Young polio woman in China given gift of confidence by famous photographer who heals needy with artistic portraits
- Polio woman’s condition makes her scared to venture outside
- Photographic skills turn disabled adversity into ability to face the world
A young woman in China with polio regained her confidence with the help of a photographer who specialises in helping people in need.
Tian, 22, was diagnosed when she was just nine months old and the condition caused muscle atrophy in her left leg and made her walk with a limp.
As a child, she was mocked by classmates for her gait, leading her to miss out on attending university.
Tian has never been in a romantic relationship because she “dared not to” and she is afraid of being called a “cripple”.
She never takes full-body photos and is unwilling to smile: “I don’t look good when I smile,” she said.
Living in a rural area, Tian live-streams makeup tutorials on Douyin to earn money for her treatment and relieve the financial pressure on her parents.
