Operating a camera using technology 12/8/24

By: Robert Ouellette

Want to know how I operate a DSLR camera? Read on!

Photography is something I have always had an interest in. But, to make this happen I had to be resourceful and come up with a way I could use a camera, not a phone or iPad. So, I set out to conquer this goal and I must say I did pretty well.

In this blog, you will see all the equipment it takes for me to be a successful photographer.  I have several pieces but I will explain each one. I will also explain the process and the apps I use in case anyone would like to duplicate it. 

I hope to inspire anyone who wants to be a photographer but never thought they could because just picking up a camera and shooting is not an option. You can do anything you just need to find a way that's best for you. 

And remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness!

Male in wheelchair with technology for photography

Selfie time

I am taking a selfie so you can see the equipment I use for my photography. In the distance, you can see my camera and tripod, which faces me. In the next picture, you can see the selfie and the switch I used to hit the shutter button.

male in a wheelchair with switches, iPad, and communication device.

Oh so much equipment to make a dream a reality

My selfie! I used the yellow switch to snap the picture. In the following images, I will explain every piece of equipment in this photo. I hope you like what you see, and if you know someone who can benefit from this setup please share it with them.

The equipment needed for me to be a photographer

man in a wheelchair with a SGD and iPad.

Sony DSLR A7C Camera

I love my camera! I control it by connecting my iPad to my camera's Wi-Fi and the Sony Imaging Edge app. I use a switch to hit the shutter button in the app by using switch control in the accessibility features on the iPad.

wifi address

Camera's WiFi

This is my camera's WiFi network that I need to connect to in order to operate my camera through my iPad.

settings on iPad

Accessibility Feature on the iPad

I go into accessibility features on the iPad to access all the features I need to operate my camera and switches.

switch control button

Switch Control button

In accessibility, I toggle the switch control button to the on position so my iPad now scans. Try it and see what you can do. There are many accessibility features for everyone to use.

switch2scan controller

Switch2Scan controller

The switch2scan helps me control my iPad using the accessibility feature and a switch plugged into one of the ports. The controller is paired via Bluetooth to the iPad. Once switch control is turned on I can operate my camera through the Imaging Edge app.

iPad settings for accessibility

Switch2scan connected to bluetooth

The switch2scan needs to connect to Bluetooth for me to operate my switch. I use the switch for my iPad so I can operate the Sony Imaging Edge app to take pictures and use other features in the app.

black and yellow switches for accessibility

Switches for access

The yellow switch is used to operate my camera connected to the switch2scan. An adjustable arm holds the switch and I use my hand to operate the camera. The black switch is for my speech device which I operate via my head.

Sony Imaging Edge app

Sony Imaging Edge App

The camera connects to the iPad by clicking 'Start' next to ILCE-7C in the Sony app. Once my switches are connected and scan is turned on I can operate the app using my switch and take pictures.

sony app settings

Sony Imaging Edge App

The red square is the scan and the white circle is the shutter button. I hit an external switch when the red square gets to the shutter and it takes the picture from my camera. The iPad is only the viewfinder it is not taking the picture.

iPad

My iPad

I use the iPad as my viewfinder connected to the camera's WiFi. I use the Sony app to control my camera. A switch is connected to the Bluetooth switch2scan controller with switch control turned on to take pictures.

device mount for wheelchair

Mount to hold my SGD and iPad

This mount holds my device and iPad and connects to my wheelchair. Both pieces are placed in front of me for easy viewing. The silver square is where my device connects. The black circular piece is where my iPad connects.

black iPad mount

iPad mount

This mount holds my iPad which attaches to the silver arm that is connected to my wheelchair. It is adjustable and can hold many different sizes.

speech generating device with yellow switch

Speech-Generating device (SGD) with switch access

This is the SGD I use as my voice. I use it to give directions for my camera, make comments, and anything else I need to say. I operate the device via a switch placed on the left side of my head. The SGD is already programmed for scanning.

iPad and device with wheelchair mount and switch

iPad and SGD setup on wheelchair mount

This is my SGD and iPad connected to the mount. In the picture at the beginning of this blog, you can see how the mount connects to my wheelchair. One switch is used per device so in order for me to operate both devices, I need 2 switches.

black camera and tripod

Camera and tripod

The tripod and camera are essential. I love using a real camera and how great the pictures come out. The tripod makes it easier to take steady shots and easier for the person assisting me with my photography. I'm pretty particular about my pictures.

communciation pages for photography

Device pages

I use these pages to communicate during photography when I need to direct someone to move the camera. I use a switch placed at my head and scan through the pages until I get to what I need. The switch connects directly to the device.

male in a wheelchair with a SGD, iPad, 2 switches, and switch2scan connector

My setup for photography

This is my setup. It seems like a lot but when you want to do something but run into barriers you do what you need to do. I love photography and I am thankful that technology makes it possible.

Here are some links for you to check out the products I have featured in this blog. Most of the switches, arms, mounts, and holders can be purchased through insurance if it is justified. You can also pay for it yourself if you would like. 

www.ablenetinc.com for switches, adjustable arms, assistive technology, talkers, etc.

https://rehadapt.com mounts, SDG device mounts, floor mounts, adjustable arms, etc. 

pretorianuk.com for switch2scans, assistive technology, switches, talkers, etc. This is a UK-based company which also operates in the US. You can speak to someone in the States for products.

 There are many different sites you can go on to buy products for assistive tech. I list the ones I use frequently but you are not obligated to use them.  I also do not get paid to advertise these sites. 

The camera you purchase needs the feature to operate with WiFi. You do not have to purchase an expensive or special camera as long as it has this feature. 

The iPad does not have to be new or expensive and does not need cellular to operate the camera, it only needs WiFi. 

The Sony Imaging Edge app is free to use. 

Contact your OT, AT, SPT, school, or program for assistance. You can also send me any questions you may have and I will be happy to assist or point you in the right direction for any product you have questions about. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on my photography setup and any questions or comments you may have.  Happy Snappin' 

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