Grade School Portrait FAQ
Session Information
How many days will it take to capture all of our students and staff?
Grade school portraits take an average of 250-500 students per day. This is dependent on school activities and age of students.
Staff portraits can be done at the time their class comes in for convenience.
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. Each portable studio requires a minimum space of 10 × 10 feet to allow for space around equipment for children to safely walk around. Gymnasiums are perfect or even stages in auditoriums work well.
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 2 months of your session.
How do we book our session?
After our initial consultation, dates can be booked for the upcoming Fall season at our consultation, email or phone. Prime dates are from early September to mid November. Sessions can be held as late as first week of December, please note any important deliverable dates such as yearbook submission and holiday shipping dates.
Viewing, Ordering and Delivery
When are the pictures are available?
After our session, we start working on proofing images. Our 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 3 images per child.
Is the online galley private and secure for our students?
Absolutely! There are a couple of choices available for security.
Gallery password and album password for each child.
Gallery password and class album password for each class.
Gallery password for entire school.
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. Paper version of order forms are provided on picture day for students to take home. Orders can be turned into school or mailed to Sorrells Photography by the date given on the order form. If the drop off date to school is missed, order forms can be mailed to the address provided on the form.
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 3-4 weeks 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. Edits are at no extra cost.
Parents will also receive a print release so they can print them at any offsite or home printer in the future.
How long until orders are fulfilled?
Orders are fulfilled as first come first serve and take approximately 3-4 weeks after order is received. Orders can be dropped off to school or shipped directly to parents. Each school can determine if they would like to utilize both or one option.
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, one per session
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.
Utilizing 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.