Anyone shoot a family member with down syndrome?

Moogle Pepper

Even though I have a psychology background, I don't have extensive knowledge on down syndrome.

A recent wedding I shot, one of the bridesmaid has down syndrome and she was a doll. But. Sorting through the photos, I am having a hard time finding one with a nice smile. Mostly grimaces and half smirks. I am sure the bride and groom will understand that I can't find a shot with a smile, but I told them I will try to get one even though throughout the night it was very difficult to get her to laugh, let alone smile. Her family and the B+G had a really difficult time, also, trying to get her to laugh or smile. (I prefer people laughing than smiling.)

I am not sure if I am looking at them right- meaning, is my preconception of a "smile" vastly different compared to a smile made by one with down syndrome.

Angelo

As Annie Liebovitz said: "I never ask anyone to smile. There is NOTHING natural about a person smiling for the camera. Pure amateurism!!!"

Maybe look for a natural, relaxed facial expression? My former sister-in-law has DS and natural, candid shots of her were always best and often the only good ones. good luck


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kdog

Angelo wrote: »

As Annie Liebovitz said: "I never ask anyone to smile. There is NOTHING natural about a person smiling for the camera. Pure amateurism!!!"

Maybe look for a natural, relaxed facial expression? My former sister-in-law has DS and natural, candid shots of her were always best and often the only good ones. good luck


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Great advice. Hi Angelo!

angevin1

Moogle Pepper wrote: »

Even though I have a psychology background, I don't have extensive knowledge on down syndrome.

A recent wedding I shot, one of the bridesmaid has down syndrome and she was a doll. But. Sorting through the photos, I am having a hard time finding one with a nice smile. Mostly grimaces and half smirks. I am sure the bride and groom will understand that I can't find a shot with a smile, but I told them I will try to get one even though throughout the night it was very difficult to get her to laugh, let alone smile. Her family and the B+G had a really difficult time, also, trying to get her to laugh or smile. (I prefer people laughing than smiling.)

I am not sure if I am looking at them right- meaning, is my preconception of a "smile" vastly different compared to a smile made by one with down syndrome.

No. A smile is a smile. and with the psych-degree you also know smiles have a bunch of mythology tied into them as to why we smile.

Downs-syndrome folk are not as self aware. Which by itself means they don't give a rats-A__ what you expect them to do. And looking at it further means they are very free to express just how they feel, verbally or non-v.

As for the photos you shot, you're stuck with what you see. And though it may not appear to mesh with what you expected, it is very realistic.

In order to get DS folks , autistic/asperger folks to smile or what have you, you have to engage them personally. You have to leave your world for a minute and enter into theirs. Then, you can get what you may want photographically.

~~Just a nurses view~

Angelo

kdog wrote: »

Great advice. Hi Angelo!

Hi Joel