{Autism Awareness Month} Preparing Your Child With Special Needs for a Photoshoot | College Station Newborn & Family Photographer
Hey mamas (and daddies!), I know preparing for a photoshoot is HARD! Add in some differing needs and you feel overwhelmed! You’ve got to book your photographer, plan what everyone is wearing, and you also have that thought… how are my kids going to do?!? Will the photos even turn out?! I’m here to tell you… THEY WILL BE GORGEOUS!! ♥ Take a deep breath and lets chat about how to prepare!
Here are a few things to consider:
Your photos will be beautiful because your family is beautiful. Each child is unique and beautiful. The connections within your family are deep and special. You’ll see it in the photos. Your child might behave “differently” than “most” children. They may have different needs. But, they are a perfect miracle in their own way and we will capture exactly who they are. There might be laughter, smiles, silly moments, a few tears, and moments of consolation.
We will chat on the phone or in person before we even begin planning your session. You can share important details about your family and we can talk through ways to make your shoot successful. I’ll ask you some specific questions, like your child’s favorite toys or characters, and ways that I can adapt to their needs and personalities.
Let’s pick a location that will set your child up for success. For some kids that’s a park. For some kids that’s a field with nothing around to distract them. For some kids that’s the safety and familiarity of home. For many children with special needs, home is a great location and allows them to feel safe and express their full personality. It also removes the stress of having to load the kids up and haul them across town. If we do choose home, don’t worry about having it 100% spotless. Just throw the clutter in a closet! ;)
Start talking to your child about the photoshoot in advance. If you can, take them to the location ahead of time (if it’s not at your home) and tell them about me and what we’ll be doing. Try to make it a positive and fun experience. I could even Facetime with your child or we could meet up before the shoot so that they can get to know me and feel comfortable around me. Meeting and interacting with new people is a challenging task for so many kiddos and I want to make it as smooth as possible.
Plan to bring things that will help your child feel at ease. If your child loves Mickey Mouse, then bring their Mickey Mouse plushie. If they love Spider Man, then let them wear their Spider Man shoes. Bring any comfort or soothing items that they often use. Examples could be slime, fidget toys, a soft blanket, a lovie, a weighted blanket or lap pad, etc.
Plan reinforcements! This should be something that they really love. Try to think of things that they transition away from fairly easily. For example, if your child really loves watching videos but has a really hard time when their time is up, that might not be the best reinforcer for our shoot. Of course, don’t over think this too much. It really is okay if your child has some hard moments during our shoot. Generally speaking, most children do at one point or another. Anyway, back to reinforcers… We want your kiddos to feel like they’re doing a good job and to LOVE their photoshoot!
Examples of reinforcers include:
a snack or candy that they love (try to pick something that can be eaten quickly and won’t stain their mouth)
a small tangible item that they value, like a toy (try to pick one that they don’t have 24/7 access to)
an activity, like watching a short video or listening to music
a social reinforcer, like tickles, being spun around, or verbal praise
Don’t worry about how long your shoot will take. We’ll take as long as your family needs… I really mean it.
If you haven’t seen my post about my Autism Awareness Month Giveaway, check it out below and nominate someone!
Haven is an experienced photographer servicing Bryan, College Station, and Navasota, TX. She has been working in photography for 5+ years and enjoys serving the Brazos Valley. Haven specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, birth and family photography. To book a shoot, visit her contact page.