Technology, throughout history, has made our lives much simpler and happier. Sometimes with the help of technology, an unbelievable dream comes true. Tammy was diagnosed with a progressive blinding disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and never thought that she will be ever going to take a photo. She is not able to see in the dark room and not able to read the camera settings. Today’s technology made the dream of being a photographer possible. Other than being a fine professional photographer, she is also a gifted artist and great writer. Her first paperback book, Peace, was published by Clear Light Books in 2005. Some of her remarkable work like finger paintings, photos, and writing has been published in literary journals, art magazines, and consumer publications such as Writer's Digest, Art Times Journal, Disney's Family Fun Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many more.

How and when did you rediscover your childhood passion for photography?T: I rediscovered my childhood passion for photography in the fall of 2013, when I decided to see if I could use a point-and-shoot camera with auto settings. I'd given up on that dream many years before, due to my blinding disease, RP, believing that there was no way a legally blind person could be a photographer. I couldn't see in a dark room, nor read settings on a camera. The technology of point-and-shoot digital cameras made the dream possible again. Once I learned where the buttons were, and used my large monitor, I began taking photos the way I'd always wanted to--fine art photos--using my art education and remaining vision.

What is the favorite nature scene you love to capture? What do you prefer black and white or color photos?T: I don't really have a favorite nature scene in mind, since I snap the shutter randomly, then choose the ones I like later on my 47-inch computer monitor. As long as it has an interesting subject, appeals to my artistic senses, and a lot of contrast, I'm happy with it. It could be a mountain, a tree, or a lake, it doesn't really matter. I prefer black and white photos because I see best in high contrast. The dark against light, or light against dark, is easier for my eyes to see and distinguish.

Why are still photographs so impactful in era of motion photography? What is the best human emotion you like to capture?T: Still photos make time stand still. With video and film, the subject, story, and your mind, are constantly moving. Still photos capture a story in a single shot. The viewer has to look it over to see what's been captured in that one frozen moment. Your mind makes a shift to slow down in order to understand what's going on. When it comes to human emotion, I like to capture something spontaneous, whether it be laughter, sadness, sincerity, confusion, etc.

What is your favorite photograph so far and why? What do you love about photography?T: I don't have one specific favorite, but if I had to choose photos besides my family, it would have to be, "Grazing", which is of a wild horse not far from where I lived last year. What I love about photography is that it helps me to be the artist I've always been, but couldn't always express, because of my visual impairment. It keeps me connected to the visual world around me (I miss so much of it!), and is my favorite creative outlet. I can express my love of people, nature, the abstract, etc).

Who is your favorite photographer? Which of his/her work do you like the most and why?T: My favorite photographer is Ansel Adams. He's been gone a long time now, but his art lives on, and he inspired me even when I was a little girl walking around with a camera hung around my neck. I was drawn to his grand nature photos, and the fact that they were black and white, which I of course could see better than color. I have many Ansel Adams favorites, but high on the list is Winter Sunrise, because it has the elements I like--high contrast, meaning very white whites against very black blacks. And it's nature.

What are your other hobbies?T: My other hobbies would include cooking and baking, writing poetry and short stories, and making videos with a point and shoot camcorder with my grandkids now and then.

Who is your inspiration?T: I'm inspired by several people: My family, my early art teachers, Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz (another classic photographer), Ted Forbes (who teaches about the art of photography on YouTube), and God.

What is your favorite place to visit and why?T: Although I rarely get to visit there due to transportation, it would be the farm where I grew up. I'd like to go back there and take some pictures one of these days. It would be a special occasion.

What advice would you give to our community for those interested in photography?T: If you are a special needs child interested in becoming a photographer, then by all means try to find a way to do it. This may mean getting a special camera, or accepting a little help. There are lots of ways to learn about photography. Point and shoot cameras make it easier. You don't have to have an expensive or complicated camera. What makes a good photographer? Three things: A simple camera, an interesting subject, and you.

Any special message for our community?T: Try to make the most of the obstacles in your path. Sometimes limitation can be your biggest friend. How? It can actually challenge you to find new ways to do the things you love. Instead of worrying about the things you can't do, spend time doing the things you can do.