Hi, parents!

If you're here looking at your child's school pictures, chances are you've already found a few favorites. (And hopefully there are a few that made you say, "Oh my gosh, look at that face!")

Before you place your order, I wanted to share a few quick things that I think are helpful to know.

As the photographer behind your child's picture day, my goal isn't just to take a nice photo. I want you to have an easy experience from picture day all the way through ordering.

Start With Your Favorite Image, Not the Package

When you're looking through the gallery, don't feel like you have to choose the biggest package just because it's there.

Start with the images you genuinely love.

Maybe there's one portrait where your child has that perfect little smile. Maybe there's another where they look completely like themselves.

Choose the photos that make you happy.

If that's one print, that's perfect.

If you can't narrow it down and want the whole gallery, that's okay too!

Want a Digital Copy? Check What's Included

I know how much we all use digital photos these days.

You may want to send your child's portrait to Grandma, use it for a birthday invitation, add it to a family album, or simply keep it on your phone.

So if having a digital copy is important to you, make sure you look at what's included with each option before ordering.

Don't Forget About the Grandparents

This is your friendly reminder that grandparents usually want pictures, too. 😉

If you know you're going to want a few extra prints for family members, it can be easier to order them at the same time.

And honestly, school pictures are one of those things grandparents tend to keep forever.

If You Have More Than One Child...

Keep an eye out for sibling portraits!

If your school is offering sibling photos, don't skip over them when you're looking through the gallery.

As a photographer, I love photographing siblings together because you get to see their relationship come through in a completely different way than you do with their individual portraits.

And fair warning: sometimes the sibling photo ends up being the one you love the most.

What If You Don't Love the Photo?

First, don't panic.

Kids have off days. They get nervous. They decide they suddenly hate having their picture taken.

It happens!

If your child wasn't photographed on picture day or there is an issue with their portrait, please reach out or check with your school about the retake process.

I want you to be happy with your child's photos, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

One Last Thing...

When you're looking through your child's gallery, don't worry too much about whether their hair was perfect or whether they gave the biggest smile.

Look for them.

The little smirk.

The missing tooth.

The serious face.

The goofy grin.

The expression that makes you think, "Yep. That's my kid."

Those are the photographs that become more special as the years go by.

And that's what I'm hoping to give you every picture day. A little snapshot of who your child is right now.

Thank you for trusting me to be the one behind the camera! 🤍

Laura D'Farnesio