Camilynne Photography

09/18/2026

Have you ever wondered what we capture and what goes on behind the scenes at an inclusive Studio Portrait session?

Here are a few things you can expect:

• We make room for comfort.
• There’s no pressure to perform.
• All abilities are welcome.
• Parents and caregivers can step into the frame.
• We slow down, have fun, play music, and let things unfold.

Mostly, we create space for you to show up exactly as you are.

Come and experience one yourself. Check the link in bio for upcoming Studio Portrait Day dates. I’d love to see you there. I can’t wait!

09/08/2026

Sometimes the studio becomes more than a place for photographs.

Sometimes it becomes a quiet room where a parent opens her heart, speaks honestly about her child, and trusts me with words that feel sacred.

I never take that lightly.

Every time a mother or father shares their story with me, I am reminded that these portraits are not just about what someone looks like. They are about love, courage, tenderness, grief, joy, and the holy work of being seen.

Thank you to the parents who trust me with your children and your stories.

I feel honored to hold them with care.

09/03/2026

I’m so excited to be in NYC for the NDSS Buddy Walk! The day before the Buddy Walk, I’m offering these fun studio portrait day sessions, just a 10 minute walk from NDSS registration on Friday. Book now! Link in bio. Feel free to share and let’s spread the beauty of Down syndrome!

07/16/2026

When we are seen, everything changes.

And I mean it more than almost anything I believe about this work.

There is a shift that happens when a person realizes they are truly seen. Not glanced at. Not overlooked. Seen. Something in them settles. Something in me does too.

That is the real reason I pick up my camera. Not for the photo. For the moment someone feels recognized, exactly as they are.

Truly. Honestly. Completely.

Every person deserves that.

07/16/2026

People would ask me, “Your first daughter has Down syndrome. Are you going to have more kids? Will they have Down syndrome too?”

My answer was always, of course we are going to have more children, if we are lucky enough to. We wanted Ari to have siblings. I also realized that some of those questions came from people simply not understanding what Down syndrome is.

And honestly, even if we had another child with Down syndrome, we would be so excited to have that experience again. Ari is the best big sister, and having Down syndrome never changed the future we imagined for our family. 5-

07/15/2026

07/13/2026

Some stories take years to fully appreciate.

When I first walked through the doors of GiGi’s Playhouse New York City, I thought I was simply spending a day photographing an incredible community. Looking back now, I can see that it became so much more than that.

Over the years, I’ve returned whenever I’m in New York because of the people. The volunteers, the staff, the families, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome have created a feeling that has stayed with me ever since.

This carousel is simply a thank you.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community, for trusting me with your stories, and for reminding me that the most meaningful work is always rooted in relationships.

I hope these photographs help others see even a small glimpse of the joy, belonging, and connection that make GiGi’s Playhouse New York City, and all of the GiGi’s Playhouses, such a special place.

I’d love to know… Has there ever been a place or community that quietly stayed with you long after you left?

07/12/2026

When Ari was born and the doctors told me she had Down syndrome, I was scared. Honestly scared. The first thing I thought was, will she ever walk. Will she ever talk. She will probably never get married. I was scared for her health. And I was scared that I could not do it, that I was not going to be able to be a good mom to her.

It took me a long time to accept it. A really long time to get to, okay, this is my daughter. This is the reality. And I love her anyway, and she is still going to have a beautiful, fulfilling life.

It never took away the beauty of being her mom. If anything, it made it more beautiful. More special. Those moments with her were challenging, and they were so worth it.

Now I look at her walking and talking and living her best life, and I think, there is nothing holding her back. Nothing. She is still learning. And she is the best big sister.

People have asked me, your first daughter has Down syndrome, are you going to have more kids. Are they going to have Down syndrome too. That question comes from not knowing. Of course we are going to have more. Of course we want to give her siblings. And honestly, even if they did have Down syndrome, we would be so excited to have that experience again. So if you are a mom at the very beginning, here is what I would say to you. Love your baby the way you would without that diagnosis. Love them right here, right now. Try not to worry so much about the future, because everything is going to fall into place. Enjoy the little moments. Try to find joy in the challenges. The journey is going to be beautiful no matter what.

Olivia Goad
Ari’s mom DisabilityPhotographer