Daycare and Preschool Portrait FAQ
Session Information
When should we have our session, Spring or Fall?
Sessions can be at anytime of the year. The majority of schools request sessions for both Spring and Fall.
~Spring sessions can be dedicated formal or costume day. If graduation portraits are needed, time can be applied to that as well.
Costume days are super fun, it provides a creative outlet for your students and an extra fun activity for the day. I provide props and costumes or children can bring in their favorite costume.
Graduation portraits are available for the school to use for graduation day and images can be made available to parents as well.
~Fall sessions are dedicated to formal portraits along with the creation of class composites for each class.
How many days will it take to capture all of our students and staff?
Portrait sessions typically run from 8 to 11 and can run over a period of 3-5 days based on the number of students in your school.
Staff portraits can be done anytime as well so you can maintain proper coverage ratios for your classes.
Can we have sibling portraits?
Absolutely! They can be done at any time and can include siblings that are in after school care as well. We can work out timing for those based on the time for your sessions.
Where should we have our session?
Sessions are best located in an available room on the premises or in a large open area in the building. My portable studio requires a minimum space of 10 x 14 feet to allow for space around equipment for children to safely walk around.
Equipment can be broken down after each session if the room is needed for afternoon activities.
Do you use props in your portraits?
Typically the only props that appear are the occasional favorite stuffed animal or toy that a child must have at all times. My portraits are focused on the child’s beautiful personality and steer clear of any clutter that will distract from them.
Do you use a green screen so parents can choose different backdrops?
My portable studio uses only one backdrop during our sessions and it is chosen typically at our initial consultation or closer to the date of your session. I have several classic colors in my inventory to choose from. I also do custom orders which can be made within 4 months of your session.
Viewing, Ordering and Delivery
When are the pictures are available?
After the last day of our session, I start working on proofing images. My goal is to provide proof images for families quickly, within 5-10 business days. Proof edits include exposure, color balance, cropping and selection of at least 5 images per child.
Is the online galley private and secure for our students?
Absolutely! Parents receive a gallery password for your school and a family specific password for their child’s album.
Images are not shared publicly.
How long will our school’s images be available?
Your school gallery will be available for 6 months.
How do parents order prints?
There are two ways to order: paper or online and only after they are able to view their child’s image.
Paper orders are for those who prefer to pay by cash or check. All paper orders received at school by “order due” date will be delivered to school by the date listed on the order form. Paper orders received at school or mailed to Sorrells Photography after due date will have shipping charges applied.
Online orders are for those who prefer to pay by credit card. Online orders submitted by “order due” date can choose between PICK UP or SHIPPED. Picked up means orders will be delivered to school. Please be aware there are deadlines for pick up orders, which will be listed in each gallery and on paper order form with passwords to your school’s gallery.
Digital file orders, how are those delivered?
When ordering files, parents will automatically receive a download link. This will allow them to download a proof with a watermark on the image. This image is a proof only.
The final image or images will be available for download after receiving a new download link when they are ready.
Final edits are completed within 5-10 business days after ordering. Edits comprise of anything that will not be seen in two weeks, such as blemishes, scratches, skin flare ups, food, fly away hair, food on clothing etc.
Parents will also receive a print release so they can print them at any offsite or home printer in the future.
School Benefits
Every school has specific needs and I am flexible to make sure those needs are met.
Flexible session times
Several backdrops to choose from
Custom order forms for your school
Custom posters for school with portraits of your students (only after first session and available for next session)
Parents can view images before they purchase, so schools do not have to handle preorders
Custom product choices determined at our initial consultation
Custom complimentary class composites for each teacher and staff
Custom sized complimentary staff portrait prints for staff boards in school
Complimentary staff and student image files for use in school CRM software
20% staff discount on prints of their enrolled children or their own staff portrait
Teacher appreciation donation back to school of 10% of net profits
Professional studio quality images that you will be proud to share.
and of course supporting a Woman-Owned business in Rochester.
Certifications
Working with children requires safety training, as most schools require. I have the following up to date certifications:
National Ski Patroller- first aid training along with CPR for the professional rescuer
Scouting of America Youth Protection Training, renewed every year
NYS background check
ICS 100, ICS 200 and ICS 700
Initial Consultation
Whether you are looking to start school portraits at your school or switch it up from your current vendor, I always love to speak with my potential clients live to ensure we are a good fit.
It can be over the phone or a live meeting. I can answer any questions or concerns over the phone along with scheduling. If you would like to see product samples to create your custom order forms, we will need to schedule a live meeting. Live meetings are also helpful in determining the best location for your session to be held at your school. Not just for me but to ensure the safety of your staff and students.