Gentle Photography for wonderfully wired families.

Tag: parenting

  • Imagine That — Attainable Children’s Fantasy Photography in Ottawa

    Imagine That — Attainable Children’s Fantasy Photography in Ottawa

    Children dream in vivid colors. They fly planes, command trains, roam prehistoric landscapes, and explore enchanted worlds—all before lunch. At My Special Interest, we believe photography should be more than just pretty pictures. It should be a portal into the magical, meaningful worlds your children already live in.

    Recently, I had the joy of photographing a young boy who adores trains. Dressed in suspenders and a newsboy cap, we set out for the Canada Science and Technology Museum, where vintage locomotives lined the tracks. He didn’t just pose—he played, he imagined, he became the boy who lived in that world. Every photo from that day tells a story rooted in history, fantasy, and joy. This wasn’t just a photoshoot. It was a dream come true.

    And here’s the best part: fantasy doesn’t need to be far-fetched or expensive. Ottawa is filled with accessible locations that ignite children’s imaginations and make for unforgettable photo sessions.

    ✈️ For the Skyward Dreamer

    The Canada Aviation and Space Museum offers hangars full of real aircraft and room to run. Your future pilot can don a vintage bomber jacket, climb into a cockpit, and let their dreams take flight.

    🦕 For the Curious Explorer

    At the Canadian Museum of Nature, kids can stand beside towering dinosaur skeletons, explore arctic ecosystems, and pretend they’re scientists on a grand expedition. Costumes? Optional. Wonder? Guaranteed.

    🏛️ For the Time Traveler

    The Canadian Museum of History offers sweeping architecture and immersive exhibits that let kids travel through time. Whether dressed as a pioneer or a knight, your child can inhabit a rich past full of stories.

    🚂 For the Train Enthusiast

    And of course, our beloved Science and Tech Museum—a hidden gem for locomotive lovers. With heritage trains and industrial backdrops, it’s the perfect place for kids who dream in steam and steel.

    What Makes It Special?

    These aren’t just themed shoots—they’re sensory-safe, neurodivergent-friendly experiences created with your child’s unique interests at heart. We embrace what makes your child light up and build an environment where they can feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

    Fantasy photography doesn’t need castles or fairies to feel magical. Sometimes, all it takes is a train, a hat, and someone who believes in the story your child wants to tell.

    Ready to capture your child’s imagination?
    Let’s make some magic—without ever leaving Ottawa.

    📸 Book your session
    📍 Locations: Ottawa & surrounding area
    💌 macarieleigh@gmail.com

  • Everyday Magic: Lifestyle Photography for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids

    Everyday Magic: Lifestyle Photography for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids

    (NOTE: not all the children in these images are neurodiverse – they are just images from sessions that I love!!)

    If you’ve ever felt like traditional family photography just doesn’t fit your family—you’re not alone. You schedule the photoshoot, prep the outfits, hype up your kid… and still end up with stiff poses, sensory overload, or a meltdown (sometimes yours).

    Here’s the good news: You don’t need picture-perfect poses to have meaningful, beautiful photos. That’s where lifestyle photography comes in—and it might just be the gentle, authentic approach your neurodivergent child (and you!) have been looking for.

    Let’s explore what lifestyle photography is, why it’s ideal for neurodiverse families, and how to make it a joyful experience for everyone involved.

    🌿 What Is Lifestyle Photography?

    Lifestyle photography is all about capturing people in their natural environments, doing things they love. Think less “say cheese” and more “this is us, on a Tuesday, dancing in the kitchen.” It tells stories through real, unscripted moments.

    For neurodiverse kids, this approach can feel much safer and more aligned with how they move through the world.

    🧠 Why It Works for Neurodiverse Kids

    Here’s why lifestyle photography can feel like a breath of fresh air:

    • No pressure to pose – Your child can stim, wander, fidget, flap, or focus on a special interest—and that’s not only okay, it’s perfect.
    • Familiar settings – Photos happen in comfortable places: your home, the backyard, or their favorite sensory-friendly spot.
    • Freedom to be themselves – Lifestyle sessions aren’t about controlling the moment—they’re about witnessing it.

    There’s no need to change or “fix” anything about your child’s natural rhythm. The goal is to celebrate it.

    📷 Tips for a Beautiful Lifestyle Session

    Whether you’re hiring a photographer or capturing moments yourself, here are some tips to make lifestyle photography meaningful and relaxed:

    1. Choose the Right Time of Day

    Pick a time when your child is most regulated. For some kids, that’s after a meal or after their routine. Avoid nap time or transitions if those tend to be tough.

    2. Let Them Take the Lead

    Follow your child’s energy. If they want to line up toy cars, build a blanket fort, or jump on the couch—let them. These moments tell their story.

    3. Be Candid, Not Posed

    Focus on interaction. Snuggle. Play. Read a book together. Let your child stim or hyperfocus. These real-life moments hold the most heart.

    4. Include Comfort Items

    Weighted blankets, fidget toys, headphones, favorite plushies—include them all. They’re part of your child’s world and deserve to be documented with love.

    5. Work with a Neurodiversity-Affirming Photographer

    Look for someone who understands or is open to learning about neurodivergent needs. Ask how they approach sensory sensitivity, meltdowns, or pacing the session.

    💛 What You’re Really Capturing

    Lifestyle photography isn’t about getting your child to fit the photo—it’s about shaping the photo to fit them.

    You’re capturing:

    • The way they squint when they’re deep in thought.
    • The joy in their eyes when they talk about trains.
    • The quiet way they reach for your hand when they’re feeling unsure.
    • The safe little world you’ve built together.

    These are the moments you’ll want to remember. And they’re so much more meaningful than “perfect” smiles.

    Final Thought

    In a world that often tells neurodiverse kids to sit still and fit in, lifestyle photography says: You’re already enough.

    So next time you reach for your camera (or book a session), remember: the magic isn’t in the setup. It’s in the everyday—messy, beautiful, sensory, and uniquely yours. Keep capturing it. 💛