I believe every family deserves the opportunity to capture meaningful memories together, regardless of disability, diagnosis, additional needs or neurodivergence.
That’s why I’ve introduced a new SEND-friendly family photography offering designed specifically for families who may benefit from additional preparation, flexibility and sensory-aware support.
As a family photographer, I’ve always approached sessions in a relaxed, natural and child-led way. Every child is different and no two family sessions are ever the same. Over the years I’ve worked with children of all ages, personalities and temperaments, and I’ve always believed the best photographs come when children are allowed to be themselves rather than being expected to perform for the camera.
More recently, I’ve spent time reflecting on something that felt increasingly important.
While many families already find my approach works well for children who don’t enjoy traditional posed photography, I recognised there was an opportunity to go further and create something specifically designed for families who may find the idea of a photoshoot overwhelming.
Family Photography Should Be Accessible To Everyone
For many families, booking a photoshoot is an exciting experience. For others, it can feel daunting before it has even begun.
Questions like:
- What if my child becomes overwhelmed?
- What if they won’t engage with the camera?
- What if they struggle with unfamiliar people or environments?
- What if the session doesn’t go to plan?
These are completely valid concerns.
The reality is that traditional photography experiences can sometimes place expectations on children that simply aren’t realistic or appropriate for every family. Expectations to sit still, smile on command, maintain eye contact or follow directions can quickly turn what should be an enjoyable experience into something stressful.
Yet the families facing those challenges deserve meaningful photographs just as much as anyone else. Those moments of connection, personality and family life matter. They deserve to be documented and celebrated.
Building Something Better
The new SEND-friendly sessions haven’t appeared overnight. They’ve grown from conversations, experience and a desire to make family photography more accessible.
Alongside photographing families, I’ve also worked with children in specialist educational settings and photographed families living with complex medical needs through organisations including Sense and Niemann-Pick UK.
The sessions have also been developed in consultation with my wife, an experienced special school teacher and Attention Autism Advanced Practitioner, helping ensure they offer the very best experience possible for families with additional needs.
The goal wasn’t to create a completely different type of photography. The goal was to remove barriers.
What Makes These Sessions Different?
At their heart, these sessions are still family photography sessions. They’re still relaxed, natural and focused on capturing genuine connection. The difference is in the preparation and flexibility surrounding the session. Families complete a sensory-friendly pre-session questionnaire, allowing me to understand:
- Communication preferences
- Sensory sensitivities
- Triggers and challenges
- Favourite interests
- Things that help a child feel safe and comfortable
Depending on individual needs, families can also choose either a tailored social story or a short introductory video call before the session. The aim is simple: reduce uncertainty and help children feel more comfortable before we even meet.
Sessions also allow additional flexibility for breaks, regulation, exploration and settling into unfamiliar situations. Rather than expecting a child to adapt to the session, the session adapts to the child.
There Is No Additional Charge
One decision I spent a lot of time considering was pricing. These sessions often involve additional preparation, flexibility and support. Initially I considered charging more. Ultimately, I decided against it. I don’t believe families should pay more simply because their child may need a slightly different approach.
The SEND-friendly sessions are available at the same price as my standard family photography sessions because I genuinely believe every family deserves access to family photography.
Real Moments Matter Most
One thing I often tell parents is that success doesn’t mean a child sitting perfectly still and smiling at the camera.
Success looks different for every family. Sometimes it’s laughter. Sometimes it’s curiosity. Sometimes it’s a quiet moment between parent and child. Sometimes it’s simply capturing a child exactly as they are right now. Those are often the photographs that become most meaningful over time.
The images families treasure years later are rarely the ones where everything went perfectly. They’re the ones that remind them of who their child was at that particular moment in their life.
Listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory
I’m also pleased to share that this new service has been added to the National Autistic Society’s Autism Services Directory, helping families across Leeds and Yorkshire find photographers who understand the importance of a flexible, sensory-aware approach.
While every child is different, my aim is always the same: to create a relaxed, supportive environment where families can enjoy spending time together and come away with photographs that genuinely reflect who they are.
Find Out More
To learn more, read about my new SEND-friendly family photography sessions.
If you’re unsure whether this type of session might be right for your family, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to have an informal conversation about your child’s needs and whether a sensory-friendly session may be appropriate.
Because every family deserves the opportunity to capture meaningful memories together.
