School Picture Day
I am absolutely ecstatic that you are looking to have Erika John Photography come and take your school pictures!
I work very closely with the staff to create a fun and easy-going portrait session for each student. Parents won't need to ever decide how many photos they will purchase before they see the gallery. I provide a simple online ordering system, where parents can access their children’s portraits and place orders when they are ready.
How does it work?
The process is easy-going: all aspects of the portrait experience are handled by myself, including parent communication, online viewing and ordering, print fulfillment, payment, and customer service. After discussing your needs, a setup will be chosen (backdrop) and we’ll agree on a portrait date. Depending on the number of participants, I will give you an estimated time of how long it will take from start to finish. A proposal, contract, and roster template will be sent for you to fill out and return, and that's it. From there your job is finished! You will be given a digital image and hard copy flyer to share to announce picture day.
On picture day, I will set up at the desired location, and students will be escorted by your staff to the portrait location. Several poses will be taken of each child. Every student will take photos regardless of whether they plan to order!
Within a few weeks after picture day, proofs will be ready to online view and order in private, password-protected galleries.
How to prepare?
If your child’s school has selected Erika John Photography to capture photos, rest assured that the experience will be relaxed, welcoming, and fun!
TALK ABOUT PICTURE DAY, BUT TRY NOT TO OVERWHELM THEM
On picture day, I recommend letting your child know that they will be taking pictures. But there’s no need to remind your child to smile, stand up tall, or keep their eyes open. (In fact, these types of instructions often make the process difficult, because the child tries to do everything perfectly instead of just being natural in front of the camera!) I will do my absolute best to get those natural, genuine smiles. I techniques that will help make the process as simple and as efficient as possible!
Quick Tip: I alway's recommend parent's to try gentle parenting the morning of picture day. When Children are in a good mood, they perform better all around.
Picture Day Made Easy!
No longer do I hand out pre-order forms that will most likely be ruined or misplaced. The ordering process is completed online. A few weeks before school picture day, your child's school will be given flyers to send home with each student about the upcoming picture day. The school secretary will be given a pre-registration template to fill out with each student and staff information. This will help picture day move a lot faster, it will already be in the system and Ready to Go!
Not pre-registered? No problem! Your child will still be able to have their photo taken and their information will be gathered the day of picture day.
Once the school gallery is done and ready for viewing, all information on how to order, deadlines and frequently asked questions will be given to the school to hand out to parents.
Parent's will have access to a password- protected gallery where they will have the option to choose from 3-5 images. Pictures can be ordered from a print package or digital downloads.
Retakes are available for children who were absent on picture day, and will take place at the same designated area that the original picture day took place. Unfortunately, retakes do not include another class photo, so I will substitute with an additional pose for parent's to choose from instead.
How Does This Work?
A few weeks before picture day, I will come to your school to look at the suggested site where picture's can be taken. I will take notes of what equipment I will need for backdrops and lighting that will work best for that area. I will have an assistant with me that will help keep thing's on track the day of picture day. I will have individual and class photos available, I will let you know the best way to take the class photo after visiting the site.
How Do I Book a Portrait Day for my School??
Contact me at Erika.john23@icloud.com
What Age Range of Student's do you Photograph?
I am comfortable photographing all ages but specialize in ages 2-12.
Is there a Minimum Number of Student's Needed?
A minimum of 20 student's is required in order for me to photograph at your location. lf your school is smaller than that, I do offer school portraits in my In-home studio.
Does it Cost the School Anything to Have Portraits Taken??
No, there is no cost to the school, parent's will pay for prints and digital packages. My rates are competitive! I provide all materials, gear and assistants for picture day. The school pays nothing, and the parent's pay nothing up front. Pictures will be purchased online after parent's are happy with their child's proofs.
What about COVID Precautions?
Erika John Photography recognizes that with COVID, some parents may be anxious about our protocols. I will support CDC standards at all times. Touch posing is avoidable; I will be able to direct the children on how to position themselves for a great image while maintaining social distancing. I regularly clean hands, equipment, and any stools or chairs utilized during the process.
Are There any Perks for our School?
Picture Day is not just for the students. Although individual and class photos are taken on picture day, faculty and staff may also have their picture taken that same day as well. This is the perfect way for the school to have current photos of faculty and staff for their websites. School’s receive the digital files and Staff Cards at no charge to them.
School's will earn a 10% commission for every package purchased with Erika John Photography.
Staff Student Discounts are also offered. Staff will be given 25% off of their child/children's package.
How Do Parent's Place Orders?
Parent's will have access to a easy to use online website where their gallery will be password-protected. Parent's will order from that gallery, they can even access sibling photos in the same gallery to make ordering easy.
How Long Before Portraits Arrive?
Order's are sent directly to the Photo lab and will be shipped straight to the purchaser's home usually within one week of ordering. Digital downloads will be sent directly to purchaser's email.
What Type of Payment is Accepted?
Online ordering accepts all major credit cards.
Can Extended Family Purchase Prints??
Yes, this is actually one of the greatest benefits about online ordering. As long as Extended Family are given the password to view the gallery, they will have access to purchase their own prints that will be directly shipped to their home.
Can I see the Photo's before Ordering?
Absolutely! A proofing gallery will be sent for parent's to view all images. All ordering is done online through a password protected gallery. There is no pre-printing at pick-up to purchase.