What are Fine-Art School Portraits?

Not your average Seattle school photo! I take the time to talk to each child and draw out what makes them unique, so that I can capture glimpses of their personality in their photos. The result is more natural, fun photos of your child! What if you really love an authentic portrait but still like the cheesy school picture grin (because they’re just so funny!)? Don’t worry, we usually get at least one of those in an effort to show the genuine smile you are used to seeing! And if your child doesn’t feel like smiling, I won’t force them to. I promise they’ll still look like the kid you know and love.

Another note about these portraits… most of them will be in landscape orientation. While some may be in “traditional” (school) portrait orientation, the majority will be horizontally oriented.

ASKC PICTURE DAYS | March 22nd & 23rd

After picture day, I review all the photos and select my favorites. After editing these, I put up individual albums for each child that contain both color and black and white images. The number in each album will vary depending on how comfortable the child is in front of my camera, but there will usually be at least half a dozen images to choose your favorite from. A link will be sent to your email and then you login to a password protected gallery and select your favorites for prints or digital images. You may also order print packages, additional images or the entire collection of digital files at that time.

If you will be gone on picture day or your child ends up being absent, you can take make-up photos at my studio in my lower Queen Ann photography studio. Make-up photos will be done on 4/8. Email kellie AT kelliepecoraro.com to schedule a make-up session or click here to book it online.

SIBLING PHOTOS

• • SAMPLE SIBLING GALLERIES (aka WHY YOU NEED SIBLING PHOTOS)

  • The sibling sessions are an opportunity for you to get photos of your children together. There is a small session fee due to the additional time involved in taking and editing these sessions. The fee is highly discounted from my usual child portrait sessions
  • This will be an approximately 10-15 minute session with all siblings, focused on the interactions between them.
  • The longer time frame allows the kids to get comfortable and to allow for a greater variety of images. Most galleries have at least 10 images, presented in both color and B&W.
  • If you want a sibling photo session, sign up HERE.  

SIGN ME UP!

What do I have to do to get photos of my child?

• For individual photos, all you have to do is show up for school. All photos will be taken that day. If you sign up for sibling photos, we’ll do individual photos the same day of your sibling session.
• Class photos will be taken as well.
• If you want a sibling photo session, sign up HERE. If all sessions fill, I may be able to open a few more. You can also schedule a sibling session on the studio make-up day.
• If your child misses school photos, make-up photos will be on 4/8. These will either be at my covid-safe studio at the north edge of Belltown/Lower Queen Anne. CLICK HERE to schedule make-up photos.

PHOTO ORDERS

All ordering will be done after the photos are taken when galleries are posted. No checks, no order forms, it’ll all be online via my secure proofing website and the orders will be hand-delivered to school! If you prefer, you may send the photos straight home (shipping applies). You’re also welcome to share the gallery with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and they can order their own prints too!

You may order print packages, à la carte prints, individual digital images or the entire collection of digital files. Prints start at $5 and print only or print & digital packages range from $40-135. Canvases, metal prints, and mini-accordion “brag books” available as well.

SNEAK PEEKS

I always love taking these photos and would love the chance to display some of these beautiful images as part of my portfolio. The bonus for you? Potential for an early sneak peek at your child(ren)’s portraits before the entire gallery is released!

• Please consider signing a MODEL RELEASE, it will take you less than 30 seconds!

BE THE FIRST TO SEE THE GALLERY!

Click HERE to register to be notified when photos are released.

PICTURE DAY INFO, TIPS, & FAQ

Why a Black Backdrop?

• • So the focus is on your child! I typically take school portraits on a black backdrop.

What Should They Wear?

• • Something that reflects who they are, and what they look like on a usual basis!
  • Collars look great, small florals, layers like a shirt/vest, dress/jacket.
  • Note about clothing color:  please try to avoid black and navy, as they are hard to see against the black backdrop. Also, fluorescent or super bright colors can create a strange color cast on skin.
  • It is best to avoid logos, text and large, distracting patterns on clothing, so the attention is on that adorable face!

What If They Don’t Smile?

• Please refrain from coaching your child and telling them to smile their best “cheese” smile. That prevents get their true personality from shining through, and it puts pressure on the kids to perform.
• I know many kids are conditioned to smile in front of a camera, and I will work with them to get more authentic expressions.
• I will never force a child to smile. I may give them a little break, I’ll make a fool of myself to get them to laugh, and encourage them to get silly, but some kiddos are just a little more reserved and I capture them as they are.

Will You Edit Out Scratches, Stains or Scars?

• Please try to wash off marker or tattoos off from visible areas if you don’t want them in photos. While I do edit all the images, I cannot do detailed editing like removing temporary tattoos, scratches, etc without an additional fee. Requests for additional extensive editing will be charged $15/image.
• Send “neat” food for lunch on picture days, we try to do our best to get all faces wiped if necessary before photos but can’t do anything about stained clothes!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m looking forward to taking photos of your child(ren)!

Thank you!!!  ~ Kellie (mom to Reese, 9 and Carli, 13 – ASKC alumna)