SENSORY AND AUTISM FRIENDLY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
I am beyond excited to announce that I am offering autism-friendly and sensory-friendly photography sessions! Many families and children diagnosed with autism may often feel stressed when thinking of scheduling a professional photo session. There can be a lot of fear involved as to whether the child will cooperate, have a meltdown, be dealing with sensory overload, etc... Hearing this fear expressed by several different families tore at my heart and since then I have made it my mission to offer sensory-friendly photo sessions and deliver beautiful images of children and families that have been diagnosed with autism. Every child and family is unique and the session will be created around them to make it relaxed and fun! I believe a documentary approach is the best type of session for a sensory-friendly photoshoot. It is amazing what a creative photo session can look like when a child is truly interested, excited, and feeling comfortable about what they’re doing. There are so many different ways to capture your beautiful family, and I don’t ever want parents to feel like they can't have family pictures taken because of fear of judgment, disappointment, misunderstanding, etc... With a little knowledge, preparation, and patience, having these lasting memories of your loved ones are very possible!
I have been inspired to share this and provide this service with confidence because of my personal experience with my daughter, Sydney, who is 19 and has been diagnosed with autism. She is the one who made me “mom” and is my “why.” I fell in love with documenting her entire life since she was born. I wanted to capture every milestone and did my best to document her growth and achievements over the past nineteen years. I have always gotten beautiful photographs of my daughter that I truly cherish, and I want to do the same for other families.
I have been inspired to share this and provide this service with confidence because of my personal experience with my daughter, Sydney, who is 19 and has been diagnosed with autism. She is the one who made me “mom” and is my “why.” I fell in love with documenting her entire life since she was born. I wanted to capture every milestone and did my best to document her growth and achievements over the past nineteen years. I have always gotten beautiful photographs of my daughter that I truly cherish, and I want to do the same for other families.
What does a sensory and autism-friendly session look like?
-Phone/text consultation. Upon booking, we will have a phone/text consultation to discuss your child’s needs and personality. We will discuss any sensory sensitivities the child may have and adjust the session to minimize them.
-Location. There are many different options for locations and my approach to the session. When planning the photo shoot, I recommend scheduling somewhere that is at a quiet outdoor location or somewhere your child feels most comfortable. Choosing your home, a favorite place, or a quiet park is where your child will feel the most relaxed and happy! A documentary approach is the best type of session for a sensory-friendly photoshoot because it captures all of the pure joy, excitement, and raw emotions versus a posed session where the child would be sitting and “posing” for the camera. It is amazing what a creative photo session can look like when a child is truly interested and excited about what they’re doing. If your son or daughter loves to paint, you can set up an easel and I will capture them doing what they love most. If it’s playing their favorite instrument, I will capture all the little details of them playing creatively. If it’s going to their favorite park or playground at home and capturing them swinging and playing together with family, then that is where I would schedule the session. Documentary sessions at favorite places such as the zoo, park, etc... can capture all of those beautiful, imperfectly perfect, fleeting moments. Sessions like these are what will evoke the most genuine smiles from children! I want to show them, and you, the beauty in your everyday moments.
– Scheduling. We will schedule your session at a time of day that won’t throw routines out of place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible about our time together.
– Time. I will never schedule another photography session directly after a sensory-friendly session. I don’t ever want you to feel rushed for time! If there is a need for a sensory break, you can take one! Patience and positivity are key!
-Meltdowns. If your child has meltdowns, I will ask you what I need to do during that time. If there is a need for a break, you can take one and I can take a step back until you’re ready to resume.
-Approach. My approach is compassionate, patient, and positive. I already touched base on this a little bit in the location section of this. However, my approach for these sessions is documentary and I love to capture “everyday moments.” These can be in your home of the family playing music together, baking together, or your child painting a picture with their siblings, etc... I have been documenting my daughter for years in creative ways of what she loves to do, and it is amazing to look back on all the beautiful moments we captured together.
– Transitions. Using transitions such as first, next, etc... can be helpful. I believe in making a plan and letting the child know what will happen but the key to amazing photographs is to let go of your expectations and go with the flow. With a little patience and understanding, capturing beautiful photographs is possible!
-After. After our session together, I will go home and hand-edit all of your photos. You will receive a link to an online gallery from your session 1-2 weeks later. All high-resolution digital images from the session are yours to keep forever!
If you’re interested in scheduling a sensory and autism-friendly session please go to the contact link above or send an email to acornoakphoto@gmail.com.
I am so excited about offering these sessions and cannot wait to meet you and your beautiful families!
-Phone/text consultation. Upon booking, we will have a phone/text consultation to discuss your child’s needs and personality. We will discuss any sensory sensitivities the child may have and adjust the session to minimize them.
-Location. There are many different options for locations and my approach to the session. When planning the photo shoot, I recommend scheduling somewhere that is at a quiet outdoor location or somewhere your child feels most comfortable. Choosing your home, a favorite place, or a quiet park is where your child will feel the most relaxed and happy! A documentary approach is the best type of session for a sensory-friendly photoshoot because it captures all of the pure joy, excitement, and raw emotions versus a posed session where the child would be sitting and “posing” for the camera. It is amazing what a creative photo session can look like when a child is truly interested and excited about what they’re doing. If your son or daughter loves to paint, you can set up an easel and I will capture them doing what they love most. If it’s playing their favorite instrument, I will capture all the little details of them playing creatively. If it’s going to their favorite park or playground at home and capturing them swinging and playing together with family, then that is where I would schedule the session. Documentary sessions at favorite places such as the zoo, park, etc... can capture all of those beautiful, imperfectly perfect, fleeting moments. Sessions like these are what will evoke the most genuine smiles from children! I want to show them, and you, the beauty in your everyday moments.
– Scheduling. We will schedule your session at a time of day that won’t throw routines out of place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible about our time together.
– Time. I will never schedule another photography session directly after a sensory-friendly session. I don’t ever want you to feel rushed for time! If there is a need for a sensory break, you can take one! Patience and positivity are key!
-Meltdowns. If your child has meltdowns, I will ask you what I need to do during that time. If there is a need for a break, you can take one and I can take a step back until you’re ready to resume.
-Approach. My approach is compassionate, patient, and positive. I already touched base on this a little bit in the location section of this. However, my approach for these sessions is documentary and I love to capture “everyday moments.” These can be in your home of the family playing music together, baking together, or your child painting a picture with their siblings, etc... I have been documenting my daughter for years in creative ways of what she loves to do, and it is amazing to look back on all the beautiful moments we captured together.
– Transitions. Using transitions such as first, next, etc... can be helpful. I believe in making a plan and letting the child know what will happen but the key to amazing photographs is to let go of your expectations and go with the flow. With a little patience and understanding, capturing beautiful photographs is possible!
-After. After our session together, I will go home and hand-edit all of your photos. You will receive a link to an online gallery from your session 1-2 weeks later. All high-resolution digital images from the session are yours to keep forever!
If you’re interested in scheduling a sensory and autism-friendly session please go to the contact link above or send an email to acornoakphoto@gmail.com.
I am so excited about offering these sessions and cannot wait to meet you and your beautiful families!
