Back to School

Time to get back to school - a new year- a new photo 

I have always hesitated in photographing the school backgrounds because sometimes the lighting can make them look just a little richer especially the blue- But I've gone ahead and done it to give you a general idea of what is to come -

Winter Scene

Blue Sky with Clouds

Blue

Schools select the background each year for your child-

 The backgrounds really do look good with most colors and are chosen to complement your child. 

If you are not sure how to dress your child, I'd stick to the basics- soft colors, soft fabrics- Stay away from loud patterns that will take the emphasis away from your child's face

If you are taking advantage of the 8 wallet special and having your child's name or year added to the image, avoid patterns- patterns will compete with the writing- keep it simple! 

Some tips for 2011- If you need a lot of photos for the holidays, consider ordering more than one photo package. Grandparents love the second class photo and frankly speaking, reorder photos are more costly than photo packages. 

I am looking for another great year of smiles

Be sure to contact the studio if you have any question - 609.932 6828

Special Add-Ons

PHOTO RETOUCHING - Finally Right! :)

Children have a way of scratching their face or falling on their nose the night right before photos - Have your child's scratches or marks removed from the photo! The fee is only $5.00 for a basic retouch to remove marks, acne, bruises- Sometimes the marks may be more apparent to you than me, so feel free to write on the reverse of the envelope where or what the mark is that you want removed..... Basic retouching is for removing a blemish that is smaller than the size of a quarter- If you have a larger issue, feel free to phone the studio to discuss...  

Retouching is only applied to the individual portrait NOT the class photo.

PERSONALISED WALLETS

This is a Fun new add - on.   Have 8- extra wallets for only $8.00 - this can only be purchased with a A, B, or C photo package.  Have your child's name or nickname and the year applied to the photo in the lower right corner ....  Be sure to print clearly the personalization that you want added on your envelope - If you order these wallets and leave the personalization line blank, the year will be written on the wallet. If you want these wallets in Black in White- Write BxW near your order.

Grey Background, Photo taken in Studio

Questions About Your Child's Photo Sitting

Hi Parents 

Welcome to another school year!
You have most likely received a flyer and envelope from your child’s PreSchool Program and may have some questions regarding your child’s portrait day.


How should I dress my child for portrait day?


All care is taken in selecting the background for your child’s portrait. The portraits are taken in color. Most colors look great with the backgrounds chosen. The emphasis is on your child and your child’s smiley face so stay away from bold large patterns that will detract attention from your child’s face. Denim and solid bright colors always look great! Photos are in color and show your child from the waist up and tend to be head and shoulders so shoes are not seen in solo shots, but some children sit on the floor in the class photos.


How should I dress my Infant for portrait day?


Because infants have a problem sitting on their own, I would highly suggest staying away from stiff collars and short skirts. Because infants have a tendency to slump forward their clothes ride up towards their chins. Any stiff fabric tends to rise toward the chin and the child loses their neck?! Softer fabrics and knits work really well and sit softly on your child – again stay away from large loud patterns so that the emphasis remains on the face. Bibs on denim overalls ride up towards your child’s chin- again that stiff fabric.


Will my child’s hair be combed?


If your child has fly-aways or messy play hair, yes, all efforts will be made to spruce your child up for the photo. YOU CAN REQUEST NOT TO HAVE YOUR CHILD’S HAIR TOUCHED UP! Combs are brought to each shoot. All combs are discarded after your child’s hair is combed – THE COMB IS NOT REUSED! Some children have natural tousled curly hair- the type of hair we all want to have - and do not need to have their hair combed at all. Sometimes unscented baby wipes are used to tone down fly aways- Again we all want your child’s photo to be great so all efforts are made to have your child look as cute as possible.


What if my child cries?


A child is never forced to have a photo taken. Every effort is made to have your child feel comfortable and have a fun time. Sometimes it is a question of having a child watch their friends smile before they sit- sometimes siblings are called in – sometimes the child comes back to sit after having a snack. We all want your child to have fun and have a beautiful portrait. If there is a problem, the parent is contacted.


Do I have to be there when my child sits for a photo?


No! Parents are sometimes asked not to be in the space where the photo is being taken because it upsets the other children whose parents are not there. Remember it’s just like another school day for most of the children and photo day is another activity like music or gym. All efforts are made to make this fun. If your child is nervous or upset I suggest having your child come early, if at all possible, so that he/she can relax with the other classmates. Speak to your child’s teacher about any concerns or contact me at (609) 932 6828.


Can I order more than one photo package?


Yes! The second class photo is great for grandparents.  Reorder prints are more expensive.


Will I be able to order more photos if my child’s photo turns out well?


Yes! Photos will be posted online. You will be given a password to a site which will allow you to go and see your child's school photos. You will be to reorder prints and fun novelty items. I've recently heard from a grandparent who purchased a photo puzzle of her child- she was so thrilled because her grandchildren are having fun building the picture and it's something that she can do with them :) The kid's also get a kick out of seeing themselves on a cup. Lot's of fun!


What type of camera do you shoot with? Are you shooting digital?


I take photographs with a digital nikon D700 and nikon D200 plus top quality digital portrait lenses that add crispness to every portrait. All equipment is of top high end professional quality. Professional lighting is set up to create a mini studio at your child's preschool. Cheap equipment produces cheap looking photos. BOO!


I hope this has helped with any concerns or questions you may have. I work closely with the schools that I am shooting and we all want your child to have a great photo! You can contact me at (609) 932 6828 if you have any other questions.

Make an appointment to stop by my Studio -

Christine Foster PHotography -1001 White Horse Pike, Studio 2, Haddon Twp, NJ 08107

Image Used - Williams.... photographed in STUDIO 2009 / HEADSHOT IMAGE