This is James Duncan Phyfe, known in our house as the Brand Ambassador for Phyfe Photos!

Isn't he the cutest?

You'll see him splashed all over this page (and my Facebook and Instagram!) What can I say? He's my favorite model!

What you don't see is that he was diagnosed with Hypotonia (loose ligaments and weak muscles) at 10 months old. 

He was then diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 15 months old.

He was further diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 24 months old.

I don't just work with children and adults with disabilities - our whole family is IN the Special Needs Community!

James is now 5 years old and the sweetest, smartest little boy in the whole world. (Kindergarten - here we come!)

We absolutely still have challenging days - but we also love and laugh through as much as we can!

But you don't look at these pictures and see a child with CP or ASD, do you?

You see a beautiful, bright, happy toddler whose smiles light up the world. That's all I see when I look at your children too!

I don't see their labels, their diagnoses, their struggles. I see how much you LOVE them and they love you - and together, we'll work to capture just that!

I don't push for poses - instead, I try to capture them in their natural environment doing whatever makes them genuinely happy. You bring their favorite toys, books, games, or snacks and we will all sing their favorite songs til they smile.

You know your child better than anyone. You know their unique expressions and gestures, their quirks and talents, their treasured possessions and favorite spots. I will take as much time as we need to get them comfortable and confident around me. We'll play and laugh and take it easy together.

No rush. No pressure. Just a family having fun and me pointing the camera to glimpse your amazing connections to one another.

Big hugs, from one Mama Bear to another

 

*** For examples of other families I have photographed with Special Needs Children, please drop me a line on FB or IG and I'll be happy to share those images! Out of respect to those children, they are not separated on this site.