Whether you're looking to update your school's website, prospectus, or social media platforms, professional school photography can make a significant difference in showcasing your school in the best light. To ensure we get the most out of your session, it’s important to take a few key steps before I arrive. Here’s how you can prepare for a photography session with me:
1. Ensure Photo Consents Are Up to Date
Before the session, it’s crucial that the school has updated photo consent forms for all students. If there are any pupils who cannot be photographed, be sure to inform both the photographer and the teachers involved in advance. A quick class list marking consented pupils can help keep things organised, ensuring that only those who have permission are included in group shots or candid moments.
2. Choose Your Best Representatives
For promotional photography, you’ll want to showcase a variety of ages, activities, and classrooms. To ensure the best results, select students and staff who feel comfortable being photographed. This will help create natural, relaxed photos that represent the real essence of your school. Remember, candid shots are the best way to capture the genuine atmosphere of the school, so choosing confident participants can make a big difference.
3. Highlight Key Areas of Your School
Take a moment to think about which areas of the school you'd like to highlight. Are there specific classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, or special facilities (like a library or science lab) that set your school apart? Preparing a brief list of locations can help guide the session and ensure all important areas are photographed. Whether it’s a Forest School, vibrant playground, or a beautifully lit classroom, having these spaces ready and looking their best is key.
4. Plan Photogenic Activities
To really showcase the energy and engagement in your school, think about planning some photogenic activities in advance. Science experiments, group projects, art classes, or outdoor learning activities make for great visual content. These dynamic scenes provide a lively representation of your school’s everyday life, capturing students in action and highlighting their engagement.
5. Have a Dedicated Contact Person
It's helpful to assign a dedicated staff member who knows the school well to act as a point of contact during the photography session. This person can help show me around, introduce me to staff and students, and ensure we stay on schedule. Having someone who can quickly address any questions or point out key areas to photograph ensures the session runs smoothly and efficiently. They’ll also be able to make sure we avoid photographing any students without consent.
6. Make Sure Uniforms Are Looking Smart
For the best results, encourage students to wear their smartest uniforms on the day of the shoot. This helps present a polished, cohesive image, especially for promotional materials like your website or brochures. Teachers and staff should also dress to match the tone of the photos.
7. Keep Classrooms Tidy and Welcoming
Neat and organised classrooms create a welcoming atmosphere in photos. Before the shoot, ensure that classrooms and common areas are tidy, with personal belongings tucked away and surfaces cleared. It’s always a good idea to add a few extra touches, like vibrant student work on display in communal areas, to make the environment look warm and inviting.
8. Brief Your Staff
Make sure your staff are aware of the session and understand the key points of focus. They can help guide the students and keep activities running smoothly while the photography is taking place. If any teachers or staff members are to be featured in the photos, make sure they’re comfortable with the process and understand what to expect.
9. Prepare for Outdoor Shots (Weather Permitting)
Outdoor shots can really help bring your school to life, especially if you have great outdoor spaces or playgrounds. Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the session. If the weather allows, plan for some outdoor activities, such as playtime, PE, or a Forest School session, to capture students enjoying the fresh air. If it looks like rain, be sure to have a backup plan for indoor activities.
10. Create a Flexible Schedule
While it’s great to have a plan for the day, flexibility is key for capturing natural moments. Set aside time for each part of the school day you'd like photographed, but be open to opportunities as they arise. Sometimes the best shots come from unplanned, spontaneous moments. I’ll work with your schedule to ensure we cover everything you want, while still allowing for those candid shots.
11. Communicate Your Vision
Before the session, we’ll have a quick chat to ensure we're on the same page about your goals for the photos. Let me know if there are any specific types of images you're looking for - whether it's a focus on staff, facilities, or specific areas of student life. This will help guide the session and ensure you get the images you need.
Final Thoughts...
With a bit of planning, a dedicated contact, and clear communication, preparing for a school photography session can be an enjoyable process for all involved - including the students! Together, we can create beautiful, natural images that truly reflect your school’s unique environment and values. Whether you’re based in Skipton, Ilkley, Harrogate, Leeds or elsewhere in North and West Yorkshire, I’m here to help capture the heart of your school through professional education photography. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss an upcoming session or ask any questions, or visit my School Marketing Photography page for further information.
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