Blog
Healing in nature - a photographers journey
Published in Summer 2024 edition of FORWARD magazine
When Daz Eaton, 58, from Manchester, sustained a T6 complete injury after a motorcycle accident, he struggled with his mental health. Here he shares how photography and being in nature has helped him find peace.
“I’ve been a motorcycle enthusiast since an early age. Bikes and racing became my job (I was a motorcycle mechanic for many years), and my passion (competing in all classes, setting some class records and winning a few championships) but then on the last meeting of 2017, while racing at the Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan, I ran off the track into a wall of tyres.
I initially thought I was just winded. I was checked over and immediately air lifted to Walton Hospital where I woke up six weeks later to be told I would never walk again.
The impact of the crash meant I had broken my back at T6, received double fractures to all bar one of my ribs, my spinal cord was heavily damaged, and a broken scapula had punctured my left lung. I had spinal surgery straight away to consolidate my upper body but when I was put into an induced coma, the insertion of the ventilator punctured my other lung. My lungs were making fluid faster than the doctors could remove it so that was the most worrying part of my injuries.
I spent the next five and half months in recovery at Southport Spinal Unit until my discharge in March 2018.
While in hospital I made a mental decision to not look back on things, just look forward, take every day as it comes.
My mental strength at that time actually came from the thought of many of my friends in the bike racing game who are not with us anymore, they didn’t get another chance. And so, I was super proactive in learning this new way of life. I worked hard at the things I needed to master to give me the best chance of some sort of independence, as well as ticking all the boxes needed to get me discharged and back home. I must say though, being in hospital and having support there if I messed up, gave me a great sense of security.
Once discharged and back at home, my mental health shattered. Sitting most days on my own having to try and support myself though incontinence issues, bladder spasms/leaks, pressure ulcers and 14 weeks bed-bound, put me in a very dark place. I was depressed, anxious and desperate for support and companionship.
Then the pandemic kicked in and my good friend Mark, who lived above me, was furloughed. Mark not working meant he could accompany me for an hour a day on walkways near our home. His support helped massively with my anxiety issues.
On these daily outings, I learned how to propel myself in the wheelchair over all types of ground. It was demanding to say the least, but it helped me to feel good, burn off some calories and also take notice of the nature and wildlife around us.
I had always loved birds, from a young age – I joined the Young Ornithology Club aged around nine years old. Getting out for these gentle pushes meant I was able to take in everything that surrounded us, bird songs, birds busy gathering nesting materials, bugs, butterflies. Things that when we are able bodied, we often seem to miss. Being in a chair, however hard the challenge, was actually very rewarding in some ways and rekindled my love for the great outdoors, nature and wildlife.
I had always fancied a good camera and these walks became my motivation to get one. After getting advice from a few of my photographer friends, one of them kindly donated an older camera they weren’t using anymore. So, for the last few years I have been learning photography, wildlife photography in particular, which has turned out to be one of the best, if not the best, hobby I have ever had. I absolutely love it. Capturing and sharing images of these beautiful creatures has brought me, and others who view them, great happiness.
Between all these factors; nature, wildlife, birds, photography, volunteering and the reserves I visit, there has been a huge lift in my mental wellbeing.
Getting out in the fresh air, to some of the wonderful nature reserves we have here in the UK, massively helps my mental wellbeing. I became a member of my local reserve, WWT Martin Mere, and have since gone on to be a volunteer guide, one day a week. It gives me great pleasure speaking to like-minded photographers, birders and naturalists.
I share my images with groups of people and friends I have on social media and get some lovely feedback. It makes me happy when someone says an image I have shared has brightened up their day.
And this is one of the things I’d like to share with others living with SCI, especially recently injured patients who may be in a very dark place. I’m not saying photography is for everyone, but I am sure that fresh air, exercise and spending time taking in nature when you are able to, will offer huge benefits to your mental wellbeing.
The benefits, both physically and mentally, have been enormous for me. Because of my photography, even when I’m not able to get out and about, I can look back on images I have captured, which gives me great pleasure too.
My advice to anyone thinking of getting into nature photography would be to go along to a few reserves and talk to people. People will be very open, friendly and sharing with their knowledge and experience. They certainly were with me.
Yes, having a spinal cord injury massively challenges you when trying to photograph wildlife, fast acting animals, birds in flight etc. I have some aids to help assist me. A clip on Batec electronic wheelchair adaption gives me a throttle, forward and reverse. A kit bag that sits on my lap gives me something to lean on while handholding my camera/lens. I also have a few gadgets that hold or support my camera/lens for when I’m static in a hide. These all go a long way to make the challenges a little easier.
Photography can be a bit of a minefield in terms of what to buy, but there are a few reputable companies up and down the country who sell second hand/used gear that is checked and supplied with a warranty and these places are very approachable and great for advice. Start by taking a look at reputable camera dealerships like WEX photo video, MPB cameras, Wilkinson Cameras.”
David Eaton – Wildlife Photographer and Nature Reserve Volunteer
Further information
The Disabled Photographers Society
This story appeared in the Summer issue of our magazine FORWARD. The only magazine dedicated to the spinal cord injury community. With fascinating and thought-provoking lifestyle features and the latest news and research, the high-quality publication covers topics such as health, daily living, employment, relationships and family, sport and travel.
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