Photography for Self-Expression
Virtual Course
AbleVoices virtual Photography for Self-Expression (PSE) is a 10-week course for youth and adults with disabilities ages 14 and older. During this online and virtual class, students learn about how to use photography as a means for self-expression. Participants are given a new “photo mission” along with an instructional video and group discussion post each week. Students take photos and practice their new skills related to the photo mission. The following week, the instructor and class participants meet virtually to share their photos and discuss the photography skills learned. This is a great way to connect and share about ourselves through our photographs! At the end of the course, each participant chooses two photos for the website exhibit (see below)!
Classes are limited to 7 students per section. All digital cameras are acceptable for virtual classes, including smart phones. Local participants (Greater Nashville Area) are eligible to use an AbleVoices point and shoot camera. The virtual PSE course is offered every Fall (starting just after Labor Day) and at the start of the New Year (end of January). Please fill out the short form by clicking on the orange button below if you are interested in registering for this class. Once the form is submitted you’ll be contacted with registration details. The Photography for Self-Expression course is a prerequisite for the AbleVoices in-person and virtual Photography Clubs and all other AbleVoices programming.
Student Photographs
Kelsey
Color Wash
I’ve always loved car washes because the colors are hypnotizing and beautiful to watch. The sweet fragrance adds to the soothing experience.
Sitting Area
This sitting area is at a restaurant that I love, it has amazing sandwiches. It’s a relaxing place with a beautiful view and stunning colors.
Kamran
Decked In Red
Rise and Shine
Cian
Page High School
I CHOSE THIS PHOTO BECAUSE I LOVE MY SCHOOL
My Tractor
I CHOSE THIS PHOTO BECAUSE MY TRACTOR USED TO BE PAPA’S.
Decked In Red
I’ve always loved car washes because the colors are hypnotizing and beautiful to watch. The sweet fragrance adds to the soothing experience.
Rise and Shine
This sitting area is at a restaurant that I love, it has amazing sandwiches. It’s a relaxing place with a beautiful view and stunning colors.
Ashlyn
Faith
I love my faith because I love Jesus and he loves me. I love going to church and praying. This is my confirmation verse.
My Puppies
I love my doggies with all my heart. I hang out with them everyday. I have the responsibility to take care of them. They are my best friends.
Josecarlos
Game Collection
These are my switch games. I mainly use them for having a good time and for relaxation, since I like to be chill and relaxed.
Family Vacations
When I go out, I go out with my family. Why? Because I’m a fun loving and caring man. For in the end these are the people that gave life to me and who give me help and support me.
Kaylynne
Jackson
My mom was holding Jackson in this picture. He makes me so happy and I laugh with him. He likes being with my family and me.
Spots on my Apples
These apples came from my Papa’s. I love the different colors. We spent time together and made fried apples with them.
Landon
PS5 Controller
I chose this photo because I like to customize controllers and playing the playstation in my free time.
My Cat, Creeper
I chose this photo because she was a big part of my life, meant a lot to me, and made me happy.
Axel
Gods, Goddesses and Monsters
This is a book called gods goddesses and monster and i like to read, i also like mythology and monsters
Markers in a Case
This is a case of marker and I have I like to draw monsters.
Brooklyn
Kind Coloring Page
I like to color in coloring books with color pencils. My fav colors are purple and pink but I use different colors as well, I like how this page said “I am kind”.
Young Life Bible Study
It is my bible study i go to on mondays night. They play games, worship, tell a bible stories, dance party at the end. They also have a girl vs boy bible study the girls and boys go to a different house once a month
Jane
My Candy Drawer
I love candy, but I am diabetic. So, I like to eat sugar-free candy. This picture is my favorite because it is so colorful.
Shine On, Jane!
I love this picture because I love myself. I like the sunshine because it reminds me of my mom and dad in heaven and that God is shining on me!
