Photo Shoots: Understanding Challenges Faced by Neurodiverse Individuals

I have had many conversations lately with prospective clients who want a photo shoot, but are concerned for their autistic family member and how they will handle the situation.  On top of that, April is Autism awareness month and as an inclusive photography studio, I wanted to recognise the challenges that neurodiverse individuals may face during a professional photo shoot, but most importantly I’ll address how we try to minimise those challenges so they don’t become a barrier to booking that shoot.

To add an extra element to this subject, I’m writing this post not just as a professional photographer, but as a Mum to a pretty neuro-spicy household! (When you know, you know 😉).

Firstly, let’s face it - professional photo shoots can be overwhelming for anyone, but for some neurodiverse individuals, there may be additional concerns.

Let’s start with Sensory Sensitivities.  Some individuals may have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can make the bright lights, unusual noises and unfamiliar environments of a photo shoot uncomfortable.  Many parents of neurodiverse children can be worried about overstimulation leading to disregulation, meltdowns, shutdowns or any other form of distress.

Before every shoot with me I have an in depth meeting (with all my clients) around the shoot! I want to find out who’s coming along, find out a bit about their personality and what interests they have.  I want to get to know all my clients so I can better capture them authentically.  With any neurodivergent individuals, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss any sensory sensitivity’s, any triggers or any concerns in general and together we’ll think up appropriate strategies.

For example - lights beeping - no problem, actually I’m with you on this one, they’re really annoying!  In my studio light sounds are always turned off.

Lights flashing - now this is part of the process BUT lights can be reduced in power.   We can shoot on location with natural lighting (I am proficient in both styles of photography) and the same process applies.

Social Anxiety and communication struggles.  Now, I may present as a confident outgoing person - but trust me - I’m a very shy introvert and I understand that social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodiverse individuals. The same applies to communication - we’ll discuss what works best for your situation, but typically I find simple, single instructions without too many steps work best, as does showing and getting the subject to mirror what I’d like them to do.

I allow plenty of time for my sessions so we have the option of plenty of down time if needed, play time (depending on ages).  My subjects don’t have to talk to me (no judgement) and you don’t even have to look at the camera.  A session is always a collaboration where we work together in creating shots.

Our studio has a comfortable viewing area that family members can hang out in if they’re not in the photos or if anyone wants some quiet time.  You are the only subjects in the studio during your session - so you have the place to yourself - make yourself at home.

Neurodiverse adults may struggle with planning, organization, and time management and therefore be put off with planning a shoot.   Our process involves plenty of communication throughout - from the initial enquiry to the final delivery of images.

We’re a small, independent studio - you are not far from a real human on the end of the phone, email or messaging system to answer any questions.  On top of that we’ll automatically send appointment reminders, talk in depth at the pre-shoot consultation, keep you updated with your orders and even have reminder phone calls (we won’t annoy you though).  We’ll have reminders of timings, locations and our shoot guide sent in pdf format answers lots of questions around clothing and the whole process.

The bottom line is that after 18 years as a portrait photographer (and neurodiversity informed) - my main aim is to make the experience as comfortable and pleasurable as possible, regardless of whether you’re neurotypical/neurodiverse.

Every shoot is tailored to my clients - I apply my same levels of patience, flexibility and kind nature to everyone.   For me it’s the soul reason we do what we do - to create an enjoyable experience that captures your authentic self in beautiful, timeless photographs.

Preserving Memories: The Timeless Value of Restoring Photos

In the fast-paced digital age, it's easy to overlook the treasures of the past, hidden in old, damaged, or discoloured family photographs. These images, often tucked away in dusty albums or forgotten corners, hold the key to our family's history and the stories that shaped us.

Artis Studios have been digitally restoring old photographs for over 16 years, we understand the profound importance of preserving these memories and offer advanced digital photography skills to breathe new life into your cherished family photos. The investment in preserving your family's visual legacy pays off in many ways:

1. Old family photos serve as time capsules, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancestors for both ourselves and our future generations. From sepia-toned portraits to faded snapshots, each image tells a story, capturing moments that shaped our family's history. Restoring these photographs allows us to bridge the gap between generations, fostering a deeper understanding of our roots and a sense of connection to those who came before us.

2. Preserving visual records of your family's journey ensures that future generations can trace their roots and appreciate the legacy they inherit. By restoring and displaying old family photos, you contribute to the preservation of your unique heritage, creating a visual narrative that transcends time.

3. Displaying restored family photos in your home has a profound emotional impact. The images become more than just pictures; they become visual anchors, grounding you in your family's history.

