FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FOR PARENTS
Smile School Portraits is a fine art school photography service offered by Melissa Soto Photography. We offer this boutique experience that families LOVE! Here are some of the frequently asked questions we have received from parents.
WHAT ARE FINE ART SCHOOL PORTRAITS?
Smile School Portraits are a modern approach to school photos. We all remember those school photos from our childhood — cheesy backgrounds, stiffly posed, with forced smiles. Fine art school portraits are a fresh take on school photography. Photos are classic with a black background and a simple set up. We encourage each child to be themselves. The results are genuine, timeless portraits that are far from the traditional photos we have become accustomed to with bright flashes and unflattering, busy backgrounds. We provide a light and fun experience for your child and take pride in providing an environment where the kids can relax and be themselves, naturally.
WILL MY PHOTOS BE PASSWORD PROTECTED?
YES, Safety is our top priority! When it comes to kiddos, privacy and protection is number one in our book. Your school gallery is hosted on a private, password protected proofing site. It is not accessible to anyone without a password. We have also included additional protection by locking each child’s individual album with a PIN number only available to parents.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR FOR PHOTO DAY?
This is by far one of our #1 questions we receive from parents. What’s most important is that your child wears something that they are comfortable in. Colors that photograph well are rich jewel colors, solids, or neutrals. Shirts with collars and embellishments around the neck are wonderful. Hair bows for the girls, and fun stuff like suspenders and bow ties for the boys are always welcome.
For further tips, check out our 5 Best Tips for Photo Day. You can read about that HERE.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH SIBLINGS?
Siblings of all ages are welcome to come in to take individual photos or photos with their sibling that attends your school or childcare center. This option is available per the policy that your child’s school has in place per covid protocols.
WHEN WILL PHOTOS BE READY TO VIEW?
Your child’s photos are ready to view within 1-2 weeks. You will have a variety of images to choose from in color and black & white.
WHEN DO I ORDER MY CHILD’S PHOTOS?
You will have a 7-10 day ordering window to view and purchase prints and products. Digital images are delivered within 24 hours and prints are delivered within 2-3 weeks after the ordering window closes to avoid individual shipping costs and delivery to your school.
ARE THESE IMAGES EXPENSIVE?
Nope! Our prices are very affordable and rival those from national chains - yet the quality is unmatched! There is no cost and no obligation to order. If you fall in love with your child’s photos, you will have a variety of choices to choose from. We offer fine art prints, digital downloads, canvas wraps, and more - a variety for everyone!
HOW DO I DOWNLOAD MY DIGITAL IMAGES?
Your digital downloads will be delivered in a link to your email. Click on the link to start the download process. Once your photo(s) are ready for download, you will receive an additional email. All downloads must be done on a computer. You will have 7 days to download your digital image(s). Please make back-up copies of your files.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY DIGITAL IMAGE I PURCHASED?
After you purchase a digital image, you will receive an email with a link to download within 24 hours. If you don’t receive your download within this time, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still haven’t received your download, please reach out to us so we can solve the issue.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE PHYSICAL PRODUCTS I ORDERED?
All prints and product orders are placed immediately after the ordering window closes. Your products will be delivered 1-2 weeks to your child’s school for distribution.
HOW CAN I GET YOUR SERVICES AT MY CHILD’S SCHOOL?
I would love to bring fine art school portraits to your child’s school! The best way for this to happen is to reach out to your child’s director or administrator directly and suggest they contact me to learn more. I would also be more than happy to send them an email directly. You can also send this website directly to them! Many schools are not aware that they have another option other than some of the big box national chains. Parents are requesting better images, and school administrators want to work with a company that takes the hassle out of school picture day. It’s a win-win situation because we provide amazing photos of the kids for the parent, while the schools get a streamlined picture day experience. Reach out today! I’d love to connect with you!
DO YOU PROVIDE THESE TYPE OF PHOTOS FOR HOMESCHOOL GROUPS OR EVENTS?
Absolutely! We can work with homeschool groups and co-ops. Parents can also host pop-up events called “Better Than School Portraits” for their neighborhood, friends, and family. These events typically occur in the hosts garage (to keep everyone safe during covid) with a sign-up sent out by me prior to your event. Hosts get special discounts on their purchases for putting on the event.
DO YOU PROVIDE ANY OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES?
I sure do! I also specialize in family, newborn, and childhood documentary photography. Many parents have reached out to me after I photograph their child’s school portrait and have worked together in other areas. I’d love to connect with you and give you an amazing session experience! You can stop by my website and check it out HERE.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to reach out to us at any time! We are here to answer any question you may have. Our email is hello@smileschoolportraits.com or hit the button below and fill out the contact form.