LOVES to Snuggle: A Heartwarming Family Photoshoot in Reston, VA
We had the pleasure of working with a young couple from Reston, VA, named Swati and Ravi, along with their son Shreyas. Shreyas is an active child who loves to snuggle, playing with rocks and laughing up a storm. However, his parents were concerned he wouldn't be interested in taking photos or looking at the camera because Shreyas is an autistic child. Our goal is always to capture the essence or personality of our subjects; this is never more true than when we photograph children. The thing is, when you work with children you have to be flexible, and this fact doesn’t change when you work with children on the spectrum or any child with special needs. Being open to redefining my workflow to make necessary allowances or accommodations allows me to pivot when needed, for my clients. It's also a good idea to understand the parent's goals for the session and any expectations they may have. With that in mind, I chatted with Swati about Shreyas and her desires for this session. That way, I could learn as much as I could about him. Getting a good sense of his personality likes and dislikes, and any sensory issues he might have would help me plan how to best proceed with the photo shoot while considering his needs and setting realistic expectations for myself and the parents.
To address their concerns, we proposed a photo session that would allow Shreyas to engage in his favorite activities while we took pictures. We decided to go to a nearby park and let Shreyas play while we captured candid moments. Letting children take the lead at family sessions and exploring and playing with their parents is our usual plan for family photo sessions. The difference is that we were setting ourselves up with several alternative plans should we need to pivot to accommodate Shreyas' needs, and we would move slowly into transitions if we needed to.
Denniss joined me in this session because he has a talent for making people laugh and feel at ease. It would be too if the parents were relaxed. Also, having two photographers take photos simultaneously could increase the chances of getting a good shot of Shreyas looking directly at the camera. This can be difficult with children with autism, but it would mean the world to his parents. If Shreyas responded better to one of us, the other photographer would step back and let the one who gained his trust take the lead. We also brought some toys and gave ourselves plenty of time to take photos so we could take breaks whenever necessary.
The session with the family went exceptionally well, and it was a pleasure to work with them. Witnessing the love and connection between them was truly heartwarming. Shreyas had a great time, and the family had an enjoyable and stress-free experience. During the session, we even captured some fantastic shots of Shreyas looking directly at the camera, which was a delightful surprise for his parents.
As a photographer specializing in portraits of children, it was an honor to have the family's trust to capture their bond. Working with them was a truly enriching experience, and I am grateful for it. If you are searching for a passionate and skilled photographer in the Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, or Washington DC metro area who can help you create beautiful family memories, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to help you capture unforgettable moments you will cherish forever.