4. Investing in the restoration of your family photos is an investment in your family's legacy. These images are irreplaceable, and the memories they encapsulate are priceless. By entrusting us with the restoration process, you not only ensure the longevity of these images but also create tangible heirlooms that can be passed down through generations. We specialise in the art of photo restoration using advanced digital photography techniques to breathe new life into faded, torn, or discolored images. Our commitment is to not just recover lost images but to elevate them to a standard that exceeds your expectations.

In a world that constantly moves forward, there is immense value in looking back. Speak to us today, and let us transform your cherished memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

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What to wear to a teenager photo shoot?

Simple but effective outfit styling.

Planning

A big part of our process is organising a time to chat about your shoot, either in person, on the  phone or via video chat.  This way we can discuss what kinds of images you’re looking to create and guide you on how best to achieve that.

Style

A solo shoot for a teenager is all about them reflecting their style and personality - so there are very little instructions on what you ‘should’ wear. I want you to wear something you feel comfortable in, something that reflects your personality and I also encourage outfit changes to encompass the different facets of your personality.

Firstly:

• Pick clothing you feel comfortable and confident in.  If you like wearing casual clothes -do that - if you prefer a dressier look - go for it! 

• Dress for the location - if you’re outdoors make sure it’s weather appropriate.

• Avoid big logos as these are distracting and can date a photo.

• Try to avoid a lot of complicated patterns, this can look quite chaotic in the images.

Colours and tones

This is the biggest question we get asked - try  not to over think it - but here are some tips:

Darker tones

Darker clothing tones look amazing with our darker backgrounds. They create and overall sophisticated and artistic look.

Lighter tones

Lighter tones create a light, airy look that can show a fun, vibrant personality.

Earthy Tones

Earthy tones look great for location, but we also have backgrounds and lighting styles that look fantastic with earthy tones.

• If we are outside neutral tones and plain clothing works best so that it is not fighting against the textures and colours in nature.

I will take into consideration the colour tones of your outfit and make sure that blends with the background and setting, to create a cohesive style.

Footwear:

• Try to again match the shoe style to the rest of the outfit - e.g. for a casual look, simple plain trainers are great - try to avoid fluorescent colours.

• For a smarter look think shoes and boots. Remember if we go outside we will probably go off the main paths.

• In the studio, we often suggest bare feet - if you are really against that, try to have matching plain socks (black attracts less attention).

What to wear to a baby photo shoot?

Planning

A big part of our process is organising a time to chat about your shoot, either in person, on the phone or via video chat.  This way we can discuss what kinds of images you’re looking to create and guide you on how best to achieve that.

Style

We can discuss your style, the types of images you like and I can suggest what to bring and wear. 

Think about:

• Do you like the more artistic baby photos that tend to be styled darker? Do you like photos with skin on skin? Would you prefer something lighter and more upbeat? Do you have specific outfits in mind for your baby?

• Depending on what you like we will make suggestions on what to wear - artistic shots suit skin on skin or plain, darker clothing.

  Upbeat, lighter shots suit lighter clothing and often works better when your baby is older and can show more expressions.

  We can also factor in time to do outfit changes to change the look of the photos.

• Make sure you feel comfortable in your outfit. If you are a little body conscious at this time, don’t necessarily go for baggy clothing as this won’t help us accentuate your figure through posing.

• We typically do baby shoots in our studio but if you are going outside, dress for the location - make sure it’s weather appropriate.  In the studio remember you will be potentially sitting, standing, leaning - so make sure you can move in your outfits.

• Avoid big logos as these are distracting and can date a photo.

• Try to avoid a lot of patterns like lots of checks, stripes, spots as when these all mix together they can be distracting.

• It can be really hard to find outfits that fit your baby well at this young age, so we tend to keep them naked as we can focus more on their small size, without fabric getting in the way. However, this is a completely personal choice for our clients and we can incorporate any outfits you have in mind

Colours and tones

This is the biggest question we get asked - try  not to over think it - but here are some tips:

Tonal Blends

Darker look - dress in simple black, dark grey or shirtless. Ladies can wear boob tubes or vest tops if they prefer. We will tend to use dark grey or black backdrops

Lighter look- go for whites, light greys, dusky colours like baby pink or baby blue. We will use this against light grey or white backdrops.

What happens at a Pet Shoot?

All you need to know about pet shoots with Artis…

As with all our shoots the key to getting the best results is in the planning beforehand. This can be in person at our studio or video a video link or phone call.

We will want to find out things about your pet like:-

• Are they more food or toy oriented?

• Do they have sit, stay commands? (don’t worry if they don’t).

• Are there any particular things they are scared of?

Make your shoot unique, fun and personal.

We adapt all shoots to you and your pet. We can discuss whether a studio or a location shoot would be more suitable. Although pet shoots are typically designed around 1-2 animals, we can upgrade your shoot to a family session and incorporate the rest of the family.

