School Photos do not need to make you cringe.
Each child has such an unique personality and story to tell on their own. Modern School Photography is a wonderful way to remember that story as they grow. Children will not be told to "say cheese" or forced to smile (but they probably will!). I spend some time getting to know each child and create an image showing what makes them so special. If you are the director or teacher or a parent at a school where you think this might be a good fit, please reach out.
FAQ for School Administration
How do families receive their photos?
All proofs and orders are handled online. Families are linked to password-protected online ordering galleries. Galleries are set up according to grade, homeroom, advisory, or whatever grouping which makes sense for the school. Each child will be provided 2-5 images, presented in both color and black and white. The family may chose the photos they want printed, as opposed to having a pose chosen for them. Digital images, prints, and products are offered from the online gallery.
After the order deadline and when I've received and reviewed all physical orders, I will deliver these to the school for distribution.
How do families know what to expect for school photo day?
A detailed PDF describing all ordering procedures and shooting day preparation will be provided to each school to be distributed to families prior to photo day.
When do we receive the photos?
The online galleries are available within one week of school picture day.
The order deadline will be 10-14 days after the gallery opens and physical prints and products will be delivered to the school for distribution 2-3 weeks after the order deadline.
What does the school need to provide?
I provide all equipment needed for photo day. I just need a space to work in at the school and rosters provided ahead of time. A handful of parent volunteers is a great addition.
What does the school receive?
The school receives high resolution digital files to use for yearbooks, website, school advertising, school ID's, or however the school wishes to use the images. I also donate 10% of the sale back to the school or services for branding photography based on the school's needs. I can also create staff and class images depending on the need of the school. I will also handle any questions from parents and families about ordering and products.
Are you background checked and a GCISD Approved Vendor?
Yes! I am background checked with both the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, with an up to date VIRTUS status.
I am also an approved vendor with GCISD.
Where do you travel?
While, I am based in Grapevine, I travel to schools all over the DFW Metroplex. I am often in Grapevine, Colleyville, Bedford, Coppell, Irving, Southlake, and more for school photo day.
A better approach for parents.
You know your child better than anyone. You see their face light up when they tell you about their favorite Lego build or the newest crush or their latest homerun. You know their smile and you know that what you normally get back from school photo day is not it. As a mom of three, I started this approach to school photo day because I know how important it is to photograph my own kids to watch them grow from year to year. School photos matter.
FAQs for Parents
When do we receive our photos?
The online galleries are available within one week of school picture day.
The order deadline will be 10-14 days after the gallery opens. Digital images will be delivered to your inbox immediately upon purchase and physical prints and products will be delivered to the school for distribution 2-3 weeks after the order deadline.
How can I access my child's photos?
You will receive an email from your school with the link to your school's gallery. You will need to enter your email address and the password that was sent by the school.
From there, you will navigate to your child's grade and/or teacher to find their album. You will click on your child's name and be able to go through all of their photos and place orders for digital images, prints, and products from the online gallery.
Why is there only one backdrop?
I believe that your child is the star of their photo and that a simple gray or white backdrop shows that better than any changing, seasonal backdrops. You'll be able to see their growth from year to year with a timeless backdrop.
What if my child misses photo day?
I do not know how teachers stay healthy at school. There is always something going around and if your child is sick, I hope that they feel better soon, but please do not bring them in for school photo day! Most of the time, I do not offer a make up day at the school, but I do offer personality mini sessions at least once a semester so that you can come to my home studio in Grapevine to have your child photographed in this timeless style.
Can you photograph my children together?
This is dependent upon the school and what our schedule allows for, but typically, yes, I can photograph siblings together. At my larger schools, there will be a form to pre-register your children for sibling photos so that I know you want them photographed together.
How much do school photos cost?
There is no upfront cost to school photos. I photograph every child at the school (unless they are on a do not photograph list). Once you receive the online gallery, you will have the option to purchase edited, digital images, prints and products. You can find this year's pricing here so you have an idea of what to expect.
How do I bring this to my school?
Are you a school administrator?
You can reach out to me directly at awengrenphoto@gmail.com. We will work together to find the best dates on both of our calendars for your modern school photos to take place. We will then work on any contracts. If you are in the public education space, we will need as much time as possible to make sure everything is processed.
Are you a parent?
Please chat with your school administration to see if this would be a possibility, then include as all on an email (My email is awengrenphoto@gmail.com), so we can chat dates and logistics.