Submitted by Darren on
Fearless photos for forward-thinking schools
Hands up who’s giving photos for Christmas gifts?
And hands up who’s giving a framed copy of their child’s school photo?
No one at all? Oh.
It’s hardly surprising is it, because school photos are rarely the most inspiring of images. In all the years that my two boys have been at school I don’t think I’ve bought any of their school photos. The pictures haven’t really represented their personalities, or how they’ve changed and matured year on year – I’ve been offered a lot of stale, uncomfortable photos of them against a boring white backdrop.
It was this lack of imagination in my own kids’ school photos that led me to begin doing school photography. I started this year to offer fearless photos for forward-thinking schools, and I’ve been loving doing it. Let me tell you more about it.
My school photography is high quality, natural, and comfortable, like all my work. As I was seeing photos of my kids forcing smiles or looking apprehensively at the camera, I realised that the whole set-up needed shaking up. Instead of plonking young people on a hard stool in front of a glaring white backdrop, my school photography captures them in and around the school, in places they’re used to, and in environments where they are comfortable just being themselves. This way, I can capture images that really capture a bit of personality, and are much better at portraying how each child is growing and maturing, year on year.
I look for settings in the school that are going to help with that – for example, a group of five-year-olds are going to feel at ease in their sandpit or forest school, and because they’re relaxed and familiar with everything, the photos will reflect that. Older children tend to respond much better when I put them in a more mature setting – perhaps against brickwork, or another architectural feature, for a cooler, urban style.
And when they’re comfortable like that, instead of being told to sit a certain way and do particular things with their hands, they get a bit more scope to express their individuality through posture and expression. The children are happy, the images are better – it’s a win-win!
But what’s in it for the school? That was a question a headteacher asked me recently, as they were fazed at the thought of the admin of changing their regular annual photographer. I don’t think they were ready for my enthusiastic response. There’s SO much in it for the school! This is where the ‘forward-thinking’ bit comes in.
Firstly, shrewd headteachers should realise that many, many parents upload their child’s school photos to their social media channels, as well as giving them to friends and family. The audience for these images isn’t just Granny, Grandad, and Auntie Sue – it could be much, much wider. So showcasing the school’s very best bits is really in their interest. Inspiring mural in the playground? Budget-blowing new music suite? Gorgeous green outdoor space? All of these make brilliant backdrops and my photos let the school really show off their best facilities and how enriching they are for their pupils.
Secondly, my school photos can help to reflect a school’s ethos. Every school has its own set of values, a shared statement about their beliefs and principles. Schools that encourage creativity in their classes, or see themselves as innovators, deserve pictures of their students that really demonstrate that ethos. For progressive schools, who like to do things differently, my images can really help to convey those values and ideals.
So don’t accept yet another year of boring school pictures! We all deserve to have gorgeous images that reflect our kids’ learning and growth. School photography can be different – let me show you how.
