Being an accessibility friendly photographer

My beautiful son.

I thought it’s important to discuss how as a photographer I can be accessible to all. It’s so essential to me I wanted it to be at the heart of what I do.

Personally before being a mum I have to admit I wasn’t that aware of how important being accessible really is, and I’m embarrassed to say that now because it really does affect so much of what I do. My first boy changed everything for me. He was diagnosed autistic in 2019, aged 3 and I believe he has a pathological demand avoidance profile. I had no idea at the time just how hard we’d have to fight to get him just the simplest support, the right school and therapies or even how difficult it could be just to get out of the house some days. This isn’t going to be a blog all about him (I have one of those here though if you’re interested) but his needs have made me rethink how I can help make photography more accessible.

I truly believe that everyone should have photographs they love, but for a lot of people, my family included, going to a studio isn’t an option. The bright flashing lights, the awkward posing, meeting a stranger with a big camera telling you what to do, not to mention if you couldn’t walk into the building or fit your wheelchair through the doors. So I chucked out the idea of studio work for families. Instead I thought about what would work for my son. A casual approach, nothing loud or hard on the senses, meeting at a familiar place for the individual, this could be a park or forest or even their own home and garden. All I need is plenty of natural light and my camera. I don’t do forced poses, instead I like to concentrate on capturing natural moments, feeling and emotions. You’re baby’s hands or toes, the curls in their hair, your kids cheeky grin which means they’re up to no good, the flap of their hands showing they’re loving being with you.

To me, disability, different ability, neurodiversity, (I could go on), none of these things should mean being forgotten about, these are things that make us unique and human and with the right approach, everyone gets photos they can treasure forever.