creating Safe, Inclusive Photography Sessions for Neurodiverse Families in the Twin Cities
P.S. A Note About Our Images
I wanted to let you know that the images in this blog post are not exclusively of families with neurodivergent kids. They’re a mix of photos from family sessions in general! Remember, neurological differences like ADHD and Autism aren’t visible, and every child deserves to be captured just as they are.
Understanding the Needs of Neurodiverse Families
As someone with ADHD (and some “spicy” genetics in my own family), I completely understand the extra thought and care needed for neurodiverse folks. Having a child with different needs often means making accommodations for every part of life. From managing a strict eating schedule (my daughter insists on “Pizza Fridays” and nothing else) to avoiding itchy clothes, neurospicy families have unique needs that might be hard to grasp for others. But not for me! I’m passionate about serving my community and capturing the beauty and spirit of kids who may have been labeled as “difficult” by others. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated.
Creating A Stress-Free Environment for Family Photos
When planning any family activity, I always consider sensory experiences that could be overwhelming for neurodiverse kids—new places, people, or loud sounds can be a lot. That’s why I’ve designed my sessions to be as stress-free as possible! My studio in NE Minneapolis is a safe, controlled environment where I’ve done my best to minimize flashing lights, loud noises, strong smells, and other potential triggers. Plus, it’s stocked with soft things, sensory toys, and calming music to make your child feel at ease. You bring your favorite snacks, and I’ll handle the rest!
Hi, I’m Alison!
Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you’re here 🙂
Check Out My Work!
The Solarium: My Photo Studio in NE Minneapolis
Communication Is Everything!
Communication is always a priority for me, especially for neurodiverse clients. Before the session, I like to chat with parents to gather any important details—whether it’s favorite snacks, music, or even topics to avoid. I want to make sure that everyone, especially the kids, feels comfortable enough to express themselves during the session. And if there’s anything that has triggered bad experiences in the past, please share! My goal is to create a fun, easy, and memorable experience for everyone.
Building Connections With Neurodiverse Kids During Photo Sessions
For me, connection is at the heart of every portrait. I keep my studio stocked with all sorts of toys, soothing music, and snacks for easy bribing (no shame, I’ve been there!). By understanding your child’s needs, preferences, and hyperfixations, I can better connect with them and capture authentic smiles and moments. I like to match their energy and let them lead the way. It’s something I naturally do in all my sessions, and it’s a big part of what makes my photography unique.
Is A New Space Too Much? Let’s Do A Session At Your Home!
Sometimes, the best way to make a session feel safe is to have it in a familiar environment—like your home! This way, your child is only dealing with a new person (me!) and not a whole new setting. It also eliminates the worry of leaving behind a favorite toy or safety blanket that might help in case of overstimulation. If you have a local park or another special spot where your child feels at ease, we can explore that too. Your comfort is my priority, so let’s make it work for you.
Mini Session vs Full Session: What Works Better for Your Family?
Mini sessions are great for families on a budget who want quick, easy photos, but if your family needs more time to get comfortable, a full session might be the way to go. Full sessions give us plenty of time to ease into the experience, especially for neurodiverse kids who may need a little more time to warm up. I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to make any session work, but a longer session can definitely help us capture those truly special moments. If you think your family would work best with something short and sweet, my fall mini sessions are some of the best deals I offer annually! Snatch up a spot while you can because they fill up quick.
FALL 2024 MINI SESSIONS
Senior Mini (September 14th)
Nicollet Island Park
The Mill City Museum
My Studio! The Solarium
Get Excited for Minis with Santa Jon!
If you’re planning ahead for your holiday cards and want to avoid the chaos of the mall, my Santa minis are the perfect solution. The Santa minis will be designed with sensory needs in mind, so make sure you secure a spot! Keep an eye on my mailing list or follow me on social media to snag a spot for these fun and festive sessions when they drop!
Have More Questions About Neurodivergent-friendly Photography?
If you have questions about how I can accommodate your family’s unique needs, please reach out! I’m all about making sure your session is as low-stress and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. I know firsthand how quickly a day can go from “amazing” to “oh no” when needs aren’t met—trust me, I get it.
Explore Our Additional Products and Services!
We also offer a range of custom photo products to help you cherish these memories for years to come. Whether it’s a soft, tactile photo album that’s sensory-friendly, a canvas print for your calming corner, or even gift certificates for a loved one, we’ve got you covered. And if you’re looking to capture more family milestones throughout the year, ask about our annual family photography package—it’s a fantastic way to document your family’s growth in a familiar, supportive setting.
Ready to Book? Let’s Chat!
If you’re ready to book a session or have more questions about how we can create a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for your family, reach out today! I’m here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
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