Hey friends!
Today I want to share about this sweet family that came in to my life via my own son's special needs. This mama was part of an Early Intervention team that came to support my son every week. She has her own son with special needs as well, and well, the rest is kind of history!
After a few months of getting to know each other and having our weekly sessions with my son - we would often find ourselves chatting away about anything and everything. As moms do! I mean, we spent an hour together every week for a long time!
I remember her telling me how they were so excited for their family photos coming up. She mentioned they were going to be at a gorgeous location with a reputable photographer that came highly recommended by a friend. My ears perked up, naturally. I was so excited for them to be documenting their family - something I preach so hard and believe whole heartedly in doing every year (at LEAST)
Unfortunately, this sweet family was left feeling defeated. They explained how they hoped for more understanding, questions even, and thoughtfulness. I was so sad to hear about their experience and truly thought being inclusive and giving each and ever family 100% was just the norm. This was an eye opening experience, for them and myself. Our families deserve the same care, thought, time, patience, and beautiful photos as every other family.
Hearing this family's experience broke my heart. I mean it when I say that I had not given any real thought to the difficulties families like ours face when trying to simply get photos taken of their family - families who look different, who have kids with special needs, in wheelchairs, babies with feeding tubes. And while the experience was not ideal, I truly believe it was not ill intent of the photographer and that most humans at least want to be inclusive but may truly not know how.
And thus, a truly inclusive photographer was born.
I had already been sending questionnaires to my clients to get to know them better. This has been tremendously helpful for me and my families. I ask things like, "What kinds of things do your kids think are funny" because sometimes the fart jokes are not well received. Now I have added in something to the effect of, "Does your child react better to audible or visual stimulants" Cue the light up sphere or squawking chicken. I have always asked if anyone in the session has any injuries or limitations I need to consider, and now I have added a part that asks if mobility devices are used like wheelchairs or walkers.
