A fresh take on nursery photos
Traditional school photos haven’t really changed since the start of photography. It’s easy to see why when you think about the practicalities of it all. The large numbers of children in schools makes it necessary to take a large number of essentially the same photo in a very controlled manner. Whilst this sometimes yields wonderful results, I believe that they don’t give a good representation of the child’s character. Because of this, I also believe it’s time to try something a little different. My approach is to photograph children whilst they’re playing; when they’re at their most joyful, inquisitive, when they’re most… themselves. This produces photos of your favourite small person which truly reflect who they are, rather than how they felt at the particular moment they were coerced into sitting still and looking at a camera for a few minutes.
Another aspect of my approach that differs from the traditional school photos model is the pricing. With me, you pay for my time and receive on average 5-10 full resolution digital images for you to keep and do whatever you wish with rather than purchasing each image separately. Session options are below.
OPTIONS & PRICING
All nursery sessions will be completed on Thursday 11th and 21st of June at the Little Oaks Playschool site. If your child doesn't normally attend on these days you're welcome to book anyway and bring them along for your time slot, or opt for a family session. Family sessions will be on Saturday 22nd June at Framlingham Castle & mere. If you're very keen to have a full 1hr documentary family session at a location and date of your choosing, you can book separately on portraits page of my website.
Individual Portaits
£30 per child11th & 21st JUNE
at
LITTLE OAKS PLAYSCHOOL
Relaxed photoshoot focussed on capturing
the personality of your child.
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5 - 10 high resolution digital images.
Unrestricted printing rights.
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View & download for 3 months on a private online gallery.
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£10 in free printing if you also book in a sibling.
Looking for something a little more bespoke?
These packages have been put together exclusively for Little Oaks families with the goal of providing an affordable and better quality alternative to the traditional school/nursery photo.
I appreciate it doesn't suit all needs, so if you're interested, I also offer documentary family sessions in your own home or at a location of your choosing.
FAQ
What happens?
Children are photographed on designated days as part of their time in nursery, typically as part of loosely structured play. This allows for the children’s personalities to more heavily influence the end results whilst keeping them relaxed and having fun. I don't ask children to pose pose, or do anything they wouldn’t naturally do or want to do. Most of the photos will be taken from a distance using a longer range lens to put them at ease. Children are free to be themselves and play without having to worry about having to do what the strange person with the camera says. The result is natural, candid photos of your child which are rich with character and personality.
How long does it take?
For the most part I get everything I need in around 15-20 minutes. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Depends on the child.
What should they wear?
Whatever you like. I'm sure you have your favourite outfits to dress your smalls in like I do with my kids. Scruffy cheese-puff stained tops with holes in rarely look great in photos, but on the other hand they're also spending the day at nursery so there's always a risk they'll come home covered in egg or something. I'd suggest finding a balance between snazzy and scruffy but if you're really struggling some parents have sent in a change of clothes in the past which nursery staff have been very accommodating to. Kids generally look cute whatever they wear so don't stress too much.
How and when do we get our photos?
All your lovely photos will be available to view and download in full resolution for three months on an online password protected gallery which you can share with friends and family. Downloads are also protected by PIN. I aim to get this out to you within one week, however it's often within a few days.
Can we buy prints?
Absolutely! You can buy prints directly from your online gallery and delivered straight to your door which is the best way to ensure the highest quality. Believe it or not, shopping around can sometimes save price but the quality and colours can vary quite wildly. You don't have to print with me though, you'll get unrestricted printing rights which means you can get your photos printed and framed wherever, whenever and however you like.
How many photos will we get?
This can vary a little depending on what happens during the day, how shy your child is, and how engaged they are in what's going on. You can expect to get at least five per child, but if I end up with more than I can bear to throw away because they're just too good I have been known to throw in some extras.
What if they're not in the mood?
You'll obviously be aware that much like adults, some days kids just aren't feeling it. My approach of catching them whilst they're playing means that most of that issue is circumnavigated because they're just being themselves rather than having to sit still and look at some random guy with a camera. If for some reason it's really not working out and I haven't got anything I think you'd be pleased with I'll come back on another day.
What about safeguarding?
I have a four year old son and seven year old daughter, so as a fellow parent I'm very aware of the importance of keeping our children safe. For your peace of mind, I'm a full time professional photographer with appropriate insurance and an enhanced DBS available on request. I will also be supervised by staff at all times. You can also read my safeguarding policy under "More" at the bottom of this page.
What if the weather sucks?
My cameras and lenses are apparently weatherproof but much like a cat, I don't like getting wet. The hope is that given it's June it'll just be lovely anyway 🤞 but if by some misfortune it's miserable on the day you'll be offered the opportunity to re-schedule for no extra cost.
When will we get our photos?
I'll send at least one photo to you within 24 hours and the rest will follow later. I'll aim to get them back to you in less than a week but the exact amount of time will vary a little depending on how many bookings we get this year.
