artistic, honest, & authentic portraits of childhood

WELCOME FISW FAMILIES!

“Children see magic because they look for it.”

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

If we all looked for magic the way children did, the world would be a better, kinder place. A place filled with adults who can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning and just, well, live (you know, the way your toddler does). A place of miracles.

When I make a portrait of a child, my motivation is to get a glimpse of the world the way they see it. After all, these little philosophers can teach us a lot about how to be.

It’s for this reason that I never tell them how to be. I don’t force expressions, and never use the words “say cheese!” I make (with their help) artistic and authentic portraits of childhood.

Imagine a portrait that actually captures the essence of your child’s personality – Yep, school photography can do that. 

Why do I care so much?

Because you deserve school portraits that don’t make you cringe!

I’ve bought my share of subpar (that’s being kind) school portraits. Heck, I’ve been in my fair share of crappy school portraits (seriously, laser backgrounds should be illegal). But it’s a little known secret that school portraits don’t have to be terrible. They can be timeless, emotive, beautiful, and yes, even real.

Children are special. Childhood should be protected, honored, and remembered with authenticity.

The right school portraiture can do that.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions!

Everything from viewing the proofs to ordering print products is done online. Families are provided with links to password protected online galleries where they can view proofs and order images. 2-5 images will be presented for each child in both color and black and white, giving parents more options from which to choose. I offer 4 different print packages and 2 digital negative collections. Additionally, boutique products, such as custom gallery wraps and a la carte print items, are available for purchase.

The school does not have to worry about printed proofs, order forms, or handling/processing money. The online system takes care of everything, easy peasy!

I also take staff photos and provide the school with all high resolution digital files taken on photo day to be used by the school as it wishes. 

My rates are very competitive. I offer a range of collections and a la carte add-ons to fit every budget and nothing is due until proofs are received and orders are placed. All profit comes from placed orders. I love schools and support their efforts by donating 10% of the net profit to each school I work with!

It is not likely that we will have to make adjustments because of the weather, but in the case where there are thunderstorms or unsafe conditions, it may be in our best interest to select another day. Clouds will not deter me (it’s the Pacific Northwest, after all!). Rain will keep me from shooting only if it is intense and windy. I will make every effort to stay on schedule despite the weather.  

 I am an entirely online operation. Proofs are released for viewing through an online link, and all orders and payments are, likewise, processed online. The school does not have to worry about printed proofs, order forms, or handling/processing money. My online system takes care of everything. 

After I shoot the images, it will take approximately 3-6 weeks before proofs are released to the parents. The order deadline is one week after proof release. Once all orders are in, products will begin to arrive 2-4 weeks later. I will personally hand deliver all of the products to your school. 

2-5 images will be presented for each child in both color and black and white, giving parents more options from which to choose. There are 4 different print packages and 2 digital negative collections. I also offer custom gallery wraps up to 16”x20” and other a la carte print items. 

 I love schools and support their efforts by donating 10% of the net profit! Please allow up to 6 weeks after delivery of school products to receive this gift.

I also take faculty and staff photos and provide the school with all high resolution digital files to use in school advertising, yearbooks, school ID’s, etc.

Participation is not required. I will photograph every child on campus, and provide proofs for each child I photograph, but purchasing is not required. Proofs will be provided digitally and because of this your teachers will not have to worry about collecting un-purchased proofs or order forms. If parents do not want to participate, they are not obligated. 

It all starts with an inquiry! Once you’ve inquired, I’ll quickly respond and we can set up a time to chat about all the details. 

I will have an assistant with me on picture day to facilitate the process and minimize any school day interruption. I’m a former forest preschool teacher, as well as have my PhD in child development, and generally just talk with and listen to the kids to capture a variety of genuine expressions.

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