School Frequently Asked Questions

what is lifestyle school photography?

Lifestyle School Photography is a modern approach to school pictures. I provide a comfortable and laid-back picture day experience that encourages children to feel at ease and let their personality shine. Students are photographed outdoors with natural light resulting in vibrant, playful images. There is something about being outside that helps kids relax and open up in front of the camera, resulting in authentic and playful images.

how will this work in 2021 with our school community?

Picture day can still exist, even after/during/at the end of a pandemic! I will need a space about 12’x12’ either in a parking lot or covered playground area. Alternatively, an indoor space with windows or doors open or great ventilation works great. Everyone will be expected to wear a mask and maintain distance as best as they can except the person getting their photo taken. I will be wearing a mask and I am vaccinated. The photos take just a few minutes per person and families will register ahead of time, preferably, but will also be able to register in-person if necessary.

I make every attempt to streamline the experience for each school and therefore, my school portrait business is completely online. This means no paper proofs or ordering sheets, no cash or check collection, and no administrative hassles for the staff.

Each child will have an online ordering gallery with 2-5 images, presented in both color and black and white. Each family may choose the picture(s) they love most, instead of having a pose chosen for them. Some kids have more images simply because they were “feeling it” on the day and love to perform in front of a camera. Others will have 2-5 images to choose from that will showcase their personality.

Digital images, prints and gallery wrap canvas may be purchased  directly from the student’s gallery. Digital orders are available for immediate download, and physical products may be delivered to the school or shipped directly to the student’s home, depending on how the school or families prefer to set it up. The fulfillment to the family’s home will involve a shipping fee. This decision needs to be made before picture day for all of the students.

what services do you offer?

I will provide detailed information to schools and families in advance, including a picture day timeline, COVID procedures and tips on what to wear and how to prepare for picture day. I handle customer service, communication and questions from parents and families. I provide all equipment needed for picture day except for the space. If you have a staff member or parent I can use as an assistant, that would be an amazing bonus but otherwise, I can either manage on my own or bring an assistant. My online proofing and ordering platform makes viewing and ordering pictures easy and convenient. All payments are handled online. Digital images are delivered electronically via individual family email. Prints and products are delivered to student’s home or school. If the school community would like to offer a class photo, it will be included in the family’s purchase at no extra charge. I work closely with school staff and volunteers on picture day for a fun, seamless experience.

I can work with preschools as small as 25 students and can accommodate schools as large as 5000 students throughout King County and the greater Seattle, Washington metropolitan area, including Bellevue, Edmonds, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Redmond, Woodinville and the like. I can work with students or staff of all ages.

how do your prices compare?

My rates are competitive with national school photography brands and there is no cost to the school. Parents pay nothing up-front; everything is ordered online after they have seen their child's images. I offer a variety of collections and a-la-carte products to fit everyone's needs.

how does this benefit my school?

Picture day is not just for the students. Faculty and staff may also have their picture taken that same day. I provide the school with high-resolution digital files to use for yearbooks, website, school advertising, school ID's, or however the school wishes to use the images. I also donate 10% of picture day profits back to the school, PTA or a charity of their choice.

can siblings participate?

Yes! I love having siblings participate. In 2020, siblings can be accommodated as long as they are present with the student at their set portrait time. All siblings are invited to participate, even those that are not currently enrolled at your school. 

why do schools or groups love working with me?

Well, first of all, I have a sense of humor and know that with kids, everything requires a little flexibility. I am a trained teacher (Master of Arts in Teaching) and coach (USSF B License) and mama to four kids. Therefore, I am comfortable around teachers, parents, and kids. Also, Modern Fine Art School Portraits are a beautiful way to remember a specific stage in the life of a child. These photos should be proudly displayed in our homes and gifted with love to family and friends who will cherish them. By doing away with busy, distracting backgrounds, I focus on capturing the beauty and unique personality of each child. These portraits are timeless and look absolutely stunning displayed in homes and online. 

I provide a seamless, stress-free experience for the parents, teachers, administration, and staff leading up to, during and after picture day. Students have so much fun during their session, and schools appreciate the opportunity to select the benefit that best meets their needs. 

Families love having a number of images to choose from and the ability to customize their orders to include various options, including color or black & white images, digital files and physical prints. Parents are blown away by the quality of the images compared to national brands, and appreciate the low-pressure sales process, ease of online ordering, streamlined communication, and personalized service. 

how do we get started?

I am currently booking a limited number of schools for 2021-2022. Please contact me to start the booking process.

Parents/Guardians: If you are interested in bringing boutique school photography at your school please contact me. We would love an opportunity to connect with your school’s Administrator to discuss boutique school photography. As a special “thank you”, anyone who successfully refers a school with at least 30 kids will receive a complimentary lifestyle family portrait session with McIntosh Art Co.