All Are Welcome Here
There is a beautiful children's book that I have been thinking about a lot.
All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman, is a vibrant, joy-filled book telling the story of a school where every child belongs, where differences are celebrated, and where the message is clear: no matter who you are, you are welcome here.
This philosophy is something I bring into my work as a family photographer.
A photo session with me is more than just taking pictures - I try to make it an experience. I want every family to feel seen, valued, and comfortable when working with me. Thoughtful, inclusive practices make a difference, and today I’m sharing five ways I try to create an inclusive experience for my clients:
1. Asking for pronouns and family dynamics
Names and pronouns matter. When families book with me, I send a questionnaire and ask families to share pronouns so I know how each person would like to be addressed. I also ask about family roles, so I can respectfully acknowledge everyone involved, whether it’s parents, caregivers, grandparents, or chosen family members. By asking, I ensure that everyone is recognized and respected.
2. Considering mobility and accessibility needs
Photography locations should be accessible to everyone. Before a session, I ask families if they have any mobility considerations. Whether it’s ensuring a location is wheelchair-friendly, choosing spots with benches for breaks, or finding flat terrain for easier navigation, I make sure every family can focus on enjoying their time together.
3. Thoughtful design choices for visibility and readability
Accessibility extends beyond the session itself. I intentionally choose easy-to-read fonts for my website and client guides, avoiding overly decorative styles that may be difficult for visually impaired clients. I'm working on updating my website and client guides with high-contrast text as well as adding alt text to images for screen readers.
4. Showcasing diverse families
Representation matters. When clients visit my website, I want them to see families that reflect a variety of backgrounds, identities, and structures. Every family deserves to see themselves in front of the camera, and I strive to showcase a portfolio that reflects the beautifully diverse world we live in.
5. Creating a sensory-friendly experience
For some children (and adults), a photo session can feel overwhelming. Crowded locations, loud noises, and unfamiliar interactions can sometimes be a lot to process. I try to offer a calm, flexible approach. This could mean allowing kids to ease into the session at their own pace, choosing a quiet location, allowing extra time for breaks, or encouraging movement and play throughout the session. Families don’t have to worry about “perfect” behavior and children can feel free to be themselves. My goal is to create a stress-free experience for everyone.
Like All Are Welcome, I want every family I work with to know that their love, their story, and their presence are valued. It's wild to me how the word 'inclusion' has become a controversial headline, but to me, it’s simply about making sure every person feels welcome. It’s something I value deeply and actively incorporate into my business and personal life.
Of course, I'm not perfect and there is always room for improvement. I'm committed to continue prioritizing inclusive practices. I want every member of the LFP family to have the best possible experience, showing up at their photo session feeling seen, at ease, and ready to have fun!
xo,
Lori