Tiara
Pop Collage
This is part of a mural on a building in Nashville. I love it because of its colors and shapes. I love meeting people and smiling with them. This picture is bright and happy, and that's how I like to feel! I picked this one because there’s a lot going on and anyone with a true artist’s eye and heart can see why I picked this one. I think it fits me perfectly. My favorite colors are pink, purple, and green, and I love taking pictuers of cool and unique art.
Family Lagniappe Love
This picture shows several things about me. Most of my family is in Louisanna. Lagniappe means ‘a little extra’. I love bright colors and I started collecting these because my family encouraged it. My favorites are the classic Mardi Gras colors and float designs and Mardi Gras history. I would never give them up for anything!
Teddy
Pop Collage
This is part of a mural on a building in Nashville. I love it because of its colors and shapes. I love meeting people and smiling with them. This picture is bright and happy, and that's how I like to feel! I picked this one because there’s a lot going on and anyone with a true artist’s eye and heart can see why I picked this one. I think it fits me perfectly. My favorite colors are pink, purple, and green, and I love taking pictuers of cool and unique art.
Family Lagniappe Love
This picture shows several things about me. Most of my family is in Louisanna. Lagniappe means ‘a little extra’. I love bright colors and I started collecting these because my family encouraged it. My favorites are the classic Mardi Gras colors and float designs and Mardi Gras history. I would never give them up for anything!
Charlie
Peaceful Lake
This is the lake in my neighborhood. I go paddleboarding and kayaking on it in the summer. I also sail my Remote Control boat on it. When I look at this picture it makes me feel happy and calm.
Best Kitchen Appliance Ever!
I chose this photo because it reminds me of when I worked at Beer City Dog Biscuits in Grand Rapids as a Brew Baker. I learned how to operate a large stand mixer to make the dough for the biscuits. I feel proud because my parents gave me this when I worked hard and graduated from National Louis University - PACE Program in June. I use it to make Monster Cookies, Pumpkin Bread and Banana Bread.
Daniel
Fall leaf
I like the colors that change during fall. It’s like magic!
Sara and Reed
This is my sister and brother-in-law. I love them so much! They are moving to North Carolina on Monday and I will really miss them.
Matthew
Dogs Sleepting
I chose this picture because my dogs make me happy and I love and enjoy them.
Me and My Mom
My mom is my best friend and she supports me.
Micah
Bird in Motion
I find birdwatching enjoyable. I use my binoculars to watch cardinals, morning doves, blue jays and wood peckers in my backyard.
Games in Wooden Display Case
I enjoy browsing at Philips Toy Mart (and also Target and Outer Limit Comics) and playing different types of games with family and friends. A few other games I play are “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle”, “Heroes of Dominaria”, different Catan Line games and games in the Ascension Line.
Aurora
Divine Dachshund
This is Petunia, the pink-nosed pupper that I met at Percy Warner park. She is pictured being held quite comfortably in a nice, light blue vest and an absolutely stunning pink collar. In this outfit, she somewhat resembles a blueberry - proof that she’s a berry good girl.
Literally Just a Log
I sacrificed the integrity and livelihood of my pants by kneeling on the mulchy, dirt-covered forest floor (and who knows what’s pooped there) for this picture. But I must say, it is quite worth it. This is a mostly hollow log with a dotting of icicles and a platypus-shaped (from another angle, at least) rock inside. The shadow the wood casts on to both itself and the rocks inside is, to me, utterly impeccable.
Kobey
Shadow of My Hand
When I visited my Grandmother’s house in Birmingham, AL I noticed the light coming in the window against the colorful fabric.
Waldos
Waldos is one of my favorite restaurants. They have a good lunch menu and this day (Wednesday, Feb 9) I ordered the spicy tenders.
Paul
Reflective Analysis
This is my reflection in a framed blue print of a B-wing fighter from Star Wars. This multi-purpose attack bomber is used by the Rebel Alliance. I like the bad guys because they have cooler tech and better weaponry. My whole family loves Star Wars and we enjoy watching the movies together.
