One evening this week, I was photographing a very special family session. Not only was the client a friend of mine, but her son has Asperger's, which is a form of Autism. This was a first for me. Now, for those who may not know, one of my many areas of teaching certification is in Special Education, so I had a few tidbits of knowledge to help me try to make this session successful.

When I arrived, my main subject, Paul, was busy in the yard, trying to help me stage good sets. So, one thing I have learned with clients who are nervous about the session is to let them "be themselves." I let Paul help me. He moved a tree stump, because he thought it would make a good picture, to a location that I thought would photograph better (heavy work helps with sensory issues). He went into the garage and brought out a selection of knick knacks and made an arrangement on the deck. I was blown away at his precise artistic staging. Everything was placed very intentionally, and I had to photograph it because it was BEAUTIFUL.

When I began taking Paul's picture, he was stiff and nervous at first. I kept talking to him. I told him if he needed a break, to just get up and move.  I continued to shoot images and just let him "be Paul." I managed to continue entertaining him with teen boy banter (helps that I speak "teenage boy" fluently from teaching high school), all the while capturing many very good images of him. Out of the blue Paul gets this great serious expression and says, "I have figured you out." (HA! I captured that precise moment!)

Hmmmm...I was curious what was coming next...

"You keep moving your head and talking to me so that I will change my expression. You tricked me."

Yep, trickery. One hour of trickery. Guess what? All of my teacher training has really helped me work with kids on photo shoots. Thank you Morehead State University & Georgetown College. Teaching and Photography have something in common....build trust and a relationship with your students & clients, and the result is priceless.