Fine Art School Portraits in Spokane, Washington
School photography can be such an amazing experience for children and their families. There is no rule that says school photos have to be stiff, uncomfortable, and unflattering. I offer a variety of poses, images in color and in black and white and the parents get to choose what images get printed. I love when I get feedback from parents who are thrilled that I captured the true personality of their child in the photos.
This month I photographed the sweetest preschool. The kids were patient, full of personality and so much fun to work with! I couldn’t help myself, I had to share the photos of students whose parents signed my model release.
Over the past couple of years, I have photographed hundreds of kids in the school setting. School photography can be such an amazing experience for children and their families. There is no rule that says school photos have to be stiff, uncomfortable, and unflattering. I offer a variety of poses, images in color and in black and white and the parents get to choose what images get printed. I love when I get feedback from parents who are thrilled that I captured the true personality of their child in the photos.
If this sounds like a photography service that you want to bring to your school, feel free to check out my SCHOOLS page. Most frequently asked questions will be answered there. I also have a short form to fill out to start the process of booking with me.
Alright, enough with the chit-chat, check out these photos for yourself!
What are Children's Fine Art Portraits?
Children’s Fine Art Portraits are a little bit new on the scene and I am so excited to be offering them. So let’s break down what it is, why you should want them at your school, and how to prepare for them.
What are Children’s Fine Art Portraits?
These clean, classic and simple children’s portraits are much like traditional school portraits in how they can be done quickly on mass scale. Think back to childhood when the photographer came to school, you all lined up and took turns sitting on a box in front of a backdrop while a photographer called out “smile!” to you. The whole school was likely photographed in a day, the picture day process is similar to that with a couple of modern twists.
Children are not forced to smile.
I never force children to smile and I strive to connect with them in a genuine way to pull out their real personalities in the photos. When you allow children to just be, the results are much more beautiful and a lot less awkward.
The backdrop is clean.
A clean and simple backdrop without any strange colors or scenery. This gives a much more modern and timeless look to the photos and makes true Fine Art photographs. There are no outfit clashes with a simple black backdrop, so children can dress in whatever they want to.
No awkward poses.
Children are not forced to sit in any particular way. Often they are standing and the photos are usually from the shoulders up. This allows freedom of expression from each child and truly unique photos.
Boutique experience.
The portraits are delivered by online gallery. Presented both in color and black and white. Options for re-touching are also available. There may be more than one “pose” and parents are able to choose which images they prefer or purchase the entire gallery. Boutique quality prints, digital images and other products are offered. A much more personalized experience than the big box school photography companies. All of the ordering is completed online and delivered to the school in a very timely manner.
So, why should your school want to bring this photography experience to their families?
No cost to the school.
You read that right! There is no cost to the school to bring these boutique photos in. All profits are made from parent orders. I even donate back 10% of the profits to the school as a thank you for your service to our community and my way to support America’s future.
Happier kids.
The process is much less stressful to children, because they are not forced to be anything except for who they are. Happier kids, better photos, thrilled parents.
Get parents talking.
This photography experience gets parents talking. The photos are actually hung on the walls and when guests ask where the photo was taken, the parents will respond with “your school name”. This helps your school with enrollment and perceived value. You provide the best for your school’s kids and that’s why the parents want their kids to belong to your culture. Creating a “we” environment.
Competitive Pricing
My pricing is very competitive with the big box photography companies, which is great for your school. A better experience and it does not cost more to the families of your school, except for in the case that they love the photos and order much more than they would have from the blah traditional photography company. Which brings more money back to your school.
How do I bring this experience to my school?
That is very easy, just reach out to me about getting your school on the schedule. These photos are typically done in the fall and the spring time, depending on the needs of your school. I am also able to provide personalized extras to each school like branding photos, staff photos, and class photos. All you have to do is ask.
What’s the process?
We work out details on when to schedule
I come to your school for a quick site visit to ensure adequate lighting is available. I use natural light only
Picture day
Re-take day if necessary
Photo orders go out
Prints are delivered to your school
I handle all contact, preparation, and questions from the parents so that the school doesn’t have to.
How do we prepare the kids for these photos?
It’s best to never surprise kids, so we will send home a prep sheet to the parents. The prep sheet has information on how to help kids choose outfits for picture day that are timeless and easy on the budget. Guidance for parents to talk to their kids about picture day is also provided. We let the kids express themselves to the camera on picture day. Simple as that.