SEN Sessions
Photography is for everyone.
Whether it's you or your child who may need some extra support during a session, please let me know.
I have many years of experience working with children and adapting my style to fit their needs.
I am always happy to customise my sessions and work together with you to make everyone feel as safe and comfortable as possible. As long as I know when I take your booking, I can make sure that we won't be under any time pressure, that I set up without flashes (if that might be an issue) that I have music on/off, that the textures I use are good and so on. I always ask first if you or your child is comfortable with me adjusting hair or moving them.
However, depending on where on the spectrum the child/adult may be, very often an outdoor session is a much better alternative. Speaking to one of my clients, she felt that the whole project of getting her child to break their daily routine and go to an unknown place, was something she was worried about. It took a lot of energy for both her and the child to deal with that. By taking a child outdoors for photos, we can go to a familiar place, they can play, explore and I can capture them being themselves.
I also learn something new with each session, if there is something you wonder about or have any suggestions, please fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page.
​
I have taken school photos of children lying on the floor, as that was the only place they felt safe and comfortable.
​
I have taken outdoor family photos where a neurodiverse child decides where and when they want to sit, and the rest of the family gathers around her. I have 10 seconds to take their family photo before she gets up to sit somewhere else.
​
I have taken a Christmas photos with Santa in my garden, because a girl felt most comfortable there.
​
This is all fine.
"I honestly don’t know where to begin - I have three very gorgeous and very bubbly children , my eldest has additional needs and this can impact our experiences at things like this . Linda’s beautiful , calm and gentle way has meant we can get some stunning photos of our babies ! Linda is talented in so many ways and she captures the child’s character and true personality! She is amazing !"
LJ
"My baby boy, the fact that we got these shots is a MIRACLE.
So just to give some context, Journey is severely autistic and was totally uncooperative. He wouldn't give any eye contact, follow instructions or do anything other than the opposite of anything that was asked. It was frustrating for me to say the least . Linda was just excellent she was patient literally doubling his shoot time to help soothe him, she never stopped trying to engage him
She didn't force or rush him or seem irritated.
Journey simply wasn't in the mood and she was accepting tolerant patient kind and just so professional."
Sasha
"...Thank you so much, you and Santa were absolutely amazing with her! You were so laid back , thank you for offering such a calm, relaxed sen session. These pictures show just how comfortable you made her. Thank you again..."
Hannah
"We have used Linda at woodard photography several times now and every photo session has been amazing.
Linda was so good with our daughter who has Autism and struggles with anything like this but Linda was really patient and took the time to make sure we had brilliant photos.
Would not use anyone else for our family photos !!!"
Georgina