'Photography should be for everyone': Leeds photographer launches SEND-friendly family sessions
The SEND-friendly family photography sessions will be available across Leeds and Yorkshire
An award-winning Leeds photographer has launched a new SEND-friendly family photography service designed to make photography more accessible for families with children who have additional needs, disabilities or neurodivergence.
Simon Wiffen has developed the new sessions for families who may benefit from additional preparation, flexibility and a calm, child-led approach.
Rather than expecting a child to adapt to the photoshoot, the session is shaped around the child’s needs. The service has been developed in consultation with Simon’s wife, an experienced special school teacher and Attention Autism Advanced Practitioner.
The SEND-friendly sessions include additional preparation, flexibility and support to help create a calm, child-led experience tailored around each child’s individual needs. Families can also benefit from introductory video calls and a detailed pre-session questionnaire to help children feel comfortable before photographs begin.
Simon said: “Beautiful family photography should be for everyone. I believe every family deserves the opportunity to capture meaningful memories together, regardless of disability, diagnosis, additional needs or neurodivergence.
“For some families, the thought of organising a photoshoot can feel stressful before the session has even begun. I wanted to create something that removes as many of those barriers as possible and helps every family feel comfortable, supported and included.”
The SEND-friendly family photography sessions will be available across Leeds and Yorkshire.