Project Payton
My Cousin, My Hero, My Payton...
Payton was the first child I had ever met, seen, or even knew of with a disability. I knew my mother and her siblings had grown up with muscular dystrophy, and my mom didn't walk until she was four; but I didn't "see" them growing up. When I was 13, Payton was around 2. I watched her reach her milestones later than other children her age, with more efforts and sometimes twice. HOWEVER I watched her reach those milestones, accomplish her goals, and set the bar TIME and TIME again. Payton is a Special Olympic's Multi-Medalist, a Community Activist, and an all-around Amazing person! My cousin is sassy, fiery, driven, motivated, inspirational, kind and full of love. I have admired her being unapologetically her, for her whole life.
Because of Payton, I see children with disabilities when others don't. I know the struggles their family's endure and just how much they have to give. I feel the passion these parents have for their children. I once heard a mother say that she refused to purchase school photos because the photographers would get the most the unflattering shots of her child. She continued to state that this was her experience across the board with photographers, they all seemed to lack patience and understanding. Right then I knew, I had a gift to share. Project Payton was born.
Project Payton consist of 3 campaigns a year. The summer campaign which allows parents to get their child's school photo for the school year approaching. Our Christmas camp. is tailored to the whole family, provides the families with annual memories. The third camp. is the Birthday campaign. Every child deserves to smile for their birthday, I intend to make sure no Project Payton kid is exempt! All of these campaigns are free and include the photo session, link to private online gallery and 10 digital downloads.
Project Payton also has a flat fee of $25 for family sessions throughout the year. Upon request we make hospital, home, and therapy visits (sessions). Lifestyle and Memory sessions are available at $25/hr. Our goal is to help to capture as many precious memories as you can at the most comfortable rates.
"There's nothing wrong with him, he looks normal to me."
The parents of Special needs children hear this more often than should be allowed. Because of this ignorant statement many of the children I work with are "expected" to act a certain a way, which their bodies and or brains do not allow them too as effortlessly as others. This leads to frustration and ultimately, bad experiences with other photographers. This is where I excel. I don't feel sorry for my 'kids', I feel for them period! That difference is what allows me to capture more smiles than tears.
Joe Anthony was the first official Project Payton Kid in 2014.
