Our Photographers
Learn about our AbleVoices (in-person) Photography Club photographers-
from best Club memories and favorite subjects to photograph, to what they enjoy doing when not behind the lens!
Alex Balkon
Alex is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer
Alex Balkon got involved with AbleVoices as a Transition 2 student at Ravenwood High School during the Photography for Self-Expression course. Among Alex’s favorite AbleVoices memories with the Photography Club are visiting the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and photographing the hummingbirds and exploring Ruskin Cave in Dickson, TN.
Alex works at a local pet store and volunteers at an animal shelter. And you guessed it… he especially loves photographing dogs! This enthusiasm for animals also extends to creating photos and videos of his toy animals, especially wolves and dogs, which Alex shares on his personal YouTube channel.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, TN Flags is one of AbleVoices “hot sellers!”
Alex made this photo at the City of Brentwood Granny White Park Inclusive Playground Grand Opening.
Alyssa Ray
Alyssa is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Alyssa Ray joined the AbleVoices Photography Club after participating in the Photography for Self-Expression course during the Franklin High School Transition 2 program. Her favorite experiences include meeting Tennessee’s First Lady, Maria Lee, during a special invitation for AbleVoices photographers to have lunch and photograph the beautiful gardens at the Tennessee Residence. She also enjoyed photographing the Nashville Parthenon, most notably the 40 foot, gilded statue of Athena!
Alyssa especially enjoys photographing animals, flowers, and signs. Her photos have been featured on the cover of Breaking Ground magazine, at BNA, and internationally in Egypt, as well as at The Parthenon and The Frist Museum.
Beyond photography, Alyssa enjoys ice skating, musical theater, and movies.
Heart of Gold is Alyssa’s signature photo, made at Radnor Lake. This image won a 3rd place ribbon at the Williamson County Fair!
Alyssa’s photo of the Nashville Parthenon columns won a 1st place ribbon at the fair in Architecture!
Ashlyn Baer
Ashlyn first participated in a virtual section of the Photography for Self-Expression class and is a newer member of our in-person Photography Club. Ashlyn learned about AbleVoices as a student in the IDEAL post-secondary program at Lipscomb University from other IDEAL students, Bryant and Brock, who were already involved with AbleVoices.
A favorite memory is enjoying PHriends and PHun at the AbleVoices Holiday Party. She enjoyed the food, laughter and decorating the AbleVoices float for the Franklin Holiday Parade!
Ashlyn is an AbleVoices Photography Club photographer.
Ashlyn’s still life from Peacock Hill Nature Center won an honorable mention at the Williamson Co Fair!
Ashlyn enjoyed our annual underwater photography session during Summer Photography Club.
Bailey Stephens
Bailey is a Peer Photographer with AbleVoices Photography Club.
Bailey first learned about AbleVoices through her brother Rhett. After attending several outings as a volunteer, she decided to join and explore photography herself.
Bailey’s favorite outing was an introduction to toy photography hosted by Killcutter, which opened up a new creative avenue. Bailey also enjoys capturing landscapes in addition to creating unique images through toy photography.
Bailey joined AbleVoices not only to develop her photography skills but also to strengthen her connection with her brother, making her journey even more meaningful.
Bailey’s image made at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville
Bailey enjoys combining characters that normally do not appear together on screen!
Brock Bordeau
Brock is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Brock Bordeau joined AbleVoices shortly after learning about our virtual Photography for Self-Expression course at a disability resource fair. He uses photography to share his love for the outdoors.
One of Brock’s favorite memories is earning ribbons for his nature photography at the Williamson County Fair. His photos highlight the beauty of nature, from landscapes to small details.
When he’s not taking photos, Brock enjoys fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and kayaking, which inspire his photography.
Another example of Brock’s love of nature photography!
Magnolia at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville
Bryant Welch
Bryants is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Bryant joined AbleVoices through the Transitions 2 class at Franklin High School and helped inspire the creation of the Photography Club.
He loves photographing antique cars, trucks, nature, historical monuments, and trains.
Bryant always carries his camera to capture stories from his travels and favorite people, places and things. Using his excellent photography sales skills at local markets and festivals and participating in activities like PHun Friday! brings him great joy.
