Tom Olin

Tom is one of my favorite people on the planet. 

Tom is a photojournalist who has long been involved in the disability rights movement, ADAPT and social justice. 

In the years talking with Tom, we have not dwelled on the topic of photography. Tom is in the Nikon camp and always has the latest camera. I have always seen my job as an activist first and a journalist second. Tom was there from the beginning as the ADAPT photographer.  

At the ADAPT actions I have since 1998, used a mirrorless camera, sometimes tucked into a fanny-pack. I remember envying the time he began using a chest quick release for his camera. It seemed to me the closest thing to wearing a camera I could imagine. 

I recall on the trip Tom and I took in the ADA Legacy Tour bus from Dallas to St. Paul. We talked about Harvey Finkel and his classic style of photography. That was very fun for me because I have the opportunity to talk with two photographers I admire. I think that Tom and Harvey are exceptional photographers, but what you learn when you get to know them is that they are both uncommonly caring and outstanding people. I believe they are exceptional photographers because they are exceptional people. 

To be honest, the autobiography of Tom Olin would be the best book of the decade. He was an election judge in the wilds of the Ozarks and he is at home with fine dining in New York and LA. He has friends all over the country and everyone should know his work. Every time I get a new story out of him, it is an amazing new tale that seems to come from a different person. But Tom is able to balance it all in one amazing personality. 

Tom Olin: https://www.flickr.com/gp/timmwheat/heo3JJ 

Best of ADAPT: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLM8uPW 

2020 Winter ADAPT Strategy Meeting: https://www.flickr.com/gp/timmwheat/mB8252 

Photographers: https://www.flickr.com/gp/timmwheat/o5MJX1 

ADA25: https://www.flickr.com/gp/timmwheat/G5vf0H 

VIDEO about Tom Olin: https://youtu.be/icFDUWZN2dU 

Tom Olin and the ADA Bus at MCIL