Traditional Back to School Portraits
Let's face it, back to school portraits are a real tradition here in Nova Scotia, and likely in most parts of North America. We've all been through the drill: Try to stay clean and unmessy until your class is called, stand in line with thirty other antsy kids until it's your turn to sit on the stool facing the big umbrella, and then have less than sixty seconds to smile without closing your eyes while being stared at, and maybe teased, by those still waiting in line. Oh, and let's not forget the fun that happened on the day the teacher handed back the packages of purchased prints. With any luck, your teacher used a bit of discretion and let "you" decide if you wanted to make your photos made public. If you weren't so lucky, they were held up for all to see as your name was called. Maybe you were one of the photogenic lucky ones. Trust me when I say, I wasn't!
Times have changed. Sure, traditional school portraits are still done and they can be something to look forward to, but that's not the only way to secure a memory of the school year's beginning. Lots of moms and dads use their cell phones to record the special day and the weeks thereafter, and they look great! But if taking photos is not something you really like to do (I love cake, but I can't remember the last time I baked one as Sobeys does a much better job than I ever could), and you think a choice other than or in addition to the traditional ones done in school might be a good option for your child, child being up to grade 11 as grad photos are something entirely different, I am happy to be your back to school photographer!
There are a lot of reasons why a person may prefer to have the yearly back to school portraits done outside of the school setting.
1) To provide your child with a more comfortable setting
- A smaller, quieter studio provides less stimuli
- There are fewer eyes on the student
- Your child can be more natural and not feel compelled to smile or sit still
- There is a lot more time for the child to settle and feel comfortable if time is needed
- Your child can bring a toy or something special that provides comfort if they are a bit anxious (People friendly dogs are most welcome to attend the sessions!)
- A more accessible area may be necessary for your child's mobility aids
2) To be able to play a role in how the images will appear
- You can talk to the photographer (me!) in advance of the session to throw some ideas around for wardrobe, props etc
- You can let the photographer know about your child and any special considerations that may benefit him or her
- You'll be with your child, so you can make on the spot adjustments to hair and wardrobe
- You can watch the session as it progresses so there will be no surprises when you see the proofs
- You and the photographer can coordinate the child's wardrobe to the background in advance
3) Other reasons
- You'd like to have something different
- You'd like to have the file and print
- Your chld missed picture day
- Your child was not having a good day on picture day
- You'd like to have the traditional school portrait and something a bit more unique (Best of both worlds!)
Note from me: If you have an anxious child, why not arrange to bring him or her to see me and the studio beforehand. They can visit, look around and get a feel for what we'll be doing when they come in the next time to lower any apprehension that might happen on the day of the session.
There are a lot of reasons why a person may prefer to have the yearly back to school portraits done outside of the school setting
If you're in the Truro area, I am very nearby in Valley
If you'd like to come out and do a photography session with me, I'm very easy to find. If you can find College Road, then you can find me! I have a small photo studio in my home that is quiet and private. It's accessible to most transit chairs and there is a washroom on the same level. (We all know that can be very important!) I'd like to think that over three decades of being in the junior high classroom has made me kid friendly. I know it's made me pretty much 100% unflappable and has given me buckets of patience for whatever comes our way during a session, especially the cranky adults who think they don't want to have their photos taken! If you'd like to learn more about my photo sessions, use the button below to send me a message:
