I've been photographing this family for as long as I can remember, and I have to say that I am particularly proud of this session.  It may not look much different from any of my other recent sessions, but the smiles I was able to capture of four year old Zafer mean the world to me. 

Photographing three young siblings is always a challenge, but Zafer has autism, and as such, there are unique challenges in photographing him.  But at the same time, getting photos that capture his beautiful personality is incredibly rewarding. 

Posing is not really an option and I have learned for family shots to take as many shots as possible and then to stretch my photoshop skills to make it work.  For example, I took tons of the same pose of the family shot below.  I was so thrilled to have one shot where Zafer was looking at the camera and smiling!!  But of course, Dad had his eyes closed in that one perfect shot of Zafer.  No big deal since I had taken enough of the same photo to where I could just swap dad's head out for a new one.  Photo shop to the rescue!  It may seem less authentic to some, but I don't think so.  The smiles and the love shown for each other is genuine.  

Also I have had to be creative in getting his attention.  It just so happens that Fist Bumps work miracles.  When I'm trying to get pictures of him, I switch to a wide angle lens so I can stand very close to him and ask him to fist bump.  Once we fist bump, he looks at me and smiles!  If I'm quick, I can capture that beautiful smile.   Also, we have been known to make his favorite show play on Mom's Iphone and I hold it above my camera while I shoot.  This is how we managed to get the shots of all three siblings sitting on the swing together.  

Throwing leaves at their family's Fall session has become a tradition with six year old Melody and myself.  This year, baby sister Rinoa (1.5 years old) got in on the fun. I hope that I am able to continue to document this family's memories for years to come. 

Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park Jatko Family Photo Session at Thompson Station Park  Love these pictures?  Please take a minute follow me on Facebook , Instagram or Pinterestand share with your friends who might be interested.  Also, take a moment to sign up for my new monthly newsletter. Email me now to book a session to capture your own family's beautiful moments.