As a freelance photographer, I always aim to be accessible and inclusive no matter the client or team I am working with. Neurodivergent Lens is a part of that service, particularly focussing on how I can use my own lived experience as an autistic person with ADHD to work with clients to ensure they can access photography that ensures they feel accepted, safe and confident.
Maybe you are planning your wedding day and are looking for a photographer who wont pressure you to smile in every shot, or maybe you are planning an accessible event and need someone to document it in a way that considers the sensory needs and comfort of your guests.
Scroll down to learn more about how I work, who else I work with, and why this is important to me.
How I work
What is an accessible photography service?
Below is a small list of the kind of things I can offer to make any of my photography services accessible to you (and/or your guests), but I am of course completely open to any adjustments and will discuss with you during a consultation.
No flash photography
Extra time whenever you need it during the day, event or photoshoot (I would never hurry you!)
Well structured and pre-planned couple/group photos at weddings
Well structured and pre-planned photoshoots
Stickers for any guests who don’t wish to be photographed to wear throughout the wedding day or event
How will i Communicate with you?
For all clients I offer a consultation in a format that suits you and me.
This can be video chat, email, WhatsApp text or voice/video messages, (or if you are local to Manchester this can be in person).
If you are non-verbal, I will communicate in whatever way suits you.
During the meeting we would discuss:
The structure of the day, event or photoshoot
Anything specific that you want photographing
What access requirements you and/or your guest’s have
What I expect from you as my client
Any anxieties you have that I can work to reduce for you
Who I work with
Whenever I have a job where I need a second pair of hands with me, or if I’m not available on a specific date, I have trusted partners who I know will work with the same level of care and understanding, as well as do a smashing job creatively!
Christina Sylvester
She/Her
Christina is a fashion, music and events photographer based in Manchester. She loves to use her skills on other disciplines such as wedding and lifestyle photography. Having ADHD herself, she understands the overwhelm that arises when you’re the subject of the photo. Armed with over 10 years experience of directing and shoot planning, Christina can help take the pressure off and put your mind at ease.
View Christina’s website below:
My Story
Back in 2019 I received an autism diagnosis, and it was around the same time that I dusted off my dads old DSLR camera and decided to have a go at photography as a hobby.
Now after over 7 years of being a professional photographer, collaborating with lots of amazing people and growing so much confidence along the way, I created Neurodivergent Lens with the vision of working with accessibility, inclusivity and mutual understanding at the forefront, as well as looking to foster a community of support for other freelancers and creatives who resonate with the neurodivergent experience.
Being autistic gives me the ability to see and deeply feel the beauty in the details of everyday life, and my camera is the creative tool that lets me translate this to others. Photography has played a fundamental part for me in figuring out my own brain since diagnosis, helping me feel part of communities I previously struggled to feel part of (such as in live music), and has given me confidence I never knew I had. I am fascinated by how the human brain works and the role photography can play in helping us connect with our own minds and the world around us, so this is something I continue to explore through my own photographic practice, and I am keen to explore taking this into a more socially engaged practice where others can share this too!
I work as both a professional photographer and an educator/creative facilitator, using my lived experience of neurodivergence to envision and create a better world for those similar to myself and beyond.
I have multiple training certificates including Safeguarding, Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Trauma Informed Practice, and I am also an Expert by Experience co-trainer for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.
