Nashville photographer helps kids really feel seen by way of new picture e book

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Angelea Yoder has spent her profession photographing musicians, artists, style fashions and meals.

Her newest mission is one thing way more private.

Yoder, a Nashville photographer, is the writer of a kids’s e book known as “Look at Me, Look What I Can Do” — a mission years within the making that has taken her to just about two dozen cities throughout the nation to {photograph} near 30 individuals dwelling with numerous medical situations.

“Different places in the country gives you also different backdrops,” Yoder stated.

The e book opens with a letter to its readers.

“Dear young reader, you are unique, lots of things make you you, not just the one thing that others may view,” Yoder stated.

The mission is deeply rooted in her personal expertise. Yoder was born with VACTERL affiliation, a uncommon situation that impacts the complete physique.

“It’s a rare condition that affects the entire body so each letter of that acronym stands for anomaly of the body,” Yoder stated.

While some elements of the situation are seen, many are usually not. She says opening up about her personal story has been liberating.

“I think a lot of times people just see 4’7″ and, oh, you are mechanically completely different, however they do not see the disfigurement,” she said. “Then I begin speaking to them concerning the invisible issues, like not having the ability to go to the restroom usually.”

Those invisible challenges shaped some of her most difficult memories.

“My mind went again to the occasions the place I used to be in elementary faculty, highschool, by way of faculty and I’d get made enjoyable of, or, I’d simply need to crawl right into a gap since you had an accident at work or faculty, and youngsters would both see it otherwise you can be strolling round making an attempt to cover it,” Yoder said.

As Yoder began opening up about her own story, others began doing the same.

“I believe what actually was the swap was once I began receiving messages from people or mother and father saying that my child has VACTERL — like thanks a lot,” Yoder said.

That response pushed her to expand the project. The book features portraits of children from across the country, each living their own full life. There’s Sarah, a member of her school band. There’s Henry, who loves playing ball and lives in a big city. There’s Harper, a multi-sport athlete.

With every portrait, Yoder said the process has been as much about her own journey as it has been about the children she photographs.

“Over these previous few years, I truly began sharing this story and it is change into so liberating,” Yoder said.

The goal, she said, is simple: no child should feel alone in their story.

“If I could possibly be that individual for a little bit child rising up so they are not alone, I believe that was it,” she said. “Like, all it takes is simply saying, ‘Hey I’ve this and it will be okay.'”

Yoder now describes herself not only as a photographer, but as an author and disability advocate.

To learn more about Angelea’s journey and the book, click here.

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