Tips For School Photogaphers

In many cities, large and small franchise studios have a monopoly on the public schools and high schools. However, there are many private schools, preschools and daycare centers that are open to the idea of using someone new. Schools now go for a photographer who will give them unique and creative solutions.

School Photography in itself is a very demanding job. Working in a school, clicking 300-400 students a day, managing the administration and staff all require a lot of skill as well as time. Below are listed a few of the tips that will help photographers who want to enter the school photography industry. 

Tips for School Portrait Photographers

1.       Be Organized

If this is your first time, make sure you plan and check everything before you go in action. Use a calendar to design your work schedule. There are a lot of parties involved, so be organized to avoid confusion. Be sure to prepare a work flow of which you will intimidate all the parties before you work. You can conduct an informal meeting where you discuss your entire plan and service to avoid any confusion. Let it be like an informal interaction session where the school and parents can clarify doubts.

 

2.       Do not OVERBOOK

It may be very tempting to add on more schools to your client list. But this will lead to nothing but more confusion. School photography is a time consuming process and you need to give the school your 100%.

 

3.       Pricing

Pricing is a very sensitive topic and you do not want to lose out on business due to lack of communication. Make sure you tell your clients that this is a special project that you are taking and required special investment of your time, money and resources. Keep a standard rate card handy with prices of all your services. (make sure you let them know that additional charges may apply if their wishes are so)

 

4.       Each Child Differently

Make sure to creatively shoot every child’s picture. This will ensure complete dedication from both the parties. Even parents will not mind shelling out extra to get a “one of a kind” portrait of their child.

 

5.       Make a Story

Get the kids to giggle, dance and move around. Parents will purchase more when you have a sequence of shots that show their children enjoying themselves.  It creates higher sales and makes people talk about you! That is the goal: make some money and get your name out there!

 

6.       Friend, not a Hindrance

Obviously you will be working within the school premises a lot, so make sure to maintain good relations with the staff, parents and children. Usually a parent volunteers to assist you during the photo shoot. Make sure you are giving them a good time too.

 

7.       Be sure to come back next year

There is nothing better than assurance that you will be returning the next year too. You want them to be excited that you may see them next year too. When I say different, think of all the things that the typical school portrait photographer is and do the opposite—use awesome backdrops, take many different shots from different angles, spend more time on each child, let parents view before they order, and offer a few products that school portrait photographers don’t offer… Keep it simple, yet different!

 

8.       Manage the Quality

Keep the quality high, but not as high as your other portrait sessions. At the same time, do not do a poor job on the pictures either. You need to understand the essence of the shoot and bring the props accordingly. Instead of taking all your high end props that you use in your studio, take props that are fun, colorful and will allow the child to relate to. Make sure the props are cute and fun and chronicle the child’s age and personality.

 

9.       Create your Magic

Be true to yourself! Do not conform to what you think families will want.  Be true to your style as a portrait photographer. If you like deep, rich tones and colors then make sure your school portraiture looks the same. If you like light, bright colors then do that same thing when photographing a school. You do not want a huge disconnect from what you do in a full session and what you do at schools. If people loved what you did at the school enough to call and hire you for a full session, they are going to expect close to the same style.

 

10.   Retouch your Photos

Make sure to give your photographs to professional retouching agencies. By doing this, you will have time to take more pictures without worrying about retouching them. Also, giving it to experts ensures best quality. Students usually want pictures which hides any blemishes and other flaws.

 

11.   Keep  the Contacts

Since you have worked so hard with them, make sure all your hard work pays off. Add parents to your mailing list and makes sure to include a little thank you note with your contact details in the final pictures. Send them offers from time to time to keep the communication open.