April is World Autism Acceptance month, with the 2nd of April being World Autism Awareness Day. I will be offering Autism and sensory friendly photography sessions.

Many families and children who have 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 or if there will be sensory processing challenges, etc. After hearing this fear expressed by several different families, some of which are very close to my heart, I feel like this is something that I need to offer.

Every child and family is unique and each session will be customised around their needs, to ensure the environment is relaxed, fun and sensory friendly! 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. If your child has a favourite item or something calming that they love, bring this along to your session.

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 judgement, disappointment, misunderstanding, etc. With a little knowledge, preparation and patience, having these lasting memories of your loved ones are very possible!

Pre consultation
Upon booking, I will have a consultation with you either by phone or email 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 photoshoot, I recommend scheduling somewhere that is a quiet outdoor location or somewhere your child feels most comfortable. Choosing your home, a favourite 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. 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 favourite instrument, I will capture all of the little details of them playing in a creative way. If it’s going to their favourite park or playground at home and capturing them swinging and playing together with family, then that is where we would schedule the session. Documentary sessions at their favourite places 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
I will schedule your session at a time of day that won’t interfere with routines. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible about our time together. If I arrive to the session and you feel that today just isn’t the day, I will be happy to reschedule to a time suitable to the both of us.

Social Story
I have created a storyboard that mimics a social story. Included is a picture of myself, my camera, and a little story telling what we will do at the session. I understand that sometimes it’s easier seeing what will happen before and preparing.

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! The session will be 1 hour long however, if there is a need for a sensory break, you can take one! We have time. Patience and positivity is key!

Sensory Overload
If your child is not coping with the environment, 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 we can take a step back until you’re ready to resume.

Approach
My approach is compassionate, patient, and positive.

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 with a carefully considered selection of your photos from your session. These digital images will be high-resolution files and you will be able to add additional images to your cart and have direct access to the print store.

If you’re interested in scheduling a sensory and Autism friendly session, please go to the booking link below. I am so excited about offering these sessions and cannot wait to meet you and your beautiful family!

Teejay xo

PRICES STARTING FROM $350.00