How Photography Helped Me: Part 1

Stanley on school bus in Kinston, NC

While I have always wanted to be in control for a very long time I wasn't in control.

Asperger's Syndrome

It would not be until my adult years that I understood that I had Asperger's Syndrome. Early on I went for psychological testing because of my behavior in the classroom. They suspected I had Autism, but at that time they didn't want to label me.

You see it was not until 1994 that the American Psychiatric Association recognized Asperger’s syndrome. While I had majored in Social Work in early 1980 it was never talked about. It was when my sister was doing her masters in Social Work that she came across it.

She recognized the symptoms in me.

There were a few things that made her aware I might have it. I didn't talk until I was three years old. I was also socially awkward.

However, on the plus side of the characteristics:

• Persistent
• A perfectionist
• Easily able to identify errors
• Technical ability
• In possession of a sense of social justice and integrity
• Likely to question protocols
• Accurate
• Attentive to detail
• Logical
• Conscientious
• Knowledgeable
• Original in problem solving
• Honest
• Likely to thrive on routine and clear explanations

Once you get to know you

I have heard this phrase a lot through my life. The reason is those with Asperger's Syndrome frequently say things without considering the emotional impact on the listener [faux pas].  Also, I tended to include too much detail when speaking on topics.

Those who have chosen to move past these social flaws soon learn to love me because of the many positive attributes that I do have. However, like everyone, I have some rough edges of a personality that don't help me. It would be Social Work and my Photography training that would help me do a better job with my social skills.

Social Work & Photography

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV]

I find it quite strange that today I work as a professional communicator. You see my greatest weakness is communication.

While I know I was called to do what I am doing I am reminded of the scripture following 1 Cor 1:27.

... so that no one may boast before him. [1 Corinthians 1:29 NIV]

It was my pursuing the call that I would be led down a path that has me working today as a professional photojournalist.

I went to college to major in Social Work, thinking I was going to be a pastor one day. Here I took these types of courses, which basically helped me to intellectually understand people and social situations. Even with all this training I still was not wired to intuitively grasp the social moments. So I can only say I have been blessed with opportunities that I alone did not merit.

Here are some of the course work required for Social Workers:

Stanley making a monkey face during his college years.

Human Behavior Course—This first or second year course explores the interaction of various factors in human behavior, including biological, social, cultural, environmental and psychological. Discussions focus greatly on individual behavior in a larger social framework. Attention is also given to diverse populations, including minorities, children and the poor, as well as the impact of discrimination and oppression.

Social Work Research Methods Course—Social workers must be able to effectively research both new and existing social data. This course provides the techniques to do both, including performing qualitative and quantitative studies. Students learn to critically interpret, organize and use research findings in everyday practice. This is typically a second year course.

Generalist Social Work Practice Course—Students in this course learn the process of intervention in the social work context. They acquire the skills to evaluate, engage and intervene in social problems. This involves a study of the principles and values of generalist practice through multiple social perspectives. These perspectives include multicultural, groups, families and individuals. Social work roles, professional relationships and service delivery models are also examined.

Social Work Policy Course—Social workers must be familiar with the major administrative, legislative and judicial policies that affect their work. They must also understand how to advocate for policy changes to improve social conditions and empower at-risk groups. Students gain this understanding by exploring the history, organization and philosophies of social policies and their effect on diverse populations. This course is generally taken towards the middle or end of a social work program.

Field Practice Instruction Course—In this course, students apply knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations that model real-world problems. Students develop skills in oral and written communication, effective supervision and critical assessment. This course may include placement with a social work agency and an additional seminar. It is generally taken towards the end of a social work program.

Photojournalists with Social Work or Psychology degrees

Later in my career I would discover that many of my favorite photographers would have majored in Social Work or Psychology. Don Rutledge and Joanna Pinneo who I worked with in my early years both were psychology majors. Eugene Richards was a social work major and even worked as one for years before becoming a photojournalist.

There will be more about how photography would help me more than Social Work in Part 2