When looking for a professional photographer who works with children or adults with special needs, look no further than Masterpiece Christmas and Masterpiece Artwork.

The owners of Masterpiece Christmas, Larry Hersberger and Ela Hersberger enjoy and parent a wonderful little one, who was born with Down syndrome. (or, as some say, Down's syndrome). They are loving parents who would not change a thing about their beautiful Anna Rose.

Part of the family!

From the very beginning, their daughter, Anna Rose was just as much a part of their family as their other two amazing daughters and they have the beautiful portraits to prove it.

After creating many wonderful images of their beautiful daughter and having worked with children with special needs, the word has gotten out of their photographic expertise in this field.

Patience, Love and Understanding.

Being a special needs photographer requires patience, love and understanding. There must be an immediate connection and respect given to each child with special needs, just like all children.

For Larry and Ela, communicating with all children in a genuine manner during a photography session allows the capture of not only memories but the essence of that individual.

Although given much respect and acknowledgment, the child's special need is secondary during the photography session, for they, as seasoned photographers, want to capture the child's spirit and personality in the photos.

Deep Acceptance.

To succeed at such a photo session, the photographer must have a deep acceptance of any disability or special need. This is of the utmost importance and provides respect to children.

A photography session for a child with special needs cannot be done effectively without this show of love and respect. We believe the children can sense your sincerity, or lack thereof, very quickly.

Celebrate "Unique".

At Masterpiece Christmas and Masterpiece Artwork, we celebrate diversity. Disabilities are viewed as part of a person's incredible story. Any person with a disability is part of God's plan and should be viewed with reverence.

We choose to see and photograph the joy and love of life. Disabilities are simply part of a person's story and will be treated with respect from us. We will have fun and wait for each person with special needs to become familiar with us and feel our love for them. Boy, girl, son or daughter, baby or adult, we will offer them respect and patience.

Gift from God.

Every person on this planet is a gift from God. Every boy and girl, no matter their race, creed, color, or physical attribute, deserves love, respect, patience and kindness. Photographers who give this respect to all are on the path to becoming special kids photographers.

To Create is an Honor.

To create photography for parents and families who have children with a disability is an honor in the face of God. These photos are not just there to take up website space or to be shared with friends. These photos created are to cast a legacy of love for generations.

The term Special Needs Photographer or Special Needs Kids.

We do not consider ourselves a special needs photographer nor do we think we do special needs kids photography. As a matter of fact, with think the term "Special Needs" should be always come second. An example would be "Children with Special Needs" or a "Photographer for Children with Special Needs".

So are we a special needs photographer photographing special needs children...not really. But we are experienced photographers who love to create with kids who have special needs. I think families respect this from us.

People and Children First.

We believe that the person should come first and the "special needs" should come second. This gives respect to the individual as a valued person and member of our society while still showing respect to the special need that person lives with.

Every family who lives with an individual with a special need will understand the importance of acknowledging the person while respecting the special need.

This is what makes our special kids photography...special! It is a pleasure to work with any person with disabilities. With the permission of the family, you may just find Ela and Larry praying with that special person.

Eye Contact.

It is our experience that many children with autism have trouble with eye contact and respond better to visual cues rather than spoken directions. With that said, this is where love, respect (kindness) and patience come to play.

The Hersberger duo at Masterpiece Christmas gives extra time for a photo session when they know there will be an individual with special needs.

Over time, they gain the trust of that special person to where they, to the surprise of some, begin to provide beautiful eye contact. This leads to photographs that may not have been seen before.

As with all kids and people in general, the eyes are the window to the soul. Ela and Larry Hersberger love to capture that in their special kids photography.

Special Kids photography

Now this is what both Ela and Larry Hersberger believe in. Every kid is special in our eyes and each and every one deserves beautiful portraits and their story told. Whether with their family or their individual for a portrait, every child will be treated equally.

We do not lump those with special needs into a special needs children category. Each person is given their individual respect. The memories created from each and every photograph will reflect this fact.

Family Photos and Special Needs.

There are few things more important than family photos and family in general. We understand the importance of the family portrait.

The day of the session we provide time for the little ones to play and get comfortable with us and their surroundings.

Communication with the Parents

We find that spending time with the parent or parents prior to the session is of great importance. Here we can learn about what is truly special about their child with special needs.

This personal education not only helps us be inspired in creating the artwork but also helps us to communicate effectively with that specific loved one. The mom will have plenty of great information.

This is not the only reason for this parent communication prior to the session. It helps the parents as well and brings a sense of ease as they begin to understand that we know how to do these special photography sessions professionally. We want them to know they truly will get an exceptional photograph of their family or loved one.

Conclusion.

Whether it is Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism or any other special need (or disability), we welcome all and will treat all with the deepest level of love and respect. You will get portraits that are exquisite and you will be incredibly surprised and thankful for the end result. The photographs will be, simply said...a masterpiece.