We’ll give you advice on what to wear, what to bring and generally coach you through the process. Hannah is our experienced portrait photographer and has worked with all kinds of pets over the years. You can expect a fun yet energetic shoot, expect bedlam, but honestly - enjoy the process and we’ll take care of the rest.

About 2 weeks after your photo session you will get to come back to the studio to view your photos. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!

We’ll display your final, perfected images on our big screen and after you’ve had some time to digest them, we’ll work through the selection and help you with deciding how you display your photos.

This can feel daunting, but our process is simple, easy and comfortable. Above all else we do not hard sell, we are there to help you get the best out of your images - but yes you are going to love them!

Our full pet shoot guide:

TIMING:

• As strange as it sounds, it’s best to book your shoot around your pets schedule, you don’t want your dog looking longingly at the door because they’re due a walk. or your cat clawing for their dinner.

CLOTHING:

If you’re joining in on your pets shoot, Hannah will discuss outfits in more detail at your shoot consultation but as a general rule:

• Make sure your outfits blend well with your pets colouring (they can’t change their coat). If you have a black dog, it’s not a good idea to wear all white, not only is it a lighting nightmare, but imagine all the hair on your outfit!

• Pick outfits you like, feel comfortable and confident in.

• Remember you will be sitting, standing, leaning and possibly picking up your pet so make sure you can move comfortably in it and you’re ok if it gets slightly mucky.

GROOMING

If your pet needs regular grooming make sure you book a hair cut for a few weeks before the shoot, depending at what length you prefer their coat.

TREATS

We always suggest you bring your pets favourite toys or treats for the shoot. The key is to bring them but make sure they are hidden from sight (or smell). That way we can bring them out at the right point in the shoot.

JUST GO WITH IT

Animals are hugely instinctive and if you are worried or stressed, they will pick up on these emotions and behave accordingly. We work with different pets all the time and always allow plenty of time in case they take a while to get used to everything. Relax and enjoy the process!

Location, location, location

If you haven’t decided already think about where you would like to have your session. We could meet at your home, the woods or at the studio. We also scout locations constantly, so may have some suggestions for you to consider.

Fun GUARANTEED

This shoot will be a full-on fun day out. and we want you to be to be as relaxed as possible. Embrace the bedlam, the spontaneity and the unplanned moments to create most natural, beautiful images of your pet and family!

Time flies

Please allow 90 minutes for a single session and three hours for a half day shoot. This will enable us to get lots of variety and allow for travel, outfit changes etc if needed. It also allows time for breaks and to not feel rushed.

Fast friends

With unpredictable subjects, we always work quickly, ready to capture those spontaneous, natural images. We are constantly thinking up new ideas to keep your pet and family engaged.

Treats for the sweet

Bring treats (but don’t show your pet). We want to try to do as much of the shoot without treats and will let you know when it’s time to bring out ‘the big guns’.

Outdoor shoots are great for offering lots of variety and natural settings for your portraits. BUT, this is England and if Mother Nature threatens to rain on our parade, don’t worry, there are always options:

Plan A: Alternate indoor venues, e.g. our studio, your home or a local hotel.

Plan B: When we speak the day before, if it’s an obviously and unanimously

dire weather forecast we’ll simply reschedule..

Plan C: Adventurous? We have the skills and protective gear. Sometimes braving it makes for some fun puddle shots or we hide under some trees whilst there is a passing shower.

WHO ARE ARTIS STUDIOS?

Hannah

Photographer and owner

Hannah has been photographing professionally for over 15 years and prior to that worked as a graphic designer and video editor. Her early careers definitely influenced her style of photography, taking on an almost cinematic style. She will often draw from her editing days where she would shape stories through video editing, to now shaping stories through photographs.

Hannah co-owns the studio with Kat and feels passionate about creating natural photographs, which have won her numerous awards, and presenting them in unique, quality products.

Hannah has infinite patience and over the years has worked with all types of ages and personalities. Her main aim is create a fun, relaxed environment that will get the best out of you and to capture your personality. She has seen it all - been peed on by babies, licked by dogs, photographed a chicken and still has mild PTSD from a shoot with nine 2 year olds. Trust us, she’s not fazed by much!

Kat started Artis as the wedding photographer but as the studios portrait work grew higher in demand, she realised her real love was managing the studio and taking care of our clients at their viewing and ordering sessions.

Kat has a really creative eye which proves invaluable when helping clients decide how to display their photographs. She is naturally very organised and believes in offering top quality customer service which results in our customers receiving their order quickly and without issue

Together they make a great team, with Kat taking care of the business side of the studio, leaving Hannah to be the creative one. She loves to travel so if you ever have to wait a little for your viewing it may be because she’s off to somewhere far and remote!

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The Artis Story

What to wear to a family photo shoot?

Simple but effective outfit styling.

