PHOTOGRAPHING OLDER FAMILY MEMBERS QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WE WANT TO BOOK BUT AREN’T SURE IF OUR FAMILY MEMBER/S ARE INTERESTED. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?
As lovely as surprises are photography may be one of those times when caution might be warranted. For lots of people being photographed is an awkward or uncomfortable proposition. This may be because of a bad experience in the past, because they are body conscious or maybe just because it is outside their comfort zone. For this reason if a session is your idea and not something they have requested or suggested? It might be best to talk it over with them and even involve them in the process of selecting a photographer because the connection between the subject and the person behind the camera can make or break a session. Furthermore, each photographer has their own unique style of both shooting and editing so you want to try and select someone who can deliver on the vision of the recipient and this may require them viewing the photographer’s portfolio with you before booking.
OUR OLDER FAMILY MEMBER/S AREN’T TECHNOLOGY SAVVY. IS THAT A PROBLEM?
Not at all. If they aren’t, the client questionnaire and contract can be sent to someone within the family who is and they can complete them on behalf of the older family member, or jointly with them. The same can also then occur when the online gallery is ready for delivery. Conversely if your relative is comfortable with modern technology I will gladly complete these steps directly with them. For those who don’t understand digital downloads I can, upon request, provide a USB containing your selected images and there is also the option to order professional quality prints and artwork directly from your online gallery.
OUR RELATIVE HAS SOME MOBILITY OR HEALTH ISSUES.
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE THAT?
I certainly can. I individually tailor each of my sessions and will take the time to discuss the needs, wishes and any limitations participants may have. I have a number of outdoor locations that have easy access that are beautiful. If your family member is unable to leave home or is unable to manage unfamiliar, public locations I will work with you to plan a session either in their home or yours or at another spot known to them.
I THINK MY FAMILY MEMBER/S MIGHT NEED EXTRA HELP ON THE DAY.
CAN I ATTEND WITH THEM?
Absolutely. There are lots of reason why older clients might need some additional assistance from needing to be driven, requiring help to walk or move around, needing help with language and/or translating if English isn’t their first language, to needing the comfort of a familiar face, particularly if they are anxious or suffering a condition such as dementia. If your presence is supporting the creative process that’s great! If I suspect it isn’t and is making your relative awkward or self-conscious I will work with you all to keep things on track. I sometimes find older people, especially if we are taking couple shots, can be quite nervous about being openly affectionate. In cases like this I find it best to move right back and take some images either with my longer lens or through something like flowering bushes so they feel less under the microscope and in that case I would ask you to retreat with me. I would then invite you to move back in closer as soon as your assistance is needed.