photographing special needs child

My friends' daughter (age 7) has fairly severe cerebral palsy and she would like me to photograph her. Is there any one way that is better than another to capture the best pic? Thanks for any help.

[QUOTE=holly1230_11]My friends' daughter (age 7) has fairly severe cerebral palsy and she would like me to photograph her. Is there any one way that is better than another to capture the best pic? Thanks for any help.

I'm sure the family is aware that she has CP. You don't need to try to disguise it. Just get her comfortable, feeling natural and enjoying herself like you would any other seven-year-old.

Some special needs children can suffer seizures when exposed to strobes or flash. Be sure you consult with the parents about flash use. They probably would have mentioned, but you can't be too safe.

thank you both for the advice. i was asking b/c her parents have taken her to studios in the past and haven't been happy b/c she doesn't have much head control and cannot sit up on her own - so all of the pics always look stiff and unnatural.

First of all, I'm not an expert... actually, I don't even call myself an "amateur", but based on the few times I have tried to take pictures of kids:

1. Set up the room (or place) where you are going to take the pictures before the kid is there. They don't usually wait too much, so make sure you have everything ready (lights, background, etc).

2. Talk to them. Ask them what they like (TV shows, friends, toys, etc). If they start talking, they might forget about the picture... and hopefully look more natural.

3. Let them play... give them a stuffed animal or something to make sure they are relaxes. Just be careful not to give them something that will affect the subject of the picture.

4. Ask the parents what makes her laugh and do some little research. My kids love knock-knock jokes and I memorize a few before I take pictures.

I think the important part to remember is that they get bored and scared really easy. Sometimes, a little break is better than shooting 50 pictures when the subject is stressed out.

Sorry if I said something that is obvious...I always tend to think that everybody is a beginner like me

Leo.

thanks so much leo - i am also very much an amateur and appreciate any words of advice.

This may sound odd, but if she has a problem holding up her head, what about having her curled up in the arms of a parent....his/her head leaning up against hers... or supported by dad's shoulder and looking out toward the camera. They provide the support so that her face communes with the camera.

Sorry, maybe I wasn't saying that right. I just think that the best child pictures are not of laughing or smiling children. I would think her eyes have a lot to say since she has been through so much in her short life and the parent supporting her head so she can look natural would make a wonderful photo. I envy you that you have such a wonderful opportunity.

thanks - that is a wonderful idea. i'll give that one a try also.

Holly, I would love to see the results, if the parents approve.

Placing her against a beanbag chair covered with fabric may help support her head. You could position yourself on a step ladder above her and have her on her back on the floor looking up at you. Maybe you could have her cross her arms to support her on a box or table, in a pose as if she's looking over a fence. (Don't know quite how to explain it.)