Photographer Born Without Hands and Legs Reveals How He Shoots Gorgeous Images

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If you’re truly passionate about something, then you find a way to pursue it—even when there seem to be insurmountable obstacles in your way. Indonesian professional photographer Achmad Zulkarnain is a shining example of this fact. Born without hands and legs, he has gained international attention for his work, all of which he does on his own.

In a short video by Great Big Story, we get a peek into Zulkarnain’s world. “I don’t let my limitations limit my steps forward,” he begins, “or limit my dreams.” He started his photography journey while taking ID card pictures in his village. “I thought photography was really interesting,” he recalls. After buying a camera on credit, he eventually turned his hobby into a career.

Through his physical challenges, Zulkarnain demonstrates his ingenuity and ability to adapt to a world built for able-bodied people. He has his own custom-built car that allows him to travel to “far places” and capture beautiful backdrops. And using an extra bit of skin on his arms, he can push the camera shutter. His mouth turns the device on and off. Once he’s done shooting, he retouches the images on his computer. The results are striking with a beautiful sense of light and dewy color.

Watch the inspiring story below.

Achmad Zulkarnain is a photographer with disability, but he doesn't let that stop him from pursuing his passion.

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Born without hands and legs, he has adapted to overcome his challenges and snap gorgeous photos.

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“I hope that people not only see my limitations,” he says, “but also my best work and masterpieces.” Here's some of his work:

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Learn more about Zulkarnain in the video below:

Achmad Zulkarnain: Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [Peta Pixel]

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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