school pictures

[lalvidrez]

I was asked today if I would be interested in doing school pictures for our local elementary school. Who here is experienced in this and what are some of the things I need to look into (setup, order forms, etc.. How do you keep track of all the kids to their picture? Do you have the pictures printed from an online service or from a local printing place? Do you use backgrounds or lighting? Any help would be appreciated.

[bwolford]

I did band pictures.

Take multiple pictures (2 or 3) per child. Take your time. I had one backdrop that I purchased expressly for this service. I used 2 halogen work lights from Lowe's and color balanced with a white piece of paper. For elementary kids, this might not be safe and you may want rent strobes. It would be safer and if you use an umbrella you won't have some of the problems I had with the halogens.

The better image you take in the camera, the less PS work you'll have to do. Yes, I'm the master of the obvious.

Plan on some number of retakes. Even if you take the perfect picture, some parent will hate it. Also, have an assistant to watch for hair, clothes, smile, or other problems.

Brice

[dsze]

run. Seriously, unless you have some experience doing this, I'd politely turn down the offer. It is a huge job. If you do it, be organized with order forms, procedures and liability insurance. Keeping classes, kids, staff, etc organized can be a serious undertaking. I wouldn't do it. I'd rather shoot a wedding for free to be honest.

[SonyaL]

It sounds like a great oppurtunity for you.
I would first make sure you have someone to help you organize this.
Create a brochure that can be printed on paper say a tri fold organize prices for pics they are always sold in sets at the school prices are fair not alot though.
Definatly a background is needed as well as lighting.

Its a big job to attempt to do.

I was recently approached for team pics and individuals for an HS outside sport at this time I am working on the brochure I really wanted to do it a glossy brochure but since the order form cant be written on with glossy its going to have to be on nice weight of paper. Its simple tri fold brochure one pic on the front.

Good Luck.

Sonya