Photographer Christopher Capozziello has been photographing his twin brother Nick for as long as he's been a photographer. Despite being twins, there was something between them: Nick was born with cerebral palsy. Chris was not.
The photography of both brothers is featured in the book, The Distance Between Us,and it will be released on October 30.
Chris’ photos show the tough, painful scenes of seizure-like cramps taking hold of Nick. They also show the happier, pain-free times - including scenes from a cross-country road trip the brothers took.
Why did Chris embark on this project?
Sharing this story was not something I ever set out to do, but over the years, one picture has led to another and our story has emerged. The time I have spent with my brother, looking through my camera, has forced me to ask questions; about suffering and faith and why anyone is born with disability. Nick has cerebral palsy. The photographs have become a way for me to deal with the reality of having a twin brother who suffers in ways that I do not. The photographs and text aim at taking you on a journey through my laments and inquiries of my youth to the present, ending the book with a different sort of question: “what’s next for us?” Now, I wonder if my brother’s suffering has taught me how to live.
The Capozziello brothers stopped by WNPR to talk about this book and what they've learned about themselves and each other.