Getting family portraits 101
Being a parent of a child with special needs you wear many hats. You are an advocator, educator, researcher, nurse, and then mom or dad! Sometimes getting family portraits sounds like too much to even think about. All the what-ifs. What if it’s overstimulating, what if our kid has a meltdown, what if we don’t get those Facebook worth portraits….What if the photographer doesn’t understand our family dynamic and the needs of our kid?
Breathe because I am here to tell you I can answer that last question. I am a special education teacher as well as a photographer. I have been teaching students with multiple and various disabilities for over 8 years! Connecting with kids and students with disabilities is my true passion in life. I have worked with kids with learning disabilities to nonverbal autism. Being able to blend my two passions is the highlight of my work. This is a crash course on ideas of how to prepare for your family portraits with special needs kiddo.
So you want to book a family session but you’re not sure how your child with special needs will react…
1. Choose a location that you feel like wouldn’t be overstimulating
You know your child the best! Although beach photos are beautiful, that can be a very overstimulating environment. Think about areas that you feel would be comfortable for your child and family to be in. Places like Riverside Park in Vero Beach can be quiet and have minimal people. There are plenty of locations with paths and woods that would be quiet and not as stimulating for some.
This would be something that we talk about during a pre-consultation. Whether you have a location in mind or a concept we will brainstorm the best place for you. Don’t think a park or public area would be best for them? Well, let’s do a lifestyle session at your home! We can take pictures in the backyard or the family gathered on the couch.
2. Bring your child there before your session.
Some kids with disabilities do not like changes in routine or different places. I know that life is crazy but if you can practice putting on “nice” clothes and going to the location we will be shooting out before the day of your session. This helps develop a routine and gets everyone familiar with the area.
3. Put an image on a calendar and talk about it each day to prepare!
This is going to be a big day for everyone involved! Place a camera image on your calendar and talk about how it is fitting into your schedule. This will give everyone time to mentally prepare and process the event that is going to happen!
4. Practice taking photos with your camera if you feel like it would help
Take out your cellphone and snap a few pictures. This may desensitize them from the anxiety of getting their photo taken! Don’t push it and make it FUN!
5. Bring a highly preferred item to the shoot.
Whether its a blanket, stuffie, or snacks bring some favorite items to the shoot. This helps soothe as well as get their attention towards the camera. This would be a great positive reinforcement for sitting and taking pictures as well!
6. Not that I have to tell you but expect things to not go as planned
Flexibility is necessary on both ends of the camera. Your family may not look like the family that is sitting so pretty on Pintrest and that is OKAY! You are going to have genuine smiles and beautiful moments together. I understand that meltdowns happen, kids need a moment, we have to pause for a few minutes, or end early.
My dedication to you is to give your family the time you need whether it is 30 minutes for 2 hours. Creating a unique and beautiful family portrait you deserve is my mission!
Let’s talk about your family portraits
Don’t take it from me, here is what my most recent client had to say!
“My son is 13 non-verbal, severe autism. And he was NOT having it that day, but you captured some amazing shots!” -Nicole