Meet Henry.
Henry is an incredible kid with a younger brother and sister, and together they make up the sweetest trio of siblings—each so different, yet all funny, playful, and so much fun to be around. Henry has autism, and while I love watching every child grow, seeing his journey has been especially meaningful.
As both a speech-language pathologist and a photographer, I see the many ways Henry communicates and connects—and it’s nothing short of inspiring. He uses multiple modalities: AAC, speech, scripting, and body language. He has this amazing ability to make you laugh with his hidden sense of humor. And when this kid smiles, you smile.
Henry also has a big love for the things that make him him—YouTube videos, logos, swinging, swimming, sensory play, and –of course– Papa John’s cheese pizza. And he’s especially gifted at creating reels and videos on his iPad. (Trust me, they’re filled with the best one liners and perfect timing that hits the perfect punch line.) Sharing his story feels important, because it reminds us that every child deserves to be seen and celebrated just as they are.
A Session All About Being Himself
From the moment we started, Henry made the session his own. He moved with so much energy and curiosity—dancing in circles with his mom, doing flips with his dad, and stopping to investigate every little thing around him. There were plenty moments of laughs, quiet pauses, and (lots of) surprises. Because that’s just part of it. It wasn’t about following a plan—it was about following Henry, and letting him lead us into the kind of joy that only he could create.
But one of my favorite moments was when Henry walked over, climbed into my lap, and wanted to scroll through my phone. I set my camera down, gave him a hug, and asked what he wanted to see. That simple exchange wasn’t about posing or perfect lighting—it was about connection. And it’s those moments, just as much as the photos themselves, that make sessions like his so meaningful.
A Mom’s Perspective
Before the session, Henry’s mom admitted she carried a lot of uncertainty—questions that many parents of children with autism face. Would the environment be too overwhelming? Would Henry be able to get his wiggles out without breaking something or eloping? What if a sound upset him and led to a meltdown?
But what really kept her from scheduling photos for so long was wondering if a photographer would truly see Henry for who he is—not just the challenges, but the silly, joyful side his family knows so well. That hesitation is so common, and it’s why I take such care to create space where kids can be themselves.
When I asked what stood out most to her during the session, her answer made me smile:
“How relaxed and comfortable he was! He was truly himself and I loved how much he enjoyed quality time with his family.”
The Heart of Henry’s Story
Every family I work with brings something unique and beautiful to their session, and Henry’s was no exception. By leaning into his strengths, honoring his needs, and celebrating what he loves, we captured him just as he is: joyful, curious, hilarious, and completely himself.
Sessions like Henry’s are a reminder that photography isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to book photos, consider this your sign. I would love nothing more than to connect with your family and hear your child’s story—it would truly be an honor.
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