I have been shooting blind for about ten years now. I am an amateur photographer with macular degeneration and have a website that I call Despot Photos - Shooting Blind. It is located at http://www.despotphotos.com
I have been legally blind for about ten years and took up photography to help me see. I found that by taking photos I can later see the details and the beauty that I miss while I am taking the photo. Using my large computer screen and pressing my nose about an inch from it, I can edit and sort the photos and enjoy the beauty of places like Alaska, Yellowstone and even Africa.
I have created this fund in the hopes of providing additional research dollars to find a cure for macular degeneration. Any money received through this fund will go to Macular Degeneration Research, a program of the BrightFocus Foundation.
I count myself as one of the fortunate people afflicted with this condition because I am still able to see well enough to enjoy my passion of photography; however, this could be taken away at any moment by a deterioration of my retinas.
Please help me to stop having to shoot blind and help the other millions of Americans that are no longer able to live the full lives they once had, and donate whatever you can to this cause.
Thank you for your consideration and if you have a friend or relative that is fighting this condition that I can help, please contact me at despotphotos@yahoo.com.
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If you would like, you can add your name and a short message to our Guest Book. Thank you.
Happy to help you reach your fundraising goal, which will help provide research toward a cure for macular degeneration.
Ken and Carrie Despot
Wed, Dec 30, 2009
Jenny Veatch
Mon, Dec 21, 2009
Mike,
I always enjoy the photos you take at the Treasure Valley Roller Girl bouts. I am a very visual person and my sight is so valuable to me. I am happy that you started this foundation and hope I can contribute in the near future.
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Jenny aka Fox in Sox
Birgitta
Sat, Dec 19, 2009
Mike, I haven't forgotten the support you showed me when I published my children's book. I'll be getting a bit of money in February and will be happy to contribute something then. I respect the heck out of you, ya know. You're not only brave, but so very giving. That means a lot to me! Love you dearly. :) Keep doing what you do. You're an inspiration.
denise (toma)
Fri, Dec 18, 2009
mike is indeed an amazing man! and a great photographer
Bob Daveant
Fri, Dec 18, 2009
Thanks for sharing your story.
Vjthomas
Fri, Dec 18, 2009
Thats wonderful that you didn't give up and kept on with what you love kudos to you!
Heather Coelho
Thu, Dec 17, 2009
Mike, I love your photos. You always capture some great moments during my Roller Derby Bouts. I appreciate all your hard work. You are very inspirational to others. Thankyou so much. - Heather
Ed Berger
Wed, Dec 16, 2009
Mike,
Thank you so much for contributing to Macular Degeneration Research. We are proud to fund some of the world's leading scientists, and with your help, we can continue to fund critical research with the hope of one day finding a cure.
Keep up the wonderful photography!
Ed
Julie Sullwold
Wed, Dec 16, 2009
I so love Mike's work. And this project is brilliant! Mike is an inspiration on how to live. Thank you, Mike, for sharing your work with us.
Jerry Sheneman
Wed, Dec 16, 2009
I've seen many of Mike's photos and I'm always impressed with how well they turn out. His knack for knowing what and when to capture on his camera is a true talent. Unless someone knows Mike they would would never guess he has a vision impairment from looling at his photos.
Denise Shiozawa
Wed, Dec 16, 2009
What a great idea. Mike always inspires me with his great attitude and abilities!
Carrie Despot
Thu, Dec 03, 2009
I'd like to encourage everyone to not only donate for this great cause, but to also take a few moments to go to Mike's web site and see the spectacular photos he's taken! You'll be amazed at the beautiful scenery and animal photos, especially when you consider he can't really see much when he's taking the photo. It's wonderful to see a man be able to enjoy a hobby so much and be so talented at it! Imagine the time it takes to not only take the photos, travel to the locations, and get the 'perfect shot', but then to sit at a computer screen an inch away to edit and view the photos. Please donate today so that Mike might have a cure or at least be guaranteed to not lose additional sight!
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