Photoshoot Accessibility Guide
As a chronically ill photographer, accessibility in photography is something I feel really strongly about, so I’ve put together this accessibility guide for my own shoots so you know what kinda of accommodations are available before you book! Have a need that isn’t covered here? Please don’t hesitate to ask or mention it in your pre-shoot questionnaire!
General accessibility
Our studio here is fully accessible with large modern lifts to bring you up to our home on th 4-th floor of Broadstone Mill in Stockport. We have smooth floors with plenty of turning space for even the bulkist of power-chairs. Plus a disabled access toilet, full kitchen if needed, and large communal waiting area.
If you struggle with certain movements there will be space to let me know in the pre-shoot questionnaire so I can alter the posing accordingly. Whether you need to keep a mobility aid with you during the shoot, or a service animal, I can make sure these are accommodated for!
Masking
You can always request that I wear a mask on set, whether you’re immunocompromised or not, if you’d feel more comfortable with me and any other team members wearing masks for you shoot, that is no problem.
Please note however, this is a shared building, and whilst you won’t come into contact with that many people on your way in, I would still advise you keep your mask on until you’re in the studio to be safe. We have plenty of mirrors and space for touching up your makeup if needed!
Flash
I work with both flash and natural light, so if you can’t tolerate strobes either because of sensory issues, or photosensitivity, please let me know! I also have some wonderful natural light studios I work with so you’re not limited to being on location!
Neurodivergent accessibility
As an AuDHD person myself, I know how little our needs are met! Our studio in Stockport is quiet and far from any crowds, you’re free to have a quiet shoot or play your own music if you prefer. I give detailed instructions on getting to the studio and what to expect on your shoot ahead of time.
Feel free to let me know of any fabrics you have a sensory aversion to and I’ll make sure they’re covered, or taken out of the shoot workflow entirely. And feel free to let me know if you prefer the space to be cooler or warmer!
I also tailor our pre-shoot communication to your needs, whether you prefer written communication, video calls, or telephone calls, just let me know in the form when you book in.
A slower photoshoot experience.
I myself struggle with my health and so am adjustment I’ve make for myself on shoots is that I often shoot from a chair! Can you only manage short bursts? Need time to rest or frequent water/toilet breaks etc.? I can slow things down and pace the shoot so you don’t over exert yourself and have a good time without fatigue knocking you over the head for days afterwards. All my shoot times are estimates, I never book more than one shoot on a given day so if you need freqent breaks or are likely to run late, you can rest easy knowing you won’t be charged extra.
I also know that cashflow can be a bit different for a lot of disabled folk and creatives alike, so I offer payment plans for every shoot, big or small. You can spread your payments with no interest or credit agreements across up to 6 months after you pay your deposit!
Skin sensitivities and allergies
Do you have a skin condition or sensitive skin? If we’re working with a make-up artist, this info will be passed along so they know that certain materials or products can’t be used.
Don’t forget to also list any food allergies as studios often have drinks and snacks out and I want to make sure the space is a safe for you as possible! I myself am coeliac so I’m very used to avoiding cross-contact, even if we won’t be working with food, I know allergens can pop up in some tricky spaces!
D/deaf or hard of hearing
If you’re hard of hearing you should have no problem on my shoots, I walk you through everything step by step and visually demonstrate each pose. I’m experienced in talking with lip readers, and also interpreters, I even know some basic BSL! (Enough to chat about how you are but I’m still learning!)
Chaperones
Whether you need a translator, mobility support, or just moral support, you are more than welcome to bring a chaperone to any of my shoots! If they’re helping you with translation (e.g. a sign language interpreter) let me know so I can communicate with you as effectively as I can on the day! There’s a big comfy sofa and plenty of space in the studio if you’ll have more than one person with you, or need to bring your kiddo with, they’re more than welcome! Just please note that pets outside of service animals are not permitted.
If there is ever anything else I can do to accommodate you on our photoshoots then please don’t hesitate to let me know! Everyone deserves great photos, and who you are should never be a barrier to that.