Beautiful Imagery for Special Families
Getting a family portrait taken can be a challenge for any family, but add in a child on the autism spectrum or family member with other special needs, and things can quickly become stressful if not a bit chaotic. That’s why it’s so important to have a photographer who not only has experience working with children and families of all different shapes and sizes, but one who also knows how to work with people who have special needs. Unfortunately, sometimes families with members or children who have special needs just give up on professional photography altogether.
But it’s not impossible to find the right photographer for your family. There are plenty of photographers out there who understand your family’s unique dynamic and are willing to work with your child or family member. Here are some tips I’d like to share as both a Photographer and Parent for a child with special needs to help finding the right person to take your family photos!
Start with recommendations
Chances are there are other parents and families in your circle dealing with the same thing. Talk to friends and family members who also have children or family members with special needs and ask if they have any local photographers they would recommend. Searching your directory for photographers in your area can get you started on finding the right photography for your family.
Spend time discussing specifics
Set up an in-person or phone interview with potential photographers to discuss the unique needs of your family and your child’s personality. Your first interaction with your photographer should definitely not be at your session, so if a photographer isn’t willing to meet or speak in person with you before booking a session, they’re probably not the right one for you.
Find someone who will make accommodations
Your photographer should be willing and happy to make reasonable accommodations to make your child or family member more comfortable. Whether that means having your session in a place that’s familiar or meeting your child before the session to establish more of a relationship, the right photographer will be willing to go the extra mile to make sure things go smoothly and that you and your child or family member are happy with both the session and the resulting images.
Ask about their previous experience
The ideal photographer to photograph your child with special needs is someone who has experience in doing just that. Be sure to ask any potential photographer about their previous experience with children with special needs and to view galleries of previous images to get a sense of the quality of their work.
Choose someone you feel comfortable with
The more comfortable you are with your photographer, the better chance you have of helping your child to feel comfortable. If you’re stressed and anxious, your child may sense that and grow nervous about the session. When you’re choosing a photographer, find someone who you can trust to be patient and kind, working with you and your family member to get images you can cherish for years to come.
If you live in the Netherlands or Belgium and would like to learn more about me capturing your family or family member with special needs click the link below!