Through the Lens: Insights from My First Year in a Special Education Classroom
As many of you know, I decided to return to the classroom last fall after several years of focusing solely on my photography business. I took a position teaching in a special education classroom for children with social and emotional needs. This was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but it felt right to give it a try with my fresh start. Not only did I absolutely love my experience in the classroom this year, teaching in a kindergarten and first-grade special education classroom significantly enhanced my skills behind the lens. I’ve always considered myself pretty adept at working with children. I have two of my own and have taught hundreds of students over a decade plus in education. However, over the past year, I've come to realize that the lessons learned in this particular classroom have profoundly influenced my approach to photography, particularly when working with families and children.
Here are three key insights I've gained this year:
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't apply when working with children.
Just as every child in my classroom has unique learning needs and abilities, every family I photograph has its own dynamics and personalities. One of the most crucial lessons I've learned is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to interacting with children or capturing their essence in a photograph. Each child brings her own energy, temperament, and comfort level to the session, and as a photographer, it's essential to adapt my approach accordingly. What works for one child may not work for another, and this understanding has helped me tailor my photographic techniques to bring out the best in each individual.
The easiest way for me to make your session as smooth as possible for you and your family requires your help. When you fill out your pre-session questionnaire, please provide as much information about your child and family dynamic as possible. This insight ahead of time allows me to come prepared with a few tricks up my sleeve to make your session great!
It is essential to meet children where they are at to achieve the goal you want.
In the classroom, I quickly learned the importance of meeting children where they are at developmentally, emotionally, and academically. Similarly, when photographing families, it's crucial to meet children at their level, both physically and emotionally. Whether it's getting down on the ground to capture a toddler's perspective or engaging in playful interactions to elicit genuine smiles, meeting children where they are at creates a sense of trust and comfort that shines through in the final images. By taking the time to connect with each child on their terms, I'm able to capture authentic moments that reflect their unique personalities and relationships within the family.
What does this look like during a session? If your little one isn’t too interested in sitting still for photos, we’ll try a walking pose or I’ll discreetly follow behind him snapping away as he explores his surroundings. If your child is timid, I might offer to let her see her picture in my big camera after I take it or begin working with older children to show her there’s nothing to be scared of.
Patience is key.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson I've learned from my experience in the special education classroom is the importance of patience. Working with young children, especially those with special needs, requires a great deal of patience, understanding, and flexibility. The same holds true for family photography, where unpredictable moments are part of the job. Patience isn't just about waiting for the perfect shot; it's about creating an environment where children feel comfortable and empowered to express themselves naturally. Whether it's waiting for a shy child to warm up to the camera or taking the time to calm a restless toddler, patience allows me to capture genuine moments that tell the true story of a family's love and connection.
Not only does exhibiting patience help us achieve the best reactions from children during a session, it also helps adults relax and capture genuine expressions in front of the camera. Worried or stressed parents make for worried and stressed looks in photos. When everyone takes a deep breath and approaches a session through a lens of patience, everyone wins.
In conclusion, my experience teaching in a kindergarten and first-grade special education classroom this year has been invaluable in shaping my approach to family photography. By recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't apply when working with children, meeting children where they are at, and embracing patience as a guiding principle, I've been able to capture authentic moments that reflect the unique spirit of each family I photograph. As I continue to grow and evolve as both a teacher and a photographer, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunity to share the beauty of family life through my lens.
Ready to schedule your session? Get in touch today!
