My Photos on Cover, Inside of Access Mag

After what seemed like a really long, long time, Access magazine was finally published, and inserted within newspaper AnnArbor.com‘s Dec. 6th, 2009 edition. It was the 20th annual edition of the mag, and the makers at the Center for Independent Living wanted it to be extra special.

An interior story of Adam Rose and the I-Ride

If you’ve been following my work long enough, you’d know I was asked in July to provide photography for the magazine. In all, we spent almost three months shooting the events and portraits that are featured inside. The (partial) cover you see above was taken from Brock Mealer’s set. Because of paralysis below his waist, this photo of him kicking a football showed the impact of his rehabilitation.

It’s already a great honor to have your photos featured in any magazine, so bagging the cover brings an even more sensational feeling and definitely a sense of accomplishment! Although it may look staid in photographic artistry (head-on shot), it gets the Center’s message across, that they help people with disabilities, and with great success. Pair it with one of America’s biggest sports, with an iconic backdrop (The Big House stadium) and it’s a winner. Looking at it again, his hand movement, jutting tongue and even the excellent placement of the football was just perfect.

Ha, pat on the back for me!

So, the publication of Access could mark the end of my relationship with the mag, or it could just be the start. But since it’s only published once every year, they won’t be needing my photos again so soon. Furthermore, I may not be around in the U.S. next year. The future is truly up in the wide, open skies. Honestly, I wish I can go on contributing to the mag and their cause. They’ve given me creative freedom, which is almost everything a photographer would need. May this freedom and relationship carry forth into the future!

Ashley's also featured inside the mag!