Tennessee Stars is an AbleVoices “hot seller” at local markets.
Bryant loves old trucks and cars and photographed this driver out for a Sunday drive on the Natchez Trace.
Charlie Burrows
Charlie is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Charlie joined AbleVoices in 2022 after moving to Tennessee. He was introduced to the organization by Bryant and his family and they have been friends ever since!
One of Charlie's favorite experiences with AbleVoices is exploring underwater photography at the rec center. He also enjoys photographing vehicles, particularly classic cars. Through AbleVoices, Charlie has learned valuable photography techniques, such as the importance of moving his body closer to a subject rather than relying solely on zoom. And it makes his photos very interesting as well!
During a Photography Club outing to
Downtown Columbia, TN, Charlie
photographed a barber in shop on the square.
Charlie spotted these two crows on an outing with Birdability and made a beautiful silhouette!
Cian Bonnett
Cian is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Cian signed up for the virtual Photography for Self-Expression course after meeting AbleVoices photographers at a local market and joined the Photography Club soon after.
Cian’s favorite experiences with AbleVoices are outings where animals are involved, especially outings to the Nashville Zoo. Cian is a snake expert and has been known to prank our director, Jen Vogus, by leaving a fake snake on the AbleVoices bus. So you can see, he has a great sense of humor too!
Cian is also a huge Titan’s fan.
Downtown Columbia, TN old truck
Cian captured “Bee on Zinnia” at South 40 Farm during a Photo Club outing.
Eric Wilson
Eric is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Eric has been part of the AbleVoices Photography Club since its inception in 2019.
Eric loves seeing the world through his camera lens. He positions his body to create unique angles and perspectives in his images for example, lying on the ground or climbing structures. A favorite shot was taken under a horse, capturing its face from below—a memorable gift for a friend. For Eric, photography tells a story, and he takes pride in sharing his view of the world.
Eric is also a US Special Olympics multi-awarded medalist in several sports including powerlifting and golf.
Eric made this picture by placing his camera in a whole of a stone wall at Centennial Park in Nashville
Eric’s photo, Midway Swings, won first place at the Williamson County Fair.
Hannah Schrupp
Hannah is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Hannah first discovered her love of photography in the AbleVoices Photography for Self-Expression class at Page High School. One of her favorite moments with AbleVoices was a photography club outing to the Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama- the first time the club went out-of-state!
She especially enjoys photographing flowers, focusing on their vibrant colors and delicate details. Hannah was excited to showcase her work at the Frist Art Museum during the collaborative exhibit “The Power of Resilience” with other AbleVoices photographers.
When she’s not behind the camera, Hannah loves spending time on Tim's Ford Lake, enjoying water sports and the natural beauty around her.
Hannah discovered this sign on a Club outing exploring the quaint back streets of her hometown.
This creative selfie was made at one of Hannah’s favorite spots on Tim’s Ford Lake.
Kaylynne Davenport
Kaylynne is an AbleVoices Photography Club photographer.
Kaylynne learned about AbleVoices from a classmate and started up with the Virtual Photography for Self-Expression course.
Kaylynne’s avorite memory is visiting the Williamson County Archives and Museum, where she enjoyed seeing historical replicas as a history enthusiast and also an AbleVoices photography exhibit!
Kaylynne enjoys photographing her pets and biking outdoors when it’s warm.
Outing to Nolensville, TN Fire Station 1.
Outing to Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
Micah Elliott
Micah is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Micah started out with AbleVoices taking a virtual section of Photography for Self-Expression. His mom learned about AbleVoices through Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, a comprehensive disability resource website!
Micah is an avid bird photographer and especially enjoys photographing at local parks parks and the Nashville zoo where he is a member, of course!,
Micah also enjoys playing a variety of board games and even participated in local competitions.
A Dark-Eyed Junco that Micah photographed in his backyard.
Landscape at Shelby Bottoms Park in Nashville during a Club outing.
Nicholas Coakley
Nicholas is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Nicholas first participated in the virtual Photography for Self-Expression course in 2022 and joined the Photography Club soon after. Some of Nicholas’s favorite moments with AbleVoices include the summer outings, especially exploring the charm of Leiper’s Fork.
