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Paul Walters | all galleries >> Galleries >> Pictures of Me > 04-01-2004
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01-APR-2004

04-01-2004

Not my usual picture, huh? A man with a fairly decent body, but goofy looking face? Yeah, well... this is the me that just didn't have a chance of happening since I broke my back in 1979. However, if I hadn't raced that fateful race back in 1979, chances are I would look pretty much like this. This is my head on the body of a friend of mine here at work. He is built pretty much like I would be if I were walking. So, THIS is my "April Fools!" posting. :) Only family will probably even notice it! By the way, it's been about 25 years since I last walked, but when I lay down at night and go to sleep, I still stand up and walk in my dreams. I haven't convinced my subconscious mind yet that I'm in a wheelchair. So, this is the ME that my MIND STILL sees.

FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro
1/750s f/13.0 at 43.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small original auto
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Antonio 24-Jul-2005 12:32
Paul,
I was going to send you an email to congraluate about your pictures.
Then I saw this picture and I realize that you are even a more amazing person, that I thought you were.You will be on a wheelchair, but I realize that I am the real handicapped.
Next time I will be tempted to think: "if I had a better camera, or more money, or lights I could take better pictures", I'll just look back at this picture, at all your pictures... and I will shut up.
ashley 10-May-2005 07:11
hello my paul its ashley this is a really great pic of you and even though you are not like this you still look handsome just the way you are
love you lots
Guest 21-Apr-2004 18:40
I had no idea that you are in a wheelchair. This is an incredible image...incredible commentary and your mom's words made me cry. I've looked at your work and am stunned at your talent...now I'm even more amazed and humbled. Wow.
Aunt Di 19-Apr-2004 15:52
I love this one, I realy did a double take. All of your pics are great, please make a coffee table book, I would love one, and I would even pay for it. Love Ya, Aunt Diane
Guest 15-Apr-2004 20:19
I'm in awe!
I'll never complain and find excuses for my lack of progress in photography.
Nor complain about the lack of equipment, money, time, opportunities, etc.
I'm truly humbled.

Regards,

Rob
Gary Blanchette08-Apr-2004 17:50
Dear God in Heaven Paul! It seems we dream the same dreams. I have only been in a wheelchair since February of 1999, so you know where my thoughts are right about now. As I looked at many of your images, (the angles, sitting shotgun, empty wheelchairs etc.) I began to wonder if you were in one, then I came across this image. It seems we share the same playgrounds as well, (I live in Irvine). My friend, your images and stories have been a great inspiration to me this morning, and a great reason for me to stop being so concerned about what's under me, and more fascinated with what is in front of me. God bless you Paul!

Gary
Lou Giroud03-Apr-2004 08:51
i can imagine what you feel, my best friend broke his back on a bike race accident, i was his mechanic once. Nobody can share your mind and feelings unless he is in the same situation, but we all think the same; there are some people in whorse situations and the valid part of you is just wonderfull, Paul.
Guest 03-Apr-2004 05:54
well you are a cutie pie!
robin statfeld02-Apr-2004 19:37
Paul, I thought this was just another good self portrait, until I read your caption. Not only are your photographic skills inspirational. But your "self portrait according to your mind" - choosing to see yourself in the most positive light - is a huge inspiration as well. Thank you!
Guest 02-Apr-2004 18:41
My first thought was "But.................".
Then I read it. Great idea for April 1st.
mom 02-Apr-2004 15:08
PAUL THIS ALMOST MADE ME CRY..AT FIRST I WONDERED HOW THEY STOOD YOU UP TO TAKE THIS PICTURE DIDNT EVEN REALIZE IT WASNT ALL YOU UNTIL I READ IT..I SURELY WISH YOU COULD DO THIS ON YOUR OWN BUT LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. MOM
Pall Gudjonsson02-Apr-2004 09:50
You sure got me fooled here :-)
Guest 02-Apr-2004 05:34
This is actually how I pictured you! Great job! Flawless! You ROCK!
Vinay02-Apr-2004 03:54
Amazing
Elizabeth Glass02-Apr-2004 03:46
Fabulous photoshop work! You and your talent are such an inspiration.
Guest 02-Apr-2004 02:50
Wow. Paul!! Speechless in San Francisco! You RULE!!!
Paul Walters02-Apr-2004 02:19
Thanks everyone for your kind words! And thank you Robin! You are the only person that has ever followed my links to my other stuff before and said anything good or bad about it. I think that's because their moms told them "If you don't got nothin' nice to say, don't say nothin' at all!" :)
Robin Reid02-Apr-2004 02:05
Outstanding photo work Paul, and I would have never guessed it. And, I didn't know about your story. I truly admire your ability to get such outstanding shots of your models, your other stuff is excellent, I like your music and I like your poetry. What a blessing to be so creative.
Guest 02-Apr-2004 00:36
Amazing PS work.... I tried all morning to put my head on a supermodels body for my April Fool's image and couldn't get it too look even half way passable. Excellent! You are very talented.
Guest 01-Apr-2004 23:59
I am speechless Paul!
Cagie 01-Apr-2004 23:56
Paul!!! You really freaked me out!! When I saw the "little pic" and quickly enlarged it... I was like What did you do?? Lean up on a wall or something?? and then I understood what you did... Wow! and you did it good!!!!! :) :) You are right! That is what you would look like! :) Very handsome at that! :) :) So, what part is actually you???? :) Tee hee.. I mean, I know the face is yours, but is the goatee yours?? The neck??? Where do you start and end??! :)Really neat pic! I wish you were REALLY able to stand upright like that..!! I hope, even though you can't, that you are happy...!! I love you, your sis, Cagie :)
Guest 01-Apr-2004 23:54
Man, that's some expert PS work ... flawless.
Ray :)01-Apr-2004 23:36
You did well here Paul, very well!
Jill01-Apr-2004 23:29
I didnt realize at all not knowing what I believe I now know.

Looking closer I do not see any obvious alteration.
Gregg Morris01-Apr-2004 23:27
I noticed! I said, "Hunh?!"
Guest 01-Apr-2004 23:27
Wow... I'm speechless!
Guest 01-Apr-2004 23:25
You know Uncle Paul...this is amazing! I SERIOUSLY didn't think anything strange about this for a few seconds...I was just thinking...well...there he is...just standing there...and then it hit me...HE'S STANDING THERE! Very nice self portrait. I wish we could really see this in person! :-) DUDE...NICE! Amazing job here...WOW!