Photographing Autism: Embracing ‘Their Own Time and Space’

February 20, 2025

Some sessions stay with you long after they’re over. Last month, I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful family with twin boys. Their mother had shared with me that traditional posed photography had never really worked for them—her boys live fully in their own world, moving through life in a way that is entirely their own.

Photographing Autism: Embracing ‘Their Own Time and Space’. Family photographer Anna Dobrovolskaia|Richmond, VA

She described it beautifully: “In Māori, ‘autism in their own world’ translates to ‘takiwātanga, ’ meaning ‘their own time and space.’ Candid photography captures this essence perfectly. The spectrum is vast, and by stepping back to let individuals be authentically themselves, we freeze moments of pure magic. Many autistic children find waiting and stillness challenging, but in those candid moments, we capture their unique spirit forever.”

Neurodivergent twin boys enjoying an indoor swing during a home photoshoot

Candid family photography capturing autistic twins in their natural environment

Unposed home photography of autistic twins enjoying their everyday routine

A heartfelt family photography session celebrating neurodivergent children

Natural light family portrait of parents and their autistic twin boys

Unscripted family session highlighting ‘takiwātanga’—their own time and space

Photographer capturing raw and real moments of neurodivergent children

Authentic moments of twin boys in their own time and space during a photo session

That made me even more eager to approach the session differently. Instead of directing, I followed. Instead of asking, I observed. And what unfolded in front of my lens was something raw, real, and full of quiet magic. There was no need for poses—just the boys being themselves, lost in their own rhythm, their parents embracing them as they are.

These are the kinds of moments I treasure the most—the ones where nothing is forced, where we simply let life happen and witness the beauty within it.