He is passionate about photographing animals, landscapes, and still life. He is an excellent student of photography and even does film photography and has developed his own negatives! With his love of learning all things photography, he is now employed by AbleVoices as our Studio Assistant. He does a range of tasks from iMac IT to printing, matting and framing prints for sale on our website and at Community Partner locations.
One of Nicholas’ favorite subjects- his cows, Betty , Marigold and Franklin (The Trio).
The sights and sounds of Downtown Gatlinburg.
Norman Tiedemann
Norman is a Peer Photographer with AbleVoices Photography Club.
Norman learned about AbleVoices through his brother, Paul, who joined a year earlier. Even when his brother is unable to participate, Norman stays actively involved and enjoys the program.
One of his favorite activities is the Photography Club’s annual August visit to the Williamson County Fair to view photos and receive feedback from judges. He especially enjoys matting and discussing images with fellow photographers before submission during PHun Friday sessions at the AbleVoices’ studio.
Norman’s favorite photography style is macro, which highlights intricate details like water beads on petals or scratches on a dashboard, revealing beauty in the smallest moments.
Paul Tiedemann
Paul is an AbleVoices Photography Club photographer.
Paul joined AbleVoices two years ago through the Photography for Self-Expression online course. He enjoys using photography as a way to be creative.
Paul’s favorite part of AbleVoices is the summer outings, which help him open up and connect with others while practicing photography.
He loves taking landscape photos and listens to music while shooting, which helps him focus and notice small details in nature.
Rhett Stephens
Rhett is an AbleVoices Photography Club photographer.
Rhett joined AbleVoices through the Transition 2 class at Page High School, where he began exploring photography as a way to capture meaningful moments.
He enjoys going on outings with AbleVoices, visiting new places and taking pictures to remember the fun. He also likes photographing other photographers in action, finding joy in capturing their creativity.
Rhett loves taking pictures of people and toys in his collection. He also uses his photos as inspiration for tracing and creating drawings on a light board, combining his photography with art.
Sami Zinni
Sami is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Sami has been part of AbleVoices for several years, thanks to encouragement from Jen Vogus, who was Sami's tutor during a photography class at Nashville State Community College.
Some of Sami's most memorable experiences include visiting Ruskin Cave to photograph hummingbirds, exploring the owl sanctuary, and being featured on Tennessee Wild Side.
Sami is passionate about photographing nature, animals, abstracts, portraits, and landscapes. Favorite subjects include Sami's dogs, Bingo, Gibbs, and Izzy. Sami’s work often incorporates compositing using Photoshop and has earned several ribbons at the Williamson County Fair.
Wilson Brim
Will is an AbleVoices Photography Club and Photo Academy photographer.
Will joined AbleVoices during his sophomore year at the Vanderbilt Next Steps Post-Secondary program after his photography internship on campus ended due to the 2020 pandemic. Encouraged by his parents, he used AbleVoices to keep exploring his love for photography, which inspired him to pursue it as a career.
Will’s favorite memories include outings to Chattanooga, lunch with Tennessee’s First Lady, visiting historic sites, and exploring underwater photography. He enjoys the creative opportunities and fun activities AbleVoices offers.
Will focuses on abstract, cityscapes, night scenes, landscapes, historic sites, and portraits, combining his passion for art with his dream of a photography career.
Jack Burrows
Jack is an AbleVoices Studio Assistant and photographer.
My name is Jack and I am an AbleVoices studio assistant and photographer! I was inspired to join this organization after seeing my brother, Charlie, shine in the program for the past few years. At AbleVoices, I work to improve the office and studio space constantly and work with Jen to find ways to carry out the mission of the nonprofit. Before I started at AbleVoices, I worked many different jobs and make videos on YouTube. I used to create videos about the history of the trombone but now I have switched to division 3 football as "The Third Division". Across YouTube and Instagram, I have gained over 65,000 followers. I enjoy working at AbleVoices because Jen is one of the most positive people to work with. I love building the program and making something better out of it every day. I also enjoy helping others. Outiside of my work time I play trombone on the side with Bone Therapy, a trombone choir based in Brentwood, and the Williamson County Community Band, based in Franklin. I also exercise by distance running to keep myself healthy.