The article ultimately makes me reflect on my own passions and on my commitment to them. If I were to take up photography or some other passion/hobby if I lost my limbs, would I do it? Would I be so overcome by the difficulty that I would just give up? Those are questions I don’t know the answers to. I don’t think anyone can know exactly how they would react to such a traumatic experience or whether they would even be the same person on the other side. As I understand it, many soldiers experience brain damage that changes their personality and outlook on life. I think I would try to be optimistic, but probably not as positive as Mr. Dooley.

I’ve had challenges in my life, but they are very small compared to most people’s. I deal with my life struggles by abiding in my hobbies, which are many, including photography, fishing, hiking, digital art, airsoft, 3D printing, and general making. When it comes to the challenges I face with my photography, it’s not nearly as much of a struggle as it would be without limbs. I am fortunate enough to have an able body that allows me to go places and maneuver into unique perspectives.

However, what challenges me is typically my own equipment. When I take a photo, I have a specific way I want it to look that I visualize in my mind. Whenever my equipment isn’t producing the image I’m expecting whether due to the limitations of the camera or my own lack of adjustment it can be demoralizing and frustrating, making it hard for me to be satisfied with the image. It is something I constantly struggle with, knowing that there’s better equipment out there. But at least for me, that’s the only limitation I have: fighting against my own camera to produce the image I want.

I have little to complain about when there are people out there like Mr. Dooley, who are fighting against their own bodies to produce the image both in terms of manipulating the camera and also in their inability to position themselves for unique perspectives. I think this article has taught me how much more adaptable I should be in accepting my situation and persevering through the struggles I may have, whether with my equipment or any other issues I run into while creating images and using those unique experiences within my photography.