How did you originally meet Jon and his family?
Sara Marie Ramsøe:I first met Jon when we had our first workshop at my school. The assignment was to follow a person for one week who has some kind of social difference in our society. Jon is a boy in my neighborhood and I have seen his family outside their house several times. After a lot of courage I finally asked if I could follow him for my documentary. The family was positive about it, and since then I have continued to follow Jon for every documentary workshop during this past school year.
TMN:How does Jon respond to having his picture taken?
SMR:Jon is an 11-year old multi-handicapped boy. He is blind and has hearing disabilities. That is just a tiny part of his disability. He doesn’t have the ability to learn or to speak. Also he can’t use his muscles. And the list goes on. Therefore it has been a challenge to create that closeness and get his personality through the lens. My goal has been to understand him as a person and his feelings. It took a while before I could begin to read his very special body languages.
TMN:What’s your favorite camera at the moment?
SMR:The camera I use is a Canon EOS 7D. I would also like to experiment with some analog when I get the time.
TMN:When was the last time you were confused by a piece of art?
SMR:Art for me is usually not confusing, but some modern art can be really challenging sometimes.
TMN:What are you working on next?
SMR:Next I will be working on a music video and some other personal projects. When the fall comes I will make a documentary film about Jon. That will be my second and last year at BNSOP, so I hope that year will form me more as a photographer.
