So Your Group Has Booked Me...Now What?!
Hello School Families!
I’m Krista Manchuck, and if we haven’t met yet, I’m so excited to introduce myself! I’ll be working with you and your beautiful kiddos for our upcoming portrait session at your school or school group. Every year, I am completely amazed by the unique personalities and individual beauty of each child I photograph, and it’s truly a privilege to capture those special qualities.
These photos provide a timeless opportunity to showcase your child’s uniqueness. Not only will this session give your child a yearbook photo for their school yearbook, but it also offers you the option to purchase fine art portraits of your child— and when you see them, I'm positive you'll want to!
To ensure everyone feels prepared and relaxed, I wanted to send you some helpful information to guide you through the process. I’m here to make this experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible for both you and your child.
What is a Fine Art School Portrait?
Fine Art School Portraits are a modern, refreshing take on traditional school photos. Gone are the cheesy, forced smiles and busy, distracting backgrounds. Instead, I focus on capturing your child’s natural personality against a soft, neutral grey backdrop. The photos are simple, timeless, and classic.
Rather than encouraging a forced grin, I create an environment where children can feel comfortable and be themselves. Some kids may smile, while others might simply look thoughtful or pensive—and that’s perfectly fine! It’s all about capturing who they are in that moment.
For an idea of what to expect, feel free to browse some of my previous fine art school portraits here. This is not your typical school photo session, so I encourage you to check out these examples so you can get a sense of the style and feel of the portraits. And remember, you are under no obligation to purchase anything if these portraits don't match your personal style.
What Should My Child Wear?
When it comes to clothing, simplicity is key. I recommend avoiding bold graphics, neon colors, or any loud patterns that may distract from your child’s natural expression. Instead, opt for solid, muted, or neutral colors, or subtle patterns that won’t compete with your child’s face.
Since the photos will primarily be shoulder-up portraits, it’s especially important to focus on clothing that won’t distract from your child’s face. Avoid bright red, orange, yellow, or any other intense colors that might draw attention away from your child’s expression. If you’re unsure about an outfit choice, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m more than happy to offer guidance and suggestions!
Can Siblings Be Photographed Together?
Yes! I’m excited to offer sibling portraits as well as individuals. If you’d like to have a photo of your children together, we can certainly arrange that. I’ll take individual portraits of each child first and then capture them together in a sibling pose. It’s a wonderful opportunity to document the bond between your kids!
What to Expect on Photo Day
Your child's class will come to where I am set up at their school, and they will meet me one at a time to have their photo taken.
I've designed the photo sessions to be quick and efficient, with each child having 5 minutes in front of the camera. This may sound brief, but I assure you that I’m able to capture plenty of beautiful shots in that time frame.
And remember, there’s no pressure for your child to smile if they’re not feeling it. I always encourage kids to be themselves, and if that means no smile, that’s completely okay! I want the session to feel relaxed and natural. If you’re calm and happy, your child will feel more at ease, and we’ll get the best photos!
tip for younger children
Preparing them the day before can help ease any nerves. Try telling them, “I have a friend who’s going to take a photo of you, just like when I take pictures with my phone—except my friend will be using a big camera.” This can make the experience feel more familiar and fun for little ones.
How Will I Order Photos?
Within three weeks of photo day, you will receive an email with a link to your proofing gallery. In this gallery, you’ll find 2-5 images of your child, both in color and black & white, that you can choose from.
Once your gallery is live, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase digital images, individual prints, print packages, or even canvas prints. The ordering process is simple, secure, and done directly through the gallery. Please note that the gallery will remain open for 14 days, and all orders must be placed during this window.
Have Questions? I’m Here to Help!
If you have any questions or concerns about the session, what to wear, or anything else, please feel free to reach out to me. You can email me using this form here. I’m here to ensure that the portrait session is enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your child.
I look forward to meeting your wonderful kiddos and capturing portraits that will be cherished for years to come!
With Joy,
Krista
