BOUTIQUE SCHOOL PORTRAITS
WELCOME MAINSTAY FAMILIES! I'M HONORED
YOU'RE HERE!
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to photograph your students. As a local mom and portrait photographer, I approach school photography with the same care and intention I want for my own family.
My goal is to create timeless, meaningful portraits that truly reflect this season of your student’s life. You can expect professional, studio-quality images, which is why I love connecting ahead of time to help you prepare.
Scroll below to find an overview of my approach to school portraits, along with my very best tips!
WHAT IS BOUTIQUE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY?
Boutique school photography is a modern, intentional approach to school portraits. The goal is to provide professional yearbook images, while also giving families the opportunity to choose from more meaningful portraits that capture the student’s personality in this season of life.
Here are some of the key differences you can expect:
- Unhurried Experience: Each student is photographed with time and care, unlike the typical rushed school photo experience many families are accustomed to
- Elevated Style: Includes a variety of natural, relaxed portraits beyond a traditional headshot, offering families a better selection of images to choose from
- Curated gallery: Families access a modern online gallery where they can easily select the images they love
- Professionally finished: All images are professionally edited for a clean, natural look
PRICING
School portraits should be thoughtfully created, beautiful, and affordable for families. I am happy to offer individual prints and packages to serve a variety of budgets.
Whether you’d love a few favorite prints, a collection to share with family, or digital images to preserve and print whenever you choose, the gallery shop has an option for everyone.
Prints begin at $10, and individual digital images are $29, with the full digital gallery priced for highest value. Complete pricing and package details will be available in your student’s gallery shop when portraits are ready to view.
ACCESS CODES
Each student’s gallery is protected by a unique access code, giving your family a private, secure viewing experience. Your access code will arrive on the day portraits are released.
MY BEST TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL SCHOOL PORTRAITS
DRESS YOUR BEST
Clothing plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of your child’s portraits. I recommend choosing pieces that are classic in style, well-fitting, and slightly more elevated than everyday school attire.
Here are a few key features to look for in a stellar outfit:
- Textures! Elevate your images with texture - think linen, soft knits, chunky cable knits, flowy fabrics, structured denim or corduroy
- Details! Look for buttons, collars, and even embroidery - it's all in the details!
- Layering - Layers add depth and interest, vests and cardigans are great choices -avoid “puffer” vests
CHOOSE COLORS WISELY
The best colors flatter all skin tones and look amazing on camera. Here are my top choices:
- Soft neutrals - think ivory, cream, beige - these always photography beautifully!
- Light blue and navy - classic choices for everone.
- Soft blush/light pink or peach tones - lovely for a soft, gentle aesthetic
CONSIDER FOOTWEAR
Some images may include full-length poses and shoes may be visible. Clean, simple shoes in neutral tones photograph best - brown leather is my personal favorite. Here are a few more footwear tips:
- Avoid athletic sneakers, Crocs, or bright white shoes
- Avoid visible athletic socks and if socks are worn, choose dark dress socks
KNOW WHAT TO AVOID
Knowing what not to wear is just as helpful when it comes to choosing clothing and accessories. Just say no to:
- Overly bold colors
- Red & Green - these can cause unwanted color casts on your students face & appear unflattering
- Graphic tees, logos, or text
- Stripes - these can cause unsightly distortions that will be visible in your images - I always recommend avoiding stripes altogether
- T-shirts or plain crew neck shirts
- Poor Fitting Clothing - too tight or too baggy, tops where the neckline has been stretched out
- Hoodies or Sweatshirts
PREPARE AHEAD
Planning your student’s outfit in advance ensures it feels just right and photographs beautifully—neatly pressed, well-fitting, and free of lint.
CONSIDER ONE OF MY "GO TO" OUTFIT CHOICES:
- Casual - high quality jeans without rips or tears paired with a sweater or well-fitting top
- Timeless style for boys - khaki or neutral pants paired with a classic button down shirt, sweater, or henley style shirt and vest
- Timeless style for girls - dresses in modest lengths in soft, classic tones or floral patterns
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Consider a light application of hairspray to ensure styles hold up (Portrait time will vary according to the school schedule)
- Students should avoid having cellphones or other items in their pockets
- Nails should be trim and clean
- Students should avoid glittery makeup or heavy makeup application (if applicable)
- Avoid distracting jewelry - classic styles are best
- If your student wears hairbands on their wrist, consider asking them to remove them on picture day
EXPLORE MORE!
I’m pleased to offer elevated family and senior portrait experiences in addition to school photography. If you’d like to see more of my work or learn about these sessions, I invite you to explore the links below or connect with me here.
