Common Picture Day Challenges (and How I Solve Them)

Picture day is an exciting event, but as any experienced school portrait photographer knows, it doesn’t always go perfectly. From nervous children to last-minute outfit mishaps and unexpected scheduling issues, plenty of challenges can arise. However, with the right approach and preparation, these hurdles can be easily overcome, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable school portrait photography experience for students, parents, and school staff alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common picture day challenges and share how I handle them with patience and care for a stress free day, as a professional school portrait photographer with nearly a decade of experience.

Nervous or Shy Children

One of the biggest challenges in school portrait photography is working with children who feel shy or anxious in front of the camera. It’s completely normal for young kids, especially preschoolers, to feel overwhelmed on picture day.

How I Solve It:

• Building rapport quickly: Before taking their portraits, I spend a moment engaging with each child, offering a warm smile, and making small talk to help them feel comfortable.
• Using playful prompts: Instead of forcing a stiff smile, I encourage kids to laugh by asking them silly questions or playing quick games like “What does a dog say? Moo?”
• Allowing extra time: If a child needs a little longer to warm up, I don’t rush the process. I create a stress-free environment so they can relax and show their authentic smile. But hey – if all they’re giving me is a deep stare, then the photos I take will be reflective of their discerning personality. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Uncooperative or Energetic Kids

While some kiddos are shy, others are full of energy and have trouble being still for their school portrait photography session.

How I Solve It:

• Making it fun: Instead of forcing them to be perfectly still, I incorporate movement into the session, such as having them jump or strike a superman pose, capturing adorable photos the entire time.
• Quick and engaging sessions: I work efficiently, capturing their best expressions before they lose focus.
• Positive reinforcement: I use encouraging words and excitement to keep them engaged and cooperative.

Outfit Mishaps

From juice spills at breakfast to missing buttons, outfit mishaps are a common challenge on picture day.

How I Solve It:

• Offering simple solutions: If a child arrives with a stained or wrinkled shirt, I strategically position them or adjust angles to minimize the appearance of the issue in photos. Let’s not forget the power of Photoshop! I can easily remove a small stain from snack time.
• Encouraging parents to dress kids in layers: Providing tips beforehand helps prevent last-minute outfit changes that might cause stress.
• There can always be a makeup/retake day!

Schedule Hiccups and Time Constraints

With so many students to photograph, keeping things on schedule is crucial. However, delays can happen when students arrive late, classes run behind, or unexpected disruptions occur. As a school portrait photographer, it’s important to be prepared and flexible.

How I Solve It:

• Working with the school ahead of time: I coordinate a clear, efficient schedule to minimize downtime and ensure smooth transitions. Teachers and kiddos do not enjoy long lines and neither do I!
• Being flexible and efficient: If delays happen, I adapt quickly, making up time by streamlining my workflow without sacrificing quality.
• Using an organized system: Having a parent volunteer ensures that students are lined up and ready to go so that I can maximize the number of portraits taken within the allotted timeframe.

Glasses Glare in Photos

For students who wear glasses, glare from studio lighting or natural light can sometimes create unwanted reflections in their portraits.

How I Solve It:

• Adjusting angles: Sometimes, a small tilt of the chin or repositioning their glasses can make a big difference. I position older students slightly to reduce reflection while keeping their pose natural.
• Evoto makes this a relatively easy fix for the littler ones.

Hair and Grooming Issues

Messy hair, bedhead, or static flyaways can impact the final look of school portraits.

How I Solve It:

• Guiding parents ahead of time: I send out helpful tips before picture day to encourage neat and tidy hairstyles. A little hairspray goes a long way!
• Using natural, candid poses: If hair looks a little tousled, I embrace a natural look that still feels authentic and charming.

Classroom Disruptions

Some teachers worry that picture day will disrupt the flow of the school day and make it difficult for students to stay on task.

How I Solve It:

• Creating an efficient workflow: I’ll provide a detailed schedule ahead of time to ensure a steady flow of classes so that class time is minimally impacted. No long lines here!
• Keeping the process quick and smooth: My goal is to make picture day enjoyable but not disruptive, so I move efficiently through sessions.

Parent Concerns About Portraits

Parents naturally want beautiful portraits of their children, and sometimes they have concerns about their child’s expression, outfit, or overall appearance.

How I Solve It:

• Providing a variety of expressions: I take dozens of photos of each student to ensure I capture the best, most natural smile.
• Offering retakes when necessary: If a child was having a rough day or parents are unhappy, I work with the school to schedule a retake day.
• Making ordering easy: My streamlined online ordering process allows parents to select the images they love most. There is absolutely no requirement to purchase anything a parent doesn’t want.

Unexpected Weather Challenges for Outdoor Portraits

For schools that opt for outdoor school portrait photography, unpredictable weather can be a challenge.

How I Solve It:

• Monitoring the forecast: I’ll keep an eye on weather conditions and communicate with schools ahead of time.
• Having a backup plan: If light rain is expected, I have a large tent that allows me to stay outside. We can also coordinate an indoor alternative, or simply reschedule to another date.

Keeping Picture Day Stress-Free for Everyone

Ultimately, my goal as a school portrait photographer is to make picture day a fun and seamless experience for students, parents, and school staff.

How I Solve It:

• Bringing a positive attitude: I am experienced in working with young children and creating an environment where they feel comfortable. Because I genuinely love what I do.
• Communicating effectively: I keep open communication with schools, teachers, and parents to address any concerns and ensure a smooth experience.
• Delivering high-quality portraits: My fine art approach to school portrait photography ensures families receive beautiful, timeless images they love.

How Teachers Can Help Make School Portrait Photography a Success

Teachers play a vital role in ensuring that picture day runs smoothly for students and photographers alike.

Ways Teachers Can Help:

• Prepare students ahead of time: Giving kids a quick pep talk about what to expect can ease their nerves.
• Encourage good posture and smiles: A simple reminder before sending kids up for their photos helps them feel ready.
• Help with organization: Assisting with lining up students in order and making sure they are ready to go can keep the process efficient. I’d also recommend bringing something to keep the kiddos occupied while they wait for their turn – a book to read, or music to listen to.
• Offer reassurance: Some kids may feel anxious, and a comforting word from their teacher can go a long way in helping them relax.

How Parents Can Help Make Picture Day a Success

Parents also play a key role in setting their children up for a great school portrait photography experience.

Ways Parents Can Help:

• Send kids with a backup outfit: Just in case of spills or accidents, having an extra set of clothes can be a lifesaver.
• Choose comfortable outfits: Clothes should not only look good but also feel good, so kids aren’t distracted by itchy fabrics or tight collars. Comfortable kids are happy kids! And, whenever possible, let them be part of choosing their outfits. They are always so excited to tell me!
• Do a quick grooming check: Making sure hair is brushed with a little hairspray and faces are clean before leaving the house.
• Talk positively about picture day: Building excitement rather than pressure ensures kids feel happy instead of nervous. We are going to have so much fun!!

Picture day comes with its fair share of challenges, but with experience, preparation, and a flexible approach, I ensure that every child walks away with a portrait that captures their unique personality. By addressing these common concerns proactively, I provide a stress-free experience for schools and families alike.

As a dedicated school portrait photographer since 2016, my mission is to create a fun, efficient, and memorable picture day while delivering stunning portraits that parents will treasure forever. If you’re looking for a professional, personalized school portrait photography experience, I’d love to work with your school!

Interested in learning more or booking me as your school portrait photographer?