A communication device, a sensory toy, a security blanket, or a magnifier needn’t  be stored away for a photograph.  Even if the tools or accessories don’t define the child, just like a trendy shirt, a “scrunchie”, or a large cell phone can add a sense time to image. If these items are included and they are not needed later, you can reflect on progress made. It also sends the message to your child that you appreciate the whole child, and are comfortable with each stage of the journey.

An in expensive video camera may be a better choice for wiggly kids than a still camera.

A few other ideas include:

• Avoid forcing or cajoling children into posing by staring at the lens. Grab a candid shot of the child handing a book to a character, or buying a toy he earned as a reward. These memories might be the ones you cherish more than the ability to stand perfectly still.
• Integrate the child’s interests into the images.  If your child does martial arts, have them show Mulan their blocks and poses, rather than hug her on cue. If your kid has “too much energy”, grab a shot of them bouncing with Tigger. If your child is too shy to speak to Ariel, consider giving her a gift, like a picture or a pin, and let the princess do the talking.  You can use picture symbols, as well. Cast members understand how to facilitate these interactions.
• 

  Taking a photo of a pressed penny might be make a shy subject (holding a penny) more comfortable than taking ANOTHER photo of a kid..

  If your kid is a “hugger” (meaning likely to squeeze the characters so hard someone will call the ASPCA for the damage he’ll do to Pluto) supply the child with a small stuffed animal or squeezable toy to hold during the photo.  This will save the moment by keeping with the theme, but hands are busy until the Pluto hits the next table.

• Get down at child’s level when you take the picture.  The castle looks even larger when you are 40 inches tall, and the tops of Mickey ears are less cute than the person wearing them.  You can even put the camera down low and put a sticker on it so they can look at it, instead of you, if your child does not like to make eye contact.
• Fix it in post-production.  If a little brother creeps in the frame with bunny ears, or Dad’s thumb is in the way, remember that you can edit less than perfect pictures. If you take 3 or 4 shots of the same thing, you can go for the best of the bunch later, instead of holding up the line with your reshoots.
• Use the PhotoPass photographers for family portraits, and tell them what you like, (formal, silly, casual) so they can play along.  If there is a favorite comfort item, like a stuffed Dopey (or Dooney & Bourke purse) see if they can make that a centerpiece of the photo.  They’d be happy to use your camera or iPhone as well, and there is no fee for these services. You can buy the photo online later, if you like. 

  This slideshow requires JavaScript.
• Give a camera to your child. Your child may be more engaged in being the journalist than the subject.  Seeing the World through your child’s eyes may be the best memory you create.

Don’t let others impede on your child’s sense of self by cropping out a walker, taking off the glasses or a hiding a communication device that enables them to access the world. If it is a part of their lives, leave it in the photo. Just make sure the picture, like the vacation itself, focuses on the child’s sense of joy and wonder, rather than than the disability.