Photographing Neurodivergent Teens: Tips for Creating a Supportive Senior Session
As photographers, we know that senior sessions are about so much more than just capturing a milestone. They’re about helping teens feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are. When working with neurodivergent seniors, that mission matters even more. Many neurodiverse teens won’t even seek out senior photos because they have intense anxiety, or feel uncomfortable around strangers. If you have a parent reach out to you seeking senior photography and they share that their student is neurodiverse, please know that this is a huge honor. They are trusting you to handle this senior session with compassion and white glove care.
I have been photographing neurodiverse teens for several years now and am so thrilled when the families tell me that their senior had a good time at the session. Here are some field-tested tips I use in my own work to better support neurodivergent teens—and create meaningful experiences that truly reflect who they are.
Consider Offering Joint Family/Senior Sessions
Starting with a few family photos helps ease anxiety for many teens. Being with their support system builds trust and gives you a chance to read their comfort level before transitioning into solo shots. I always begin with familiar faces before gently shifting focus to the senior. Sometimes, we will do family photos then senior photos in one part of the park, then move to another part of the park and do another set of family, then senior photos. This just gives a lot more comfortability to any shy senior you may be working with.
Pre-Session Communication Is Everything
Before the session, I ask parents or caregivers to share anything that might help. That could include:
Topics or questions to avoid
Sensory sensitivities (tags, textures, light, sound)
Posing comfort levels
Any specific routines or signals that help their teen regulate
The more you know ahead of time, the smoother (and more compassionate) the experience will be. Check out the blog I wrote for my senior sessions to get an idea of what you can write in your own blog:
How to Prepare for a Great Senior Portrait Session
Avoid Over-Posing
Neurodivergent teens may not respond well to overly detailed posing instructions—and honestly, who does? My approach is to get the pose close, take a few shots, then gently adjust one thing at a time if needed. Let natural moments unfold. Be patient. It’s not about a “perfect” pose—it’s about capturing them.
My general rule is you can correct the pose twice, then you take whatever photo you have and go from there. If you correct the teen too many times, they may close up and withdraw. You really don’t want that, so strive for a great experience (meaning making the teen feel like they are crushing it!) and not perfection.
Learn Their Interests—And Talk About Them!
Before the session, I ask what their favorite topics are. If they love Pokémon, robotics, or Taylor Swift, I’ll brush up on it! Talking about something that they love builds connection, opens up conversation, and helps them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Oh- and let them talk! If you have an Autistic teen that is excited to share with you all about their enthusiasm (their favorite topic) then that means they trust you! Don’t cut them off! Hold the camera up and wait for them to pause - they will smile then and THAT is when you take your photo. Be patient and wait. Listen and value all that they have to say. They will know if you are only half listening.
Respect Personal Space (But Don’t Assume)
I always ask before stepping into someone’s personal space. If the answer is no, I use an 85mm lens and shoot from a respectful distance. Simple check-ins like “Is it okay if I fix this?” or “Do you mind if I come a little closer for this shot?” go a long way in building trust.
Flexibility Beats Perfection
Sometimes, a traditional photo session blueprint just won’t work—and that’s okay. Be ready to pivot. That’s not a failure—it’s success if you’re honoring who they are. Libraries are great places for neurodiverse senior photos! They often love books, it is a quiet location and it is public. Go to a library!
Or, if the teen is into cosplay, let them start off in their cosplay outfit, gain your trust and then ask for a few without their outfit. By then, they will be relaxed and more themselves with you.
Normalize This in Our Industry
We can—and should—normalize inclusive practices. Neurodivergent teens shouldn’t have to mask or accommodate us. We should adapt to them. When we approach every client with curiosity, patience, and empathy, we create safer spaces for everyone.
If you’re not sure where to start, just ask questions with kindness. Be willing to learn. Be open to feedback. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence, patience, and creating a space where teens feel respected and seen.
You’ve got this. And if you ever want to talk shop about inclusive photography, I’m just a message away.
With gratitude,
Stacey
Feasible Photography