. After that, any time I took out my camera I made sure he had a chance to snap some pics.

Last year Martin got his own camera and has been taking pictures ever since. I find it interesting that he loves taking pictures of himself. Once done he helps me create videos of his pictures and enjoys watching his handy work over and over again.

In this blog I will be sharing pictures Martin has taken as well as pictures I've taken of him. We both hope you enjoy!

Matt