We are all created wonderfully and imperfectly perfect, some just have those imperfections displayed more visibly. That doesn’t mean someone’s wedding day should be less special, less exquisite, or less meaningful. It should be a day where two people start their forever with that very person they found that makes them feel all those things; the butterflies, the excitement for tomorrow, the security of their future and the hope of each day being better than the last. Together. With your camera in hand, you hold the power to shape those feelings and memories into something tangible that they’ll hold onto for a lifetime.
Planning a wedding can be a fun and emotionally exhausting undertaking. When you are doing that as an individual with a disability, that exhaustion can become even more challenging… but it doesn’t have to. My goal is to make the wedding industry more accessible and welcoming to those with disabilities, not only despite their disabilities but in celebration of them. I am a mother of two beautiful girls, Addison & Gabriella, Gabby having multiple disabilities. As a photographer of over seventeen years and seeing the immense weakness that our industry holds, my new goal is to get the wedding industry ready for my beautiful daughter and we all need to start now.
As wedding vendors, we can become so very wrapped up in design, budgets and how we always do things. I know, I am one. Photographers can get stuck in a posing rut and freeze when someone rolls in with a wheelchair and bridal gown stores may offer dresses that simply won’t work because of the client’s specific needs. I know we aren’t always intending poor service or hurt feelings, most often we just need to learn…as I did. An interabled couple needs their day envisioned with a unique perspective or with a fresh twist on a traditional offering. The great news is that we can make a huge difference by being ready, educated and willing to do things a little differently even if it’s not what we are used to.
When clients are searching for their wedding vendors, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask additional questions, see what ideas you would have for them or see how you’ve gone the extra mile in the past. After all, we are creative people by nature in this industry…we should be able to create adaptive solutions. We need to work hard to make our clients, disabled or not, feel good about who they are and be equally excited to work with them in return. When a client comes to us, they should be able to open the door and find a professional – someone that knows how to handle most situations, and if you aren’t familiar with something, be able to become familiar. They should be able to find a photographer who wants to show off their disability or limb difference and embrace their beauty, recognize the need to use flattering angles that they don’t typically shoot and even just not be afraid to ask the necessary questions to get the desired outcome with their images. They should never have to settle – this is a day worth investing in and celebrating no matter their differences.
When reflecting on your expertise in this area, consider the following questions:
- Have you ever worked with someone with a disability before?
- What ideas do you have that will include this unique story?
- What is one way you’ve thought outside the box in the past? What are some examples?
- Do you have anyone in your circle with any disabilities?
- How accessible are you during the planning process?
- Is your space ADA accessible? If not, will you meet somewhere that is?
- Do you have any references that can give me insight into how it is to work with you?
Even if you have a lot of experience in working with people that are different from you or have different abilities, signing up for something like a styled shoot with diverse models is a great way to become more confident and show a whole new demographic of potential clients that this is important to you. They are important to you. And guess what…?! This year at The Reset Conference in Panama City, you’ll get that chance!
So, this right here is the permission you’ve been needing – go out there and invest in yourself, your business and your community. Learning about others is always a step in the right direction even if it’s a little uncomfortable at first. And don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you!
Xoxo,
Kellie
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