Our Lives: A Documentary Photo Journey
Meet High Fives Athlete, Nolan
Published photographer and writer for The New York Times, The Nation, and The New Yorker.
Awarded first prize in the Getty Images Creative Bursary in 2019; work featured in permanent collections of The Museum of the City of New York and The Museum of Fine Art Houston.
Holds an M.A. in Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement from NYU and a B.A. in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach.
️ American author with a focus on disability narratives, driven by personal experience since suffering a spinal cord injury in 2016.
Nolan Ryan Trowe is a force to be reckoned with. An accomplished writer and photographer, his work has graced the pages of prestigious publications like The New York Times, The Nation, and The New Yorker. But Nolan’s journey extends far beyond the realms of traditional media. It’s a story of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
In 2016, Nolan’s life took a drastic turn when he suffered a spinal cord injury and became a High Fives Athlete. Rather than succumbing to despair, he found a new purpose in amplifying the voices of those often left unheard—the disabled community. Now, he’s embarking on his most ambitious project yet:
“Our Lives”
“Our Lives” isn’t just a photo book. It’s a cross-country odyssey, spanning 8,000 miles over 7 weeks, to capture the essence of everyday Americans with disabilities. From bustling city streets to remote rural towns, Nolan will document the stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph that define this diverse community.
But “Our Lives” is more than just a collection of images. It’s a call to action. Nolan’s journey will shine a light on the tireless work of groups like ADAPT, whose advocacy has shaped policies like the Americans with Disabilities Act. With each photograph, he’ll preserve a piece of history, ensuring that the voices of past and present are never forgotten.
Join Nolan on his mission to change the narrative surrounding disability. Together, we can ensure that “Our Lives” are not just seen, but celebrated.