Life Stone
Twelve Stone is the company that provides my feeding tube supplies. Since I’ve had my feeding tube for the past two years I have grown a lot and am thriving! I also love collecting rocks and minerals and this stone means a lot to me.
Jon
Bella
I love my dog. I caught her just at the right moment for this picture!
Barber Lounge
I wanted a professional shave for my 18th birthday so I went to Legacy Barber and I’ve been going ever since.
Colin L.
Play Sax
I like this picture because I like to jam on the saxophone. Saxophones are in the woodwind family. They sound tough.
Ride my Bike
I like this picture because it shows I like to ride my bike. Riding my bike makes me feel free.
Jaden
Taking off
I took this photo lying down. Airplanes are one of my favorite things to learn about. I also love to fly. This airplane was made with a 3D printer by my uncle.
Reflections of Friends
This photo shows me and my dog outside. I took it in the afternoon reflecting off car. I enjoy riding my scooter around the neighborhood and playing outside with my dog.
Tanav
Backyard Stepping Stone
The stepping stone looks cool and unique because of the texture. It shows the path between the driveway and the patio. Sometimes, I like to use it.
Front Door of my House
The front door of my house looks beautiful. The welcome mat looks cool. It is where you enter the house.
Nicholas
Blue Mustang
I like this picture because I love sports cars like Mustangs and Corvettes. I saw this mustang parked outside of Archery. I thought it was cool, so I took a picture of it. I like to look at all the different emblems on cars.
Sunset at the Beach
Caption: I like this picture because the sunset was very pretty on the water. This picture reminds me of our Beach Vacation with Grandma, Papa, Dad, Mom and My Brother.
Sara R.
My Colored Pencils.
On the table from Florence Italy. I have a strong passion for Art and Animation.
I love to Draw Pictures in my spare time. I find that adding a lot of color and detail to my work helps it to really stand out more.
My Holy Scapula
As someone who suffers from both Myasthenia gravis and Epilepsy, i have a strong faith in God. I find that either holding this or wear my scapula around my neck, has given me the strength to survive through all of the difficult things that I’ve been through in my lifetime.
Rachel
God's Beautiful Creation
Penny and I love to take walks in the park. On my walk I was intrigued by the beautiful creation around me. I loved the light blue sky! light blue is my favorite color and it makes me feel happy. When I look at the picture I can feel the warm sun on my skin. This picture makes me feel close to God and reminds me that I am never alone in God’s beautiful creation.
Puppy Love
During the pandemic in April 2020, I got a job working at Kroger. So I started thinking, I have money and would love a pet, why don’t I get a dog. So I looked around on the internet for a small girl dog and came across penny. I filled out an application and 1 month later this young guy texted me and asked to meet, and that night I told the guy I wanna adopted penny. 3 days later I met with the guy to bring penny home. I have had penny for a year. She is not going to get any bigger than 25 pounds. She is a dachshund mixed with a miniature pinscher. She has a cute puppy face, cute puppy paws, and a energetic and loving personality. She sleeps with me in my bed every night. She makes me happy because I love her. She’s exactly what I prayed for. I’m in puppy love!
Grace D.
FRIENDS
This is one of my best friends Becca at the beach. We had lots of fun really enjoyed God’s creation.
PLAYING
The beach is a great place to learn how to play volleyball. My friends and I are ready to play.
Ethan B.
Library adventures
I have an adventure every time Dad and I go to a library.
Wildflowers and Wildlife
I like flowers because of their fragrance and beauty.
Matthew S.
My MatchBox Plane Collection
I like collecting models of different planes ever since i with little. I love learning about aviation.
WW2 Shell Collection
These are fired shell casings from WW2. I collected them from various places. I love war history.
Heather V.
Hatch Show Print Volunteer Award
I’m proud of receiving this award for my work at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Country music is an important part of my life. I especially love Marty Stewart and Travis Tritt. I worked in the office shredding papers (I call it “feeding the monster!) and making educational packets for school groups. It is an important job and being helpful makes me feel good. Only ten people got this award!
