Every one of us, at one point or another, has dreamed of rocking out on stage with millions of fans cheering us on.
So a trio of photographers, Nicole Starr, Wendy Zook and Sherri Harnisch, collaborated on a special rockin’ photo project for the National Down Syndrome Society in the US (DNSS) to show that people with Down syndrome are no different.
The women were approached by the DNSS to create a NYC rock-and-roll themed shoot to be used for the organisation’s annual fundraising gala. And they couldn’t get on board quickly enough.
“The rest of that phone call is a blur because I felt such extreme emotions overtake me,” blogged Wendy, who is mum to a son with Down syndrome. “When Nicole and I hung up (after agreeing that YES YES YES we were in!), we of course called each other and simply alternated between shocked silence and excited squealing.”
And the experience was everything she imagined it would be: “You know how they say, ‘It’s the little things in life’? It is. Truly. I felt so many powerful moments. A teenage boy was painfully shy and his parents warned me he may not come out of his shell. But just a couple of minutes later, I saw the most beautiful smile. His mother wrote me that the photo shoot has changed his confidence and self-esteem. My Billy Joel sang “Uptown Girl” while acting smooth on the front steps of a nearby business. My Elvis Costello suggested wonderful poses and locations along the street and nodded, “That looks so good!” when I showed him the back of the camera. I received hugs and got so many hand squeezes. I took selfies with my new friends and just couldn't stop smiling.”
Sherri, who is mum to ‘little diva’ Macy, who also has Down syndrome, was blown away too: “It was a genuine joy and true pleasure capturing the ‘rock star/music icon’ beauty of these awesome models,” she said. “Every individual I had the pleasure of meeting had a great deal of confidence and swagger. Many walked around like they OWNED the place. I loved that they felt so at home! Most studied up on their respective musician and came in with their “game” faces on. Some had tunes queued up on their iPhones ready to sing and bust a move during their shoot. This made our job quite simple, not to mention fun.”
Baby Spice
Adele
Frank Sinatra
Elvis
P!NK
Gwen Stefani
Tina Turner
Marky Mark
Taylor Swift
KISS
Usher
Michael Jackson
Throughout the shoot, the photographers found themselves in the midst of poignant, emotional moments, like when Wendy broke down watching Buddy Holly dance happily with his loving family.
“Nicole was photographing our little Buddy Holly and he needed a little encouragement from his big sisters and mom who were watching from the back of the room,” wrote Wendy on her blog. “They were great – a little dancing and some laughter and he was ready for his time in the spotlight. But the moment that truly defined his time as a rock star? Not the solo photo that Nicole nailed in the camera of him with a guitar and a little black suit. It was the instant before when he stood in the centre of four of his family members, all of them grooving and giggling. THAT, is what NDSS celebrates and strives for and that is why I think we all wanted to be a part of this. That reminder of hope and beauty. Of a life that is absolutely remarkable. A life lived like a dance party. But, I couldn't put that in words, and I quietly retreated and broke down in tears in the hallway.”
“I also took great joy in observing the pride on each of their parents, and family members’ faces, Sherri wrote on her blog. “Each session was full of energy...walking the “catwalk” like a super model... group dance parties... solo singing performances... even FANS to get that true superstar effect... everyone had a fantastic time. I'm not gonna lie, I was physically and emotionally drained at the end of each shooting day. Although tired, I was sad to see each day end.”
What an amazing, inspiring photo project of these gorgeous human beings, Their spirit, attitude and personality shines through in these images, BIG time. An important message that all people are fundamentally the same.
