Legally blind photographer Karley Miller lives her dream

• Henry Zwartz

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Flower Eyes. Photo: Karley Miller

In 2015, at the age of 17, Karley Miller had a rare and radical surgical procedure to remove half her brain. Miller had been suffering from daily seizures and the procedure was needed to save her life.

Facing adversity, Miller turned to her passion for photography with a determination to succeed. Her passion was recognised by the Sebastian Foundation (founded by Guy Sebastian) and Miller travelled to the USA where she was mentored by a host of award-winning photographers including Colin Smith and Jerry Ghionis.

Miller, who also suffers from cerebral palsy and legal blindness due to glaucoma, has now turned that passion for photography into a business in spite of the serious ongoing health issues she faces - Miller also suffers from cerebral palsy and legal blindness due to glaucoma.

Miller spoke to Fairfax Media about what keeps her motivated and inspired.

Cherry Blossom. Photo: Karley Miller.

What got you into taking photos? This must have been a difficult process to begin with?

Not long after I returned from Westmead Children's Hospital after my hemispherectomy (removal of half my brain) I was chatting to a friend of mine and we were discussing what my future holds. What could I possibly do? He suggested I take photos. Mum outlined my history and expressed my desire to become a photographer and asked for some assistance with a camera. As you can imagine the financial strain my medical processes had on my family.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would get a reply or be granted a once in a lifetime opportunity to have my dreams turn into reality. I received a trip to the USA from the Guy Sebastian foundation and was flown to Los Angeles and San Diego for 10 days where Canon sponsored my first DSLR camera. I had 10 of the most fantastic days where I was mentored by world-renowned, award-winning photographers.

Karley Miller, who had half her brain removed suffers from serious ongoing health issues, has turned her passion for photography into a business. Photo: Zac Sutton.

You've obviously persisted in following your interest in photography despite serious health issues. What keeps you motivated?

I see things differently. My world is a lot clearer than it ever has been before. I think I have a knack for making ugly things look beautiful. Suffering from seizures for all my life and being heavily medicated really affected my ability to function. But now I'm over 12 months seizure-free and most of all medication-free too.

I do think, though, at the end of the day I inspire myself. After the life I have had – and it is a very long story to tell, I am planning on writing a book – if I hadn't gone ahead with surgery, then I know that a seizure would have taken my life. I have a homonymous hemianopia, which means I have half vision in both eyes, too. I was faced with such a tough decision and medically I was deteriorating quickly. I found courage, strength and determination to ultimately fight for my life and live.

What sort of photographic subjects are you interested in? 

I am interested in all sorts of photography. I just love capturing images. As I said before I see things differently due to my vision deficit, but when I look through my lens the world is so much brighter and clearer.

As I am still finding my niche. I believe taking photos of everything will help develop my craft. I thoroughly enjoy fashion photography and I have worked with some amazing models. I enter competitions locally and have been successful in online competitions too. Most definitely my message is about overcoming adversity. I believe that capturing a moment in time is a special gift.

What message do you want to convey in your work?

Recently I had the privilege of talking to a group of young students from Blayney High School about my journey and was invited back to address the 300 students the following week. I absolutely loved sharing my story, and I received fabulous feedback that I was the talk of the school and definitely inspired many.

My continuing message is when faced with adversity, never give up. Life can be cruel and hard at times but you just need to believe and have a little faith. Find your inner strength, courage and determination to achieve and rise above.  It's not about the overall placing or score but your efforts in giving 100 per cent is what counts.