Love
This photo represents my love of photography and of AbleVoices! I am so thankful to finally learn photography. It is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
Allie M.
My Cuz
My cousin is a special person in my life and we have a lot in common. I love when he comes to visit. I am so happy he recovered from cancer.
Trophy
I proud of this award because it shows that girls can do anything. I won this in my first competition for sparring.
Bianca N.
TEA TIME
I like to take a break in the afternoon and have tea and biscuits with my mom. I like sugar and milk in mine, she does not. I also enjoy tea time with my brother and Matt, and my Sister and Steve. We haven’t been able to do that recently. I miss them very much!
HAMPTON
He’s the best dog ever and I will love him forever. He’s cozy in his bed with his red sweater on. Red is my favorite color!
Lexi S.
The 12th Man
Blue and green are my favorite colors and make me feel happy. I took this picture from my front porch. Blue and green are also the team colors of the Seattle Sea Hawks. They have what is called, “The 12th Man",” which is the fans. And the fans are big, like this tree! I visit Seattle to see my cousins.
Simba
I love doing art.. I painted this cross because it represents the circle of life. Painting helps me think and reminds me of my pet cat, Simba, who is not with us anymore.
Steven G.
Books and Pillow
Fishing is a life-long passion of mine. I enjoy going fishing with my buddy Don.
Mom
Mom enjoys sitting in her favorite spot in sunroom at my family's house. We watch TV together. My family means the world to me.
Zoe R.
Popcorn
This yellow popcorn represents my personality. It is fun, exciting, and bright. People enjoy being with me too!
Shadow Walkers
I went on a walk with my mom and Lyla, the baby she is a nanny for. I saw our reflection holding my mask and my mom held up Lyla and said, “Go away, COVID! It’s time to play!”
Brock B..
Brocks passion for Dr. Dude Pinball!
Pinball is definitely one of my favorable hobbies. I love playing it for hours on end on Friday nights receiving super high scores! There is no other machine like it! Playing this old - timey 1990’s machine fuels my soul with pure excitement.
The Great Seal of Tennessee in a very rustic appearance.
I took this picture at the beginning of this photography class. I tried really hard to capture the rich history in my surroundings while enjoying my time in nature! I am a person who loves taking photos that are important to me, in which history is most certainly one of them! This piece of our world history will always have a place in my heart!
Danielle H.
Okeeheelee Park
This park has nature trail that me and my best friend go and we sometimes go there for picnics and we ride around the park looking at the beauty and seeing birds fly in the air and seeing people jogging or walking or just sitting on the ground eating lunch with their families.
Hunter
I have a strong connection to my dog. Every time I come home from school he always runs downstairs and comes and meets up at the top of the stairs leading to the back door wagging his tail at me and showers me with puppy kisses.
Matt M.
Jammin’ with Country Music Artists
I love country music and playing the guitar!My guitar is signed by famous artists like Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Brett Eldridge, and more! I’ve been taking lessons for two years with songwriter, Leigh Reynolds. I keep my guitar in my man cave.
Hockey Puck
I love the Nashville Predators. I've been to many of their games. My favorite part is hanging out with players in the locker room. My favorite player is the captain, Roman Josi.
Bailey S.
Rainbows & Rockets
I took this picture at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center In Huntsville. This is one of my favorite pictures because the refracted rainbow that showcases the rockets in the background.
Frosty Robin
I took this picture during our surprising snowfall. I am not sure if this bird was expecting snow either. But at least it found shelter in the ice glazed tree in my backyard.
Cate D.
Dishwasher
When me and my family are done with our dinner I load up the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. I am happy when I help my family.
Night Light
I feel like I can see some lightning bugs flying around the light. I like this photo because the photo is bright in the sun.
Vamsi.
Red is my passion….
Color red is my favorite color. For me red symbolizes the life, the warmth and the courage. I really liked these flame red flowers blooming in winter, with full of life.
