Creative Spotlight: Jessica Cuttic "The Whole Picture"
Jessica Cuttic, MA, is a dedicated therapist, using integrative and strengths-based counseling for adults, children, and families. She’s also a passionate photographer. In 2015, she’s started “The Whole Picture”, which combines her expertise in both fields to create an incredible opportunity for families, for whom portrait sessions seem like an off-the-table ordeal. Alongside her is Marisa Lawrence, ATR-BC, LPC, an art therapist and mother to a son with special needs. We asked Jessica to share her Inspiration and process:
"The Whole Picture” was inspired by my cousin Alan, who is now 10 years old. He has developmental disabilities and medical issues, and moves so fast that it’s tough to capture him on camera!”
Alan's Portrait by Jessica Cuttic
I wanted to represent Alan for exactly who he is without just focusing on a diagnosis, which is already such an all-encompassing part of his and his family’s life. For him and his family, behaviors are there, seizures are there, limitations are there on a daily basis, but so are many other things, many other moments. I wanted to preserve and highlight the moments of absolute joy Alan gets from bubbles, from his swing, from playing basketball. They are a huge part of who he is that the rest of the world doesn’t often focus on. It is important that those moments are treasured and captured.
"From many of the discussions I have had, it seems that families with special needs kids are likely to avoid hiring a photographer or going to a studio."
I think that it is difficult for someone who doesn’t have a working understanding of these diagnoses to come in and be able to complete a successful session, because generally photographers are not often exposed to special needs.
From many of the discussions I have had, it seems that families with special needs kids are likely to avoid hiring a photographer or going to a studio. It is a huge, almost impossible, expectation that a portrait session would go well when you expect a special needs child to get dressed up in clothes they aren’t comfortable in, go to an unfamiliar place or have a stranger come to their home, and sit still making direct eye contact and smiling at a camera flashing in their face.
Truly, this is a big task for any child.
Therefore, I think families avoid doing it and photographers may not recognize it as a need because they aren’t often faced with these situations, but I think it is a huge one.
"I hope to work with any family, child, or teen with any behavioral, developmental, or medical challenges that causes their parents to avoid hiring a photographer or going to a photography studio for fear of a stressful, overwhelming, or negative outcome. I strive to create a positive experience for these families by any means necessary."
“The best shoots I’ve done were with clients who had already met me once or twice, without a camera in my hand or any expectations.”
Spending time with a child ahead of the shoot allows me to learn a little bit about them so that I can use those things to connect and motivate them, ultimately creating portraits of the kids doing what they love and being who they are! I feel it is important to prep children for what to expect so the concept isn’t too unfamiliar, to connect with them around their interests and personality, and then to just relax and have fun from there. If I have met a child and family ahead of time and had the opportunity to create a relationship, learn about what they love and who they are, and map out the shoot in my head, I can approach the appointment in a much more relaxed and natural way which works out better for everyone.
My experience working with children as a therapist has taught me that good rapport, structure, and attention to that particular child’s individual needs are the most important pieces of a successful interaction, whether it be a therapy session or a photo shoot! I set up the process to hopefully alleviate what I anticipate some of the challenges to be for the kids, families, and myself. It is my background and career in behavioral health that has given me a unique insight into what may help this process go more smoothly.
Marisa's Son as photographed by Jessica
"The most important piece of 'The Whole Picture' is our goal of making photography accessible to everyone."
Families love to have photos of their children, these make absolutely cherished keepsakes, gifts, and memories of precious moments in time. However, I know for a fact that families of special needs kids have specific challenges and anxieties surrounding portraits, and for good reason. Portrait studios and many photographers may not have the tools or understanding to make the process comfortable and successful, despite good intentions.
Photography is a financial investment, and it is a risk to pay for something that may not turn out well. I hope to meet every family and every child just where they are and make this experience available to everyone. If the shoot doesn’t work out because it’s just an “off” day, I will come back for a second try at no extra fee!
FOR MORE INFO & BOOKING, PLEASE VISIT THE WHOLE PICTURE
ABOUT Jessica, MA
Photography is the perfect medium for me. I love to find new ways to capture emotion, light, and movement. I want to look at a photograph taken by myself or someone else and be immediately struck by its depth and realism, to feel like I am standing just outside the scene witnessing the captured moment. I think this is part of why I have always enjoyed lifestyle portraiture and leaned toward an interest in photographing people, especially families and children. I want to avoid posed images and actually spend time with the subjects, finding ways to represent and preserve the little slices of time that mean so much.
ABOUT MARISA, ATR-BC, LPC
I am very passionate about raising awareness of the struggles families face when loving a child with special needs. My son is now 6 years old and we’ve been through various therapies over the years to help him grow and some days are still very challenging! I love working with others, providing support and compassion daily. I believe every family deserves timeless memories to enjoy year after year. I want to be part of that process for your family and hope to utilize my background as a therapist to help make photo sessions successful and fun for everyone!"