Specialist Family & Child Photographer for Children with Additional Needs
Calm, child-led photography sessions designed with your child’s comfort at the centre.
I’m Jo-anne — a Melbourne based family photographer specialising in calm,
child-led photography for children with additional needs and their families.
This is a safe, understanding photography experience designed around your child — not expectations.
Natural, connection-focused photography for families just as they are.
As your photographer, I take the time to get to know your family, hear your story, and create a relaxed experience where genuine connection can shine. Whether you are celebrating a new baby, capturing a family milestone, or simply wanting beautiful portraits to fill your home with love,
I would be honoured to be part of those moments with you.
I photograph children as they are — curious, playful, energetic, thoughtful, gentle, and wonderfully unique.
No pressure. No forced smiles. Just genuine connection.
Creating calm, sensory-aware environments where children feel comfortable and supported is at the heart of every session. I understand the challenges that can come with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, physical limitations, and behavioural needs, and I approach every family with patience, flexibility, and care.
There is no pressure for perfect poses or forced smiles — just authentic moments, meaningful connection, and photographs that reflect your family beautifully.
I specialise in calm, child-led family photography for children with additional needs across
Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs and beyond.
If your child would benefit from extra time to feel comfortable, I’m always happy to work at a pace that feels right for your family. Whether that means rescheduling due to overwhelm, allowing time to become familiar with me and my camera equipment, or choosing a location your child already feels safe in — we’ll create a session experience designed around your family’s needs.
My goal is to listen, support, and make the entire process feel calm, flexible,
and enjoyable for everyone involved.
To help prepare your child before our session, you can also explore our fun and interactive
Social Story or Visual Schedule designed to familiarise children with the photography experience
in a gentle and engaging way.
Natural, connection-focused photography for families just as they are.
Families are often surprised by just how relaxed the experience feels,
and emotional seeing the genuine moments we capture together.
If you’d love to chat more about booking a session, I’d be so happy to hear from you.
I look forward to meeting your family.
Natural, timeless, connection-focused photography that creates meaningful artwork your family will treasure for years to come.
Contact me
Every family’s story is different, and I’d love to learn more about yours.
Feel free to share a little about your child, your family, or anything that would help me create a calm and comfortable photography experience for you.
Questions are always welcome too — I’m here to help make the process feel easy and supported from the very beginning.
You can also reach me directly on 0408 734 007.
I can’t wait to create beautiful memories for your family.
Jo Danes – Photographer