Planning

A big part of our process is organising a time to chat about your shoot, either in person, on the  phone or via video chat.  This way we can discuss what kinds of images you’re looking to create and guide you on how best to achieve that.

Style

I won’t ever tell you what you have to wear, but I can make suggestions on what works best on camera. 

Firstly:

• Pick clothing you feel comfortable and confident in.  If you like wearing casual clothes -do that - if you prefer a dressier look - go for it! 

  Make sure the feel of your outfit choices are reflected across the family - e.g all casual or all smarter.

• Dress for the location - if you’re outdoors make sure it’s weather appropriate.  In the studio remember you will be potentially sitting, standing, leaning - so make sure you can move in your outfits.

• Avoid big logos as these are distracting and can date a photo.

• Try to avoid a lot of patterns like lots of checks, stripes, spots as when these all mix together they can be distracting. We can also factor in time to do outfit changes for solo shots, at this point it is less important about what the individual wears and more about what reflects their personality.

Colours and tones

This is the biggest question we get asked - try  not to over think it - but here are some tips:

Tonal Blends

Pick tones that work well with each other.

Think general - light tones, mid tones, dark tones, pastel tones, earthy tones etc.  These all blend together really well in images.

• If we are outside neutral tones and plain clothing works best so that it is not fighting against the textures and colours in nature.

Colours and tones that blend together create a lovely colour palette and still give individuals the flexibility to pick their favourite outfits.

Footwear:

• Try to again match the shoe style to the rest of the outfit - e.g. for a casual look, simple plain trainers are great - try to avoid fluorescent colours.

• For a smarter look think shoes and boots. Remember if we go outside we will probably go off the main paths.

• In the studio, we often suggest bare feet - if you are really against that, try to have matching plain socks (black attracts less attention).

Spring Photo Shoots

Spring is such a beautiful time of year and we are lucky enough to live near lots of great locations that lend themselves to a Spring family photo session. As the weather warms up there is nothing more fun than being outside and enjoying the sounds and smells of Spring.

There are lots a great locations around us including Virginia Waters and Lilyhill Park in Bracknell.

The Bockett-Pugh Family - Customers for Life

As a Family portrait studio, we’re proud to share another happy customers story in our ‘Families for Life’ series. Many of these clients are local to Ascot, Sunninghill or in Berkshire, but lots travel from further afield.

Here is another client who has come back repeatedly for Baby and Children’s Photography with us.

What prompted you to pick us?

We booked our first shoot with you as Paul's sister Ruth has used you for her wedding and we loved their photos and album.

What keeps you returning to us?

We keep returning to you because you are brilliant! Always make us feel at ease and have beautifully captured the most special moments in our life and given us a lovely way to look back at our special memories.

How do you feel when you look back at images from your shoots?

We feel so happy whenever we look at the images from our shoots. We have images on the walls in each room in the house, people always comment on how amazing they are and they always make us smile or emotional in a good way :)

Extended Family Photo Shoots

It's always such a lovely experience to bring extended family together and now we are finally allowed to meet again I think we appreciate even more what we have been missing.

Whether you normally see each other every month, once a year or once every 10 years, why not use a photo shoot as a good excuse for a get together. A nice big picture on the wall always makes a fantastic gift to grandparents (who often already have everything they need). Here are a few we have done over the last few years both in our Berkshire studio and outside in and around Berkshire and Surrey. Popular locations includes Virginia Waters, Chobham Common, at one of the many local hotels or in clients own homes.

Keep an eye on our social media for our ever popular ‘double your money’ gift vouchers that make perfect presents to use towards an extended family photo shoot.

Autumn Colours

When it gets a little colder outside the beautiful colours come out and its coming up to that time of year very soon! We have photographed in the area for many years and so know some gorgeous spots that will make this years photo shoot really special.

Our weekends are nearly full in October, so get in quick for a beautiful outdoor shoot before the autumn colours are gone. We have a few spots left for October ½ term which is always a very popular time.

The Sycha Family - Customers for Life

As a Family portrait studio, we’re proud to share another happy customers story in our ‘Families for Life’ series. Many of these clients are local to Ascot, Sunninghill or in Berkshire, but lots travel from further afield.

Here is another client who has come back repeatedly for Baby and Children’s Photography with us.

What prompted you to pick us?

I had looked through details of many many photographers looking for someone to photograph our wedding. Ben's perfectionism discounted all of them! Then some friends recommended Artis and Ben couldn't fault them at all, so here we are nearly ten years later.

What’s the main reason is that you keep returning to us?

The friendly atmosphere and incredible photos, we feel like Kat and Hannah are our friends now and always love seeing them.

How do you feel when you look back at your images from past shoots?

We love the memories preserved in the photos, especially the fun ones and where our individual personalities have been captured. They always bring smiles and happiness.