If you're the parent of a child with autism, you already know that what should feel simple, like taking family photos, can often feel anything but.
Maybe you've tried a session before and left with only stress. Maybe you're afraid your child won’t “cooperate.” Or maybe, like so many families I’ve worked with, you just want someone who gets it—someone who sees your child the way you do. At Samantha Ann Photo, we offer more than just beautiful images. We offer understanding. Flexibility. A calm environment designed for your child’s needs. And it’s personal, because this isn’t just my work, it’s my life.
I’m the mom of a teenager with autism (in addition to the certifications and Master's Degree I hold). I’ve lived every phase - from sensory overwhelm to transitions that take time. I know what overstimulation looks like. I know how to spot the moment we need to pause, regroup, or change course. And most importantly, I know how to create space where your child is seen, respected, and never rushed.
A Studio That Feels Like Home
Our photography studio in Swansboro was intentionally designed with families and neurodivergent children in mind. It’s quiet, cozy, and free from distractions. We use soft lighting, neutral tones, and calming prompts, not loud noises or high-energy demands. Sessions are child-led and built around comfort, not control.
When we step outside for beach or outdoor sessions, I use the same approach: sensory-friendly, zero-pressure, and always guided by your child’s pace. I can suggest locations considering your loved one's support needs as well as session times that will create the best outcome for your final product.
Why Working with a Local Matters
Being a Swansboro native means this community is personal to me. I know the light, the seasons, the quiet corners of the coast that are peaceful and uncrowded. I know how to navigate the best locations based on your child’s needs - whether that’s avoiding the midday heat or choosing spots with fewer visual distractions. When you hire a local professional, you’re not getting someone who’s Googling “family beach photo tips” the night before. You’re getting someone who has spent years building relationships here, serving families here, and preserving memories right here on the Crystal Coast.
And when that professional is also trained in working with children who think, feel, and experience the world differently, that’s not just a bonus, it's peace of mind.
No matter your child’s sensory profile, developmental stage, or communication style, your family deserves to be documented. Not “when things get easier.” Not “if they can sit still.” Now. These moments, exactly as they are, matter. Your photos should reflect the love, resilience, and joy that lives in your family every single day.
If you’re looking for someone who will meet your family with experience, grace, and the ability to create meaningful portraits without pressure, I’d be honored to work with you.
Reach out to book your session.
