Most schools have a long standing relationship with a photographer to provide classic annual portraits and class group shots. Priceless for parents, and a record for schools of children passing through and growing up in their care. But if for some reason you are not happy with your current school or nursery photographer, then here are some top tips about how to find an alternative.
What does a school need from their school photographer?
From an administrative point of view, a school requires their photographer to be efficient, professional and easy to work with. Here’s a list of some of the services that a good school photographer should be offering:
- Great communication with school and parents, to include pre-written information letters to parents, deadline posters and contact details for enquiries.
- The option to supply images of all pupils to import to school SIMS software for school admin. This would often include supply of the relevant bar codes for the shoot itself.
- Excellent customer service to deal with any issues relating to order fulfillment.
- A donation to school funds, PTA or charity from the profits raised by print sales, or photographic services in lieu to include staff headshots or publicity images.
- A friendly, professional team, great at putting children at ease in a matter of minutes and with a flexible approach.
- Consistency, so that each parent will be offered the same quality portrait. The same lighting, background and ‘feel’ to every picture.
- Little extras. Do you need a board of staff headshots in the school reception area? Do you need updated shots of the school premises for newsletters and your school website? All of these things should be provided by your chosen photographer on request.
- GDPR compliance and insurance. The school must trust that their photographer will store and protect any data in according with current GDPR practice. The photographer should also be fully insured.
What do parents want from their school pictures?
This is more tricky as not all parents want the same thing! A school photographer is tasked with providing a portrait that will appeal to MOST parents, but will not suit all. So an uncontroversial background and a lovely smile will trump the latest faddy fashions ever time. Here are a few generalities:
- A lovely relaxed smile is top of most parents’ list.
- Consistency over the years. If they are collecting the school photos, parents want them to be the same setup each year to track their child’s progress. They may be less interested in reflecting the fads and fashions of the photographic industry.
- Proof images so that they can clearly see sample images of their child.
- Easy ordering options to include online and possibly via proof card at school/nursery.
- A range of easy payment options: some parents prefer to leave money in an envelope for the school photographer to pick up, but mostly parents are happy to order online these days.
- A great choice of products: classic mounted prints, gift items, images on USB and instant downloads. Not to forget framed prints for gifts for Granny. Options for BW versions of the image are appreciated too, and the ability to crop into shots before printing at checkout is a bonus.
- Good quality printing, with colour corrected prints in a sturdy mount that will stand the test of time on the mantelpiece.
How can I help my school photographer do a great job?
I’ve been a schools and nursery photographer for over 12 years now, and the points below make my life easier and help me to provide the best possible service:
- An open channel of communication with office staff/photo coordinator so that any queries can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
- A designated shoot area that can ideally be used throughout the day if at all possible.
- A member of staff to organise the shoot schedule, collect children on the day and help scrub children up to look their best.
And finally…
Being a school and nursery photographer is a great job. Working with children is always fun and spontaneous, and providing a timeless record of children growing up is very rewarding. I’ve been working for over 12 years as a schools and nursery photographer in SW London, and enjoy working alongside many happy schools year after year. I am always happy to talk through the services I offer with larger nurseries or nursery groups, and with smaller prep schools. Is there anything extra I can add to your school photography? Feel free to get in touch.
Meanwhile in this age of ‘disposable’ phone snaps, I hope your parents continue to enjoy quality prints from your current school photographer to treasure for years.