WHAT IS FINE ART SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY?

Fine Art School Photography takes the artistic vision of a high end portrait and brings it to the school setting.  Unlike the forced smiles, awkward poses, and distracting backgrounds found in traditional school photos, the modern minimalism and genuine emotions found in fine art school portraits are authentic and truly represent each child.

My goal is to provide a high-end, boutique experience to the families of schools that chose me to provide their school portraits.  Because I limit the number of schools I take on each year, I'm able to offer professional and artistic portraits with superior and personal customer service.

WHY FINE ART SCHOOL PORTRAITS?

Boutique school portraiture can be a great fit for many different types of schools, but I came to it through the lens of a Montessori parent.  I'm a big believer in the core value of a Montessori education:

follow the child

It's this concept that inspired me to provide a new kind of school photography.  And it's why I never tell a kid to smile or say cheese.  I just interact with them to bring about a natural expression, what they're truly feeling in the moment.  Most will smile at some point during our minute or two together, but some may not.  And that's okay, because these portraits are about the child, not the photographer.

While the concept of "follow the child" came from Montessori, this style of school photography will work for all kinds of schools. 

From preschools (and even daycares!) all the way up through high school, this approach is appreciated by kids and parents alike.  I'm available to work with public, private, and charter schools as well as daycares, co-ops, and home school groups in the Washington, DC area.  Picture day is scheduled individually based on each school's specific needs.

While the concept of "follow the child" came from Montessori, this style of school photography will work for all kinds of schools. 

From preschools (and even daycares!) all the way up through high school, this approach is appreciated by kids and parents alike.  I'm available to work with public, private, and charter schools as well as daycares, co-ops, and home school groups in the Washington, DC area.  Picture day is scheduled individually based on each school's specific needs.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

Other than picture day, the entire process is completely online.  Before picture day, I provide a detailed PDF for the school to distribute to families that tells them what to expect and how the online ordering process works.  I handle all questions from parents and families regarding the online gallery, products offered, and the ordering process.

The Process

PICTURE DAY

On the day of the shoot, I provide all equipment including camera, laptop, backdrop, and lights if necessary.  I just need a room with at least one large window, and a parent volunteer to help each child look their best before their turn.  

I spend 1-2 minutes with each child in whatever order makes sense for the school, and, when applicable, take class photos.  I know the importance of every minute of classtime, so I work quickly to get kids back to class and back to learning. 

In addition to student portraits, I take staff photos and provide a complimentary print package for each staff member.  I also offer sibling photos, which are taken at the beginning of the day if requested.

ORDERING PROCESS

Within two weeks of picture day, a private webpage with ordering instructions, the print order deadline, and links to the galleries will be provided.  Online galleries are organized according to grade, class, homeroom, or whatever grouping makes sense for the school. 

Each child has 2-5 images provided in color and black & white.  Rather than having a pose chosen for them, families get to choose which images best represent their child, and are encouraged to favorite the image they would like in the yearbook.

The online galleries are live through the end of the school year, although prints and print collections must be ordered within two weeks.  After the print deadline, only downloads and framed images will be available.  Print packages are delivered directly to the school in boutique packaging to be distributed to the families.

WILL YOU WORK WITH OUR SCHOOLS NEEDS?

I provide the school with a high resolution digital file of each child to use for yearbooks, websites, school advertising, school ID's, or however the school wishes to use them.

I'm willing to work with schools to provide custom services that you may need, including class composites or preparing image files for use in school management software.

I've been a strong advocate for education since childhood, and believe every penny spent on our schools is well worth it.  It's for this reason that 

I donate 10% of my profits to the school.

And because I want all students to have access to their school portraits, I offer discounts to scholarship students.

other considerations

ARE THESE IMAGES EXPENSIVE?

Not at all!  Nothing is due upfront, and while all profits come from ordering, my print collections, a la carte prints, and downloads are competitively priced, with a variety of options to fit everyone's needs.

WHAT ABOUT PRIVACY?

Each school has an hidden and password protected page with individual galleries for each family at the school.  If this level of protection isn't sufficient, families may opt-in to an additional password for their specific gallery.

HOW DO WE BOOK?

Click here to fill out a fine art school photography contact form.  I can't wait to work with you and your students!

WHY DO PARENTS LOVE IT?

Parents rave about fine art school photography not only for the outstanding results, but also for its ease of use.  There's no need to buy sight unseen.  Instead, two weeks after picture day, each family receives an individual gallery with 2-5 images in color and black and white, with a range of authentic expressions.  You can then choose which image best represents your child and select a package from an array of price points, as well as the option to purchase downloads of individual images, or the entire gallery.  

I also always offer the option of sibling shots, allowing parents to bring their older or younger children in to be photographed with their child enrolled in the school.  Parents love having all their children together, and this service is rarely offered in traditional school photography.

Most of all, parents love seeing their children as they truly are, without props, busy backgrounds, awkward poses, or fake smiles.

contact me

Whether you're ready to book or are just interested in more information, I can't wait to hear about your school!