The Magic In The Moment :: Columbus, Ohio Children's Photographer

When I began photography, posed portraiture is all you did. I was trained at Ohio University in studio portraiture, and interned with a product photographer my senior year. Needless to say, lifestyle was never in my mind.

Then I met Brodie and his mom, Danielle. He was her first, and you could just see the love in her eyes. He was an absolutely beautiful child, however, he also tested my patience by holding the record (at the time) of longest newborn session. His session was just under 5 hours! It worked out for the best though, because in that 5 hours, Danielle and I clicked and I made a wonderful friend! I photographed him every month, every holiday, and every season. I photographed him SO much, clients that didn't know him or Danielle would ask, "how is Brodie!?" and gush about how cute he was. I mean, who wouldn't?? He had these big blue eyes, and beautiful blonde hair.

After a few years, I began to notice photographing Brodie was becoming harder and harder. He wouldn't make eye contact and he would fidget uncontrollably. We tried anything, snacks, music (I still have Elmo's world stuck in my head.) and being as silly as possible. Brodie would just get overwhelmed, cry and run off.

It was a few months later when I was driving to register my son for Kindergarten and my phone rang. It was Danielle, and Brodie had been diagnosed with Autism. Now, Brodie has, and continues to face numerous medical obstacles, however, this one scared me the most. I had never photographed a child with Autism before, and as Type A as I was with photographing, it made me especially nervous.

After many failed "look at the camera!' and making these awful bird sound attempts, Brodie wasn't having it, and I can't say I blame him. My last "posed" attempt with him was the Spring of 2016, and knowing Brodie loves animals I suggested we photograph near a duck pond in Pickerington. We gave Brodie a snack, and what happened next? Every Canadian Goose in Fairfield County decided to rush use in hopes of snagging that granola bar. The Geese got their snack and I am pretty sure I scarred Brodie for life, because the last time I checked, he still hates Geese.

After that, Danielle and I decided that we would simply get together and if Brodie cooperated, then great! We would allow him to just be Brodie. and I can tell you, they were the best images I got of him, ever!

Now, Brodie is getting older, and he and I just click. I love meeting up with him and his mom for our outings. When I see him, I don't see a boy with autism. I see a boy who loves animals (except geese), this silly crazy personality, and a kid with killer dance moves!

Photographing Brodie has taught me to see the world differently, and to accept the magic in the moment. I no longer wait for that "perfect" shot, I take the photo when I see the kids personality come out. I photography my clients and my own children differently because of this little man.

Parents, if your children do not sit still for photos, or aren't a fan of posing, please do not worry. We got this! It's our jobs to see your children as they are. Silly, goofy, running through fields and just being kids!

Now, Occasionally, I do get Brodie to give me a really good smile with his mama...

But, mostly, the other images look like this, and that's ok. I adore the moment.

Side note: Thank you to the awesome staff at The Book Loft for allowing us to photograph here!

To learn more about Autism, or to donate to help children like Brodie please visit Autism Speaks