Jonathan Gross is not a man of many words, but his photographs speak thousands. Jonathan 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. Jonathan of Dawsonville 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 in the spring.
Jonathan, 21, has Down syndrome and has been involved with ConnectAbility since age 2. ConnectAbility is a non-profit with a mission to create communities where people of all abilities are valued, included and empowered. They offer 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 Jonathan off the first time for respite care.
Credit: Courtesy of Michaela Cooper
Credit: Courtesy of Michaela Cooper
“We didn’t know Jacque Daniel [the 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,” said Pam. “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. The Gross family lives on the Chestatee River. Jonathan loves to go boating and swim. He also does therapeutic horseback riding and plays on a Miracle League baseball team. When ConnectAbility called Pam to see if Jonathan would be interested in the photography project, she was unsure.
“He’d never taken pictures before. We bought him a point and shoot digital camera to see how he liked it and, well, he loved it,” said Pam. “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. The mentor photographer asked Pam if she was concerned for Jonathan’s safety. She answered no, but explained she didn’t understand why he was at the retention pond when there were so many wonderful things to photograph.
“She told me to let him be, so I did,” said Pam. “It wasn’t until later that night when I looked through his photos. I was amazed,” Pam 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 their 10th year of A Thousand Words Photography Project. This year they’ve 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 coordinator of A Thousand Words Photography Project. 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,” said Tourigny.
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,” said Angela.
Jonathan’s photos have also 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,” said Pam. “Challenges don’t have to limit you, sometimes you just stretch in different directions.”
Credit: Courtesy of Angela Cooper
Credit: Courtesy of Angela Cooper
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 www.connectabilityinc.org
To learn more about Jonathan’s online photography business, follow Depictions of Being Photography on Facebook.
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