Headshot Photography for Autistic, ADHD & Neurodivergent Adults | Sausalito

Autism & ADHD-Friendly Headshot Photography | Sensory-Conscious Studio

Getting professional headshots when you're autistic, have ADHD, or are neurodivergent doesn't have to be overwhelming, stressful, or sensory hell. My Sausalito studio is specifically designed to be a calm, predictable, low-pressure environment where you can get the professional photos you need without the anxiety that usually comes with it.

Whether you're autistic, have ADHD, are highly sensitive (HSP), experience sensory sensitivities, or are neurodivergent in other ways, I understand that traditional photography sessions can be genuinely difficult - too much stimulation, unclear expectations, forced small talk, unpredictable timelines, and photographers who don't understand why you need things explained a certain way.

This headshot experience is different. It's designed with your needs in mind from start to finish.

Serving autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including SF, Sausalito, Marin County, East Bay, Oakland, and Berkeley.

Why This Is Different:

  • Designed for Autistic & ADHD Brains

  • Clear Communication from the Start

  • You'll know exactly what to expect before you arrive.

  • I send a detailed outline of the session including:

    • Exact timeline (we start at X time, photos begin at X time, we finish at X time)

    • What will happen and in what order

    • Photos of the studio space so you know what it looks like

    • Where to park and how to enter the building

    • What I'll say and ask you to do during the session

    • Emergency exit plan if you need to leave early

    • No surprises. No ambiguity. No "just be natural" with zero direction.

    Sensory-Conscious Studio Environment

  • My Sausalito studio is designed to minimize sensory overload

  • Quiet space (no loud music, no sudden noises)

  • Consistent, adjustable lighting (not harsh fluorescents)

  • Temperature controlled

  • No strong scents or fragrances

  • Option to have music, white noise, or silence—your choice

  • Comfortable seating for breaks

  • Sunglasses welcome if you need them between shots

  • You can bring headphones, fidgets, stim toys, weighted items—whatever helps you regulate

  • Clear, Direct Instructions (Not Vague Photographer-Speak) I give specific, concrete direction during the session:

    • "Turn your shoulders slightly to the left"

    • "Tilt your chin down about an inch"

    • "Look at the red dot on the camera"

    • "Shift your weight to your left foot"

  • If something I'm asking doesn't make sense, you can ask me to clarify—I won't be offended or think you're difficult.

  • Asking for clarification is expected and welcome.

  • No Forced Eye Contact or Small Talk

  • You don't have to make eye contact with me during the session

  • We can skip small talk entirely if you prefer

  • If you communicate better via text, we can do that

  • If you need quiet time to process or recharge between shots, that's completely fine

  • You can bring a support person, partner, or friend if that would help

  • I won't ask you to "smile more" or perform emotions you're not feeling

    Flexible Pacing for ADHD & Autistic Needs

    We can take breaks whenever you need them—to stim, to move, to reset. If you need to pace, fidget, or move around between photos, that's expected and fine. If you need the session to be shorter or faster-paced to maintain focus, we can adjust. If you need more time to warm up and transition into the space, we build that in. Restlessness, stimming, and needing movement aren't problems - they're part of how you self-regulate

    Predictable Process, No Pressure to Mask

  • I won't pressure you to smile if you don't want to smile

  • "Serious professional" photos are completely valid

  • If something feels uncomfortable, you can tell me and we'll try something different

  • You don't have to make "normal" facial expressions or suppress your natural body language

  • There's no "wrong" way to do this

  • You can be yourself—stimming, not making eye contact, moving in ways that help you feel comfortable

    I understand that what you're asking for isn't "special treatment"—it's basic accessibility. Needing clear communication, predictable structure, and sensory accommodation isn't being high-maintenance. It's how your brain works best, and this session is designed around that. As an autistic or ADHD person, you shouldn't have to mask, suppress your needs, or push through sensory overload just to get professional photos. This session removes those barriers and I’m excited to help you!