What volunteer role do you have at OOG in OOG?
You can probably guess: I’m a volunteer photographer. After I was photographed myself for Marina Marinkovic’s exhibition as part of her project, I thought, “How nice it would be to be able to do that, too.” And then I saw the call for volunteer photographers. Since then, I’ve had the chance to take quite a few photos. In Rotterdam, too, I shot an entire series during the annual photo day for various articles.
How has retinoblastoma affected your life?
I was 13 months old when I was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. It was a traumatic experience for my parents. After that, they were always worried that I would damage my good eye. I didn’t realize I had something “special” until other kids reacted to it and thought it was strange. I started to feel ashamed and thought I’d never have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Fortunately, that’s all changed and turned out well. I have a lot of respect for the children and young people who tell their stories so beautifully and powerfully for OOG in OOG and who sometimes share their experiences in class or on social media.
What made you decide to join the OOG in OOG Association?
I’ve been a member of OOG in OOG for almost twenty years now. I was an inactive member—I read the magazine but didn’t have time to participate in activities. I thought it was important to remain a member and support the organization in that way, even if only a little.
So now I take photos for the magazine. That’s especially nice because I have an ocular prosthesis myself and understand very well what it’s like to have one. Of course, everyone gets their own copies of the photos after a photo shoot.
What do you like about being a volunteer?
It’s really nice and fun for me to be able to make a difference this way. Taking beautiful photos helps me forget that I have a terminal illness. It brings me joy and energy to know that I can still make a difference. And that allows me to have such wonderful conversations and encounters.
Where can we see your work?
In addition to taking photos for OOG in OOG, I take photos much more often than that. You can view the photos at peter-paulfotografie.nl
Be sure to read Peter-Paul’s story, in which he explains what it’s like to take photos with just one eye.
