Over the past fourteen years, I’ve pursued countless strategies to grow my custom portraiture business, but without a doubt, the most transformative has been launching my Fine Art School Portrait service. This offering not only connects me directly with my ideal clients—families with young children—but also ensures a steady, year-round income stream, effectively wiping out the dreaded slow season. Want to know how to start your own school photography business? Keep reading!

Why School Photography Continues to Be a Game-Changer in 2024

Providing Fine Art School Portraits to select schools in the Seattle area has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. The consistent profit from school portrait sales has kept my business thriving, with bookings flowing steadily throughout the year. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing thousands of children, from infants in daycare to high school seniors. This versatile model works beautifully with all age groups and school sizes, whether it’s a cozy school with 60 children or a bustling one with 700.

Empowering Fellow Photographers: My Mission with School Photography

Beyond my own photography work, I’ve made it my mission to help others succeed by sharing my knowledge through my workshop, Schooled. Hundreds of photographers have already benefitted from both my in-person and online sessions. My goal is simple: equip photographers with the tools they need to thrive in their own school photography business.

Capturing Genuine Expressions: My Approach to School Portraits

A key element of my Fine Art School Portrait service is delivering an exceptional experience by capturing the true essence of each child’s personality. Here are my top tips for achieving natural expressions quickly:

• For Younger Children: Spark their curiosity. Ask if they can see something magical in your lens. This often leads to a thoughtful, focused expression.
• For Relaxing Kids: Don’t shy away from being playful—making silly noises or playing peek-a-boo can work wonders in getting younger kids to loosen up.
• For Teens: Keep it light and casual. A little humor or a simple, “This won’t be painful, I promise,” can help them relax and show their real selves.
• Encouraging Authenticity: I always reassure older children that they don’t need to smile if they don’t want to. This approach often results in a relaxed, genuine look that truly reflects who they are.

I never force a smile or set any expectations. My goal is to let children be themselves, capturing whatever that may look like. I shoot against a plain black backdrop, ensuring the focus remains entirely on the child, creating a clean and timeless Fine Art aesthetic.

How to Get Started with your own School Photography Business

Before you approach a school, make sure you have these essentials in place:

1. Build a Portfolio: Gather a portfolio featuring at least 10 children across various age groups. If you need more examples, consider putting out a model call on social media.
2. Prepare Your Pricing: Have a clear, ready-to-go list of your packages and prices to present to schools.
3. Plan Your Process: Create a detailed outline of your workflow, including how photo day will run, the timeline for sharing galleries, and when parents can expect their prints.

Take the Leap

Offering Fine Art School Portraits remains one of the best ways to expand your photography business. By focusing on creating unique, authentic experiences for children and their families, you can add a fulfilling and profitable service to your offerings. Whether you’re new to school photography or looking to grow, this is an opportunity that can bring lasting success in 2024 and beyond.

If you are ready to add school photography to your business you can get my all in one course to get started with photographing schools right away!