Steven’s photography of disability was first published by the Guardian when he won a competition sponsored by the aforementioned newspaper and the Volunteer Centre UK, when he was about to graduate from Art College. He was, subsequently, interviewed by Sky Television following that award.

PHOTOGRAPHY

In a specialism that has limited widespread appeal his images have been used by charities involved in the arts, sport, work, the elderly as well as caring and medical organisations. In this regard, he has been published by organisations such as Artsline, the Special Olympics UK, Open University, Age & Ageing, the British Red Cross and the Royal College of Surgeons, amongst others. His photographs have been used for posters, advertising, pamphlets, prospectus’, academic journals, handbooks as well as magazines. He has had many front covers of the latter two forms of publication.
“Bloch appears to have pulled off a delicate balancing act which allows us to view them (disabled people) neither as figures of sympathy or as cold medical studies.” (Association of Photographers.)
“With his inventive use of the camera, he has created greater awareness of issues relating directly to disability. This theme is ever present in his imaginative work.” (Bill Alker, National Head Injuries Association.)
“I’ve always felt your work grows from and expresses a moving quality of empathy with your subjects.. (Matin Golding, Don at Cambridge University.)
“…empathy and awareness of disabled people which now permeates his photographic work…his frames of reference and motivation are different to the imagery we normally see under the banner of disability.”

ARTICLES

He has developed his journalism in order to support his photography and to disseminate his philosophy on disability. He writes articles on disability as well as using his images to illustrate others. He has used his writing to promote awareness of disability where he feels the image alone is not able to explicate the complexities of what it feels like to achieve in spite of being disabled. His illustrated articles have been published on skiing for the disabled, the Special Olympics, Aids, dance classes for the blind in addition to several illustrated pieces trying to promote the art of photographing disabled people.
Steven has written in professional photography magazines (e.g. Freelance Photographer) in order to encourage others to photograph disabled people, in recognising the dearth of people ‘shooting’ this subject. He has, also, written in disability magazines (e.g. Disability Arts in London) on the same topic, because he feels that disabled people are best able to empathise with the challenges that their fellows are feeling- he understands that this emotional relationship is the most important ingredient in taking powerful images of disabled people

EXHIBITIONS & WEBSITE

His many exhibitions have stimulated discussion and have been well-received, whilst his website has been applauded by the many thousands of visitors from all over the world. It recieves, on average, well over 200 hits a week. A few of the comments on his work may be seen below.
“Steven Bloch’s photography represents a revolutionary vision of the lives and loves of disabled people. His work is a passionate and exciting exploration of the everyday achievements of disabled artists and ordinary disabled folk. He challenges stereotypes and common misconceptions still rife in society. Beautifully done!” Julie McNamara, London Disability Arts Forum.)
“One woman whose brother has Down’s Syndrome…was deeply inspired…” (Vicky Lucas, Disability Arts in London Magazine).
“Steven’s innate love of humanity in all its forms shines through in his work.” (Marilyn Graves, Disability Times).
“….the website help me to do this job in a way that far outreaches my capabilities. I will visit your site again for further inspiration…” (Worker in resourcew centre for adults with physical Disability or Sensory Impairment) .
“I am very impressed with your site and your photography and wish that there was more of this type of positive media about disability…” (Jeremy Gadd. Connections, Belfast.)
“I just wanted to let you know that I think your gallery is absolutely wonderful. I have searched high and low for positive real life images of children and people with disabilities with very little success…Well done and keep up the good work.” (Laura Crome, Playscheme leader for disabled children, 4-16.)

TEACHING

Steven has led workshops with elderly, disabled and non-disabled people as well as with children ranging from 7-17.
“…did a great job of communicating your ideas and stimulating some excellent and open-ended discussion with plenty of good questions and not always easy or straightforward answers…a natural teacher able to work with a large group of students and keep them interested…”(Alan Mitchell, Head of Art, St.John’s International School, Brussels.)