Embracing Inclusivity in Photography Sessions

Introduction

Photography is like the art world's wild child. Sure, there's the whole black-and-white thing, but then there's also a rainbow of colours ready to party. Art doesn't care about rules or sticking to just black and white; it's all about spinning tales and capturing those "aww" moments. Sometimes, I might need a little nudge in the right direction, but my true vision is all about peace, love, and throwing an inclusive shindig for everyone!

Understanding Inclusivity in Photography

Inclusivity in photography is like throwing a party where everyone’s invited, not just the classic “Mum, Dad, and the kiddos” combo. Families can come in all sorts of flavours, with any mix of gender identities, because love is like a buffet—there are no limits! And just like love, diversity doesn’t stop there. Cultures, ages, body shapes, sizes, wealth (or the lack thereof), abilities, and more are all part of the fun. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to be. We’re all unique, just like a photo. I could stand where countless photographers have stood before, snap the same scene, and still end up with something uniquely mine. Those who follow will do the same, creating their own special version. No two photos are identical—just like us.

That’s why inclusivity in photography is crucial, especially when you’re picking someone to capture your personal moments. A photographer isn’t there to make you look like everyone else. They’re there to capture the magic of who you are right now, with all the love and happiness that lights up your face when you look at your partner or child. It doesn’t matter who you are, or who they are; it’s about freezing that moment in time with respect and accuracy.

Capturing the moment is just the tip of the iceberg. A photographer needs to understand and respect the diversity of life. I’ll admit, I don’t have a PhD in every culture or a master’s degree in body insecurities (got plenty of my own, thank you very much!), but I do have a truckload of respect. Whether you come from a different culture, race, religion, skin colour, gender identity, age, or anything else, I respect you for who you are. And I’m eager to learn about what I don’t know. They say “Ignorance is bliss,” but I say, “Nope!” We can’t know everything, but I’m like an open book, ready to soak up knowledge. So, if there’s something I’m clueless about, I’m all ears!

Tailoring Sessions to Diverse Needs

Picture this: I'm your photography genie, ready to grant your wishes with a mix of studio magic and candid storytelling! Some folks want the full-on posed glam, while others are all about that documentary vibe. And hey, if you only want one style, that's as cool as a penguin in a snowstorm! Just like I customise the shoot to your style, I also consider any cultural, religious, or gender-specific needs. This is where a good old-fashioned phone or video call with your photographer comes in handy. It's like a first date, but with less awkward silences and more talk about lighting. Yes, you heard me! You've got to vibe with your photographer. It’s not about being the same age or sharing a love for pineapple on pizza. Nope! It’s about feeling like you could be friends, like you might run into each other at the dog park or a karaoke bar. You need that mutual spark to feel comfy enough to show your true self, and for them to capture your best angles. If you don’t click, even the best photographer might not capture that magic sparkle in your eyes. On the flip side, a so-so photographer who totally gets you might snap the most epic photos ever because they capture your essence.

Now, whether that photographer is me or someone else, what matters is that the session is all about you. Got some cultural beliefs? Your photographer should respect that, just like they should respect gender and ability needs. Maybe you or your family member uses a wheelchair. It’s not up to the photographer to decide whether to include your chair in the photos. Maybe you want it in there because it’s part of who you are, or maybe you’d prefer some sneaky camera angles to keep it out of sight. It’s your call! Before booking, I highly recommend a good chat—by phone or video—so we can see if we’re a match and discuss any special requests. If I were booking a photographer, I’d tell them, “Hey, I’m plus-size, so let’s work those angles instead of slimming me down with Photoshop. Let’s keep it real!”

So, I’m all for a straight-up, no-nonsense chat before you book with me. Don’t worry, it’s not scary. We’ll talk hobbies, interests, and what makes you tick, so you feel right at home during your shoot. Maybe you’re a fellow musician? (I dabble in piano, flute, and clarinet.) That’s a golden opportunity to bond over a shared passion, which helps everyone relax. Or maybe you’re a skydiving enthusiast? That’s not my jam—I’m terrified of flying—but I’d love to hear all about it. Do you feel a rush of fear before you jump? What’s the thrill? Is it the freedom, the view, or the sheer insanity? I’m fascinated! We don’t need to share interests, but knowing a bit about each other makes spending a couple of hours together way easier, especially when you’re baring your soul to the camera. It’s much simpler to spill your secrets over the phone to a stranger than to a photographer who just shows up at your door when you’re already a bit nervous. Let’s iron out all these details first. We all have them. Whether it’s an insecurity, something you want included in your session, or a cultural, religious, or gender-based need, let’s create a session tailored to you instead of a one-size-fits-all photoshoot package.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

I’d love to hear your thoughts on my website, my sessions, and, of course, the final photos. I’ve used the classic "Mum," "Dad," and "she/her" for baby on this site - mostly because it's simple and, well, it reflects me. But I promise, I’m not trying to leave anyone out! Your feedback is valuable to me, and I’ll use it to make my photography better and expand my horizons. Let’s face it, we all live in our own little bubbles sometimes, and I’m no different. Ignorance can sometimes masquerade as prejudice, and that’s not my intention. So, any tips on being more inclusive are totally welcome!

Conclusion

I specialize in snapping adorable pics of newborns and families, and I roll out the welcome mat for everyone—whether you're young, old, or somewhere in between; from anywhere on the globe; and rocking any race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, or superpower. Basically, if you're an awesome human, you're in! We are all unique. In front of my camera, you are totally free to be exactly you.

YOU MATTER AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOUR STORY