A Vancouver Island baseball team has made history in hiring what is believed to be the very first legally-blind sports photographer.
The Nanaimo NightOwls, the newest expansion of the West Coast League, have brought on Vancouver Island resident Angela Waldick to assist the team in capturing their photos.
According to the team, the mother of two lost sight in her right eye five years ago, but despite this, still runs a small business called Nightengales Photography.
After a household accident damaged her eye, Angela continued to pursue her passion for photography, which includes action sports, as well as portrait and modeling photos. She will work closely with Victoria HarbourCats team photographer Christian Stewart.
Waldick caught the baseball team’s attention when she took photos of the club’s surprise fireworks on New Year’s Day, after her children heard of the event in celebration of their recent food drive.
“This is an inspiring story, of someone who overcomes all obstacles,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner/GM of the NightOwls, due to start WCL action this June.
“Angela knows the community, she has an impressive and varied portfolio, and she more than deserves this opportunity. Angela will be an important part of the fabric of this team, and will keep every penny of photography sales — she’s earned that.”
“This is a major step for me and my business, and I’m excited to join the NightOwls — and my kids are even more excited,” said Waldick.
“This is a major addition to Nanaimo summers, and I get to take the pictures at such an historic stadium, and in the community. Those who know me know it doesn’t get any better than this.”
