Anya: “I’m just like you inside and out, but my brain is wired slightly differently to yours. Please don’t judge me, I struggle everyday as my brain doesn’t stop! You may not be able to see my disability but I will always have it.”
About Anya
Anya’s questionnaire explained how she enjoyed Football and Karate and loved Star Wars. Her one wish was that her cat, who she loved with all her heart, lived forever. I found out Anya was artistic, kind-hearted and family orientated and that her young life was overshadowed by a lack of self-esteem and confidence due to ADHD. Her mother told me how Anya is deeply empathetic and drawn to those who similarly to her, were different to others.
Anya & Rufus
When I met Anya her body language suggested she was a little shy. It was hard for Anya to make eye contact at first, however the more I spoke to her about her cat and the things she loved doing, the more she opened up. She showed me her cat ‘Rufus’, picking him up to face hug and cuddle him. Before long she was attentive, chatty and up for having fun and I really enjoyed her company.
Why Frank & Bloom?
Anya’s Interests
Anya’s shoot was at three locations, all close by. The first was her home so we could include Rufus in her images, the second a football field so she could show me her skills and the third, a nearby woodland and lake so she could show me her Karate moves.
We Are All Different
Anya’s mum knew the experience would give Anya a confidence boost. A shoot dedicated to her, focusing on everything she loved doing. The more I have read about ADHD, the more I have realised what a massive benefit to society ADHD sufferers can be. Anya really made a big impression on me. The world would be super boring if our brains were all wired the same. #thisisme #thisisher
Feedback from clients
"Jo finds out what the girl is actually about and then photographs them in their element, capturing the character of them, rather than just making it about 'prettying' them up. As you can see and hopefully what our girls will see is the energy within us all and the inner light that is in itself more beautiful and powerful than any magazine cover or Barbie doll.”
”Melanie
“Jo did a shoot for my daughter who has zero confidence in herself, but right from the start Jo put her at ease, taking her through the shoot stage by stage. By the end of the day she was buzzing. As for the photos, all I can say is "stunning" and the action shots blew me away! Anya loved all of them, especially the ones of her and her mog. If you want a photographer that captures truly amazing photos and is able to put the child at ease from the start, you won't find better.”
”Heidi
“Lily is undeniably IN these pictures; beyond just being beautiful but being HER. It is so refreshing to see photos of her that aren't pouting or posing and I love that now and in the future she will be able to see her 16 year old self fully open and free. We all felt instantly comfortable and at ease with you which meant we were able to truly enjoy the experience as a whole without any kind of pretence.”
”Melanie
“Jo is an absolute natural with kids and has a natural affinity with them. She manages to make them feel extremely comfortable in no time, and they tend to fall in love with her due to her easy-going, fun, friendly and motherly nature, which makes them feel relaxed and ensures they forget there’s a camera there. This relaxing situation enables Jo to capture your child’s true and beautiful essence."
”Roda
"I felt more myself & comfortable knowing you already knew a lot about me. The photos have really boosted my confidence about myself because it shows the ‘real me!"
”Eloise, 13
"Amelie absolutely loved doing the shoot and she wanted to go back and do it all again! You ‘saw’ Amelie for who she actually was and recorded her personality in a completely natural environment.”
”Kellie
"I cannot help but smile every time I catch a glimpse of one of the photos as they seem to perfectly capture my daughter’s cheeky, beautiful and funny soul in every picture! I love every single photo and I’m already planning to book in my youngest daughter next. Jo, thank you for a gorgeous afternoon and the most beautiful pictures of Imani.”
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