This workshop is for photographers of any experience level who engage in portrait photography of any kind and want to implement trauma-informed practices into their workflow. It involves educating members of the community about intersectionality, identity privilege, and how to better support clients who aren't getting adequate assistance they deserve, and discussions of mutual aid and harm reduction beyond the scope of photography practices.

The intent of working with a trauma-informed lens is not to heal, change, or “fix” clients, but to decrease the probability of re-traumatization through actively incorporating trauma-informed principles into photography workflows. Being photographed is a vulnerable experience, no matter the client's background, and because trauma manifests differently for each individual, it can be difficult to spot. 

It's the photographer's job to provide an experience that offers clients choice, empowerment and collaboration, while also providing support. These values should be reflected across the entire spectrum of photography business practices. From social media presence to booking process, implementing strategies that have the capability to reduce harm is absolutely essential for both the client and the photography. This program is for photographers of any experience level, especially photographers and studio teams whose job requires any level of client interaction (virtual or physical).

A PDF copy of the presentation, a list of resources used to create the course, as well as a written companion for the course will be sent to each registrant after the workshop is over.

Registration is required.

About the Facilitator: Devon Dadoly (she/they) is a therapeutic photographer and multidisciplinary artist who specializes in body affirming intimate boudoir and portrait photography. Devon is an outspoken advocate for the fat acceptance movement, destigmatizing addiction, and uses a trauma-sensitive approach when working with clients. They have over 10 years of experience working with and photographing folks in recovery from addiction, sexual trauma and eating disorders.

Please Note: Devon Dadoly is not a mental health or medical professional, nor are they a licensed counselor. They are not certified by any institution or organization to give medical and mental health advice. This course has been created through their own research and collection of scholarly journals, publicly available academic resources.

This program fulfills PA Forward's Civic and Social Literacy through "community engagement which allows individuals to interact with one another, in a participatory manner."