Winter Nature Walks
I love the nature walks and taking pictures of the trees. Winter time provides the opportunity to blend this with white snow and take interesting pictures.
Tiara D.
Fire Element
To me this picture looks like abstract art, which is the kind of art I like to do. The color red represents me because I am active and I get people’s attention! I love color and to paint everything!
My Babies
These are two of my painting. I paint a lot on canvas. I gave the bottom painting to my Best Buddy, Hannah, and she loved it!
James L.
Running Shoes
I am on the high school track team and I like to run fast! Running makes me happy.
Hoop
I like to play basketball with my friends.
Megan H.
Snowstorm of the South 2021
We had a crazy snowstorm this year and I was stuck in my house for a full week. Though I am not used to the cold going outside to take pictures really showed me the beauty from the snowstorm. I took this picture of a plant outside my house.
Bird Bath Turned Bird Fountain
I took this photo for week one’s photo mission called “learning to see”. The point of the photo mission was to notice the small details in the world around us. We put this bird bath on my porch by our bird feeders and the birds only really use it to drink water. I stopped to look at it and saw the beautiful reflection of the trees and the sky. Taking the time to see things around me in a different view inspired this picture which is now one of my favorites!
Peach C.
My Globe
I love to travel. When I was a little kid as a family, we’ve always taken vacations and traveled to see family. We go to Indiana, Thailand, and St. Louis to visit relatives and go to beaches in Florida for fun!
My Love of Music
Singing pop, country, musical theater songs because singing those types of music makes me happy. Music is a universal language. I think we all need it, especially during the pandemic.
Andrew B.
The Beginning of a Legacy
Two years ago, I made my first CD. It is mostly covers of country music songs. Although my favorite song on the album is one my dad wrote, called “Talking to Ghosts.” I play the guitar and I learned to yodel from Hank Williams. I like to play traditional country music the best!
Silly Service Doodle
Gizzy is my certified service dog and helps me everyday. She provides space when I am in crowded places and pressure and support when I need it.
Bel H..
Art
I love art. It is something creative that I like to do. And it's something I want to keep doing.
Love for Disney
Growing up, my family visited Disneyland in California. Knowing all-things- Disney is something that I enjoy a lot.
Matthew D.
Lunch Fly Through
I like this picture because I like taking pictures of nature how the birds are looking at each other.
Pioneer Travel
I like this picture because it the wagon wheel has character and it is old. I like to take photos of historic places.
Steven S.
Getting Out
During Covid we were trapped inside staying healthy. To get out of the house we would travel around to places we missed. We’re finally able to visit these places again.
Snow Business
There’s no business like snow business. Here’s my dog Allie doing her job fetching a football in the snow. She loved our snow storm.
Kasey T.
Green Monkey
One of my favorite memories is going to the arcade and winning this green monkey. I love the fun memories this monkey brings back.
Daddys Girl
My dad is an artist and painted a portrait of me when I was 5 years old. My dad is someone I looked up to. He is now in heaven with Jesus.
Gauri A.
Parents in the Snow
I chose this photo because it had some of my favorite people in it, and because the snow makes me feel both nostalgic and happy. I also feel like this photo represents how much farther I got in my photography abilities with this class - I don't think I would've been able to take this picture without this class.
Neighborhood Walk
I chose this photo because I thought that it utilized some of the photo techniques we've been talking about, and because it's become important to me - it was taken at my favorite time of day when I was around one of my favorite people, and when I see this picture, it makes me feel happy.
Caleb T..
Country and Rock n Roll
I have loved playing the guitar since I was little. My favorite song to play is Sweet Home Alabama.
Lawn Care
I love working hard and doing service with my family. One way I do this is by leaf blowing. My dream is to have a lawn care business.
Steven W.
Lane Motor Museum
I’ve always had a passion for cars and everything surrounding that .This is what I want to be when I grow up.
Football
I am a super fan when it comes to the NFL. It is an incredible sport and my favorite team is the Tennessee Titans.
Click on or hover over the photos to read